1. Small portion of work
Whether you're using floor stripping chemicals or a new coating, work within a 10-foot-by-10-foot area or an area you can manage.
Working in too large a space is difficult and often leads to errors and poor results.
This is especially important when applying floor stripping solutions. For best results, apply the exfoliating solution only to areas that will exfoliate properly within the next 20-25 minutes.
Working in manageable sized areas allows you to remove the floor stripper while it is still wet. If the stripper dries on the floor before removal, it can cause damage to the floor and make removal of the dry finish extremely difficult, eventually requiring additional steps. If you find that the floor stripper starts to dry before it's completely removed, apply more solution to keep the area wet until you can get to it.
It's also important to work in a manageable area during the decluttering process.
When applying topcoat, if you try to treat an area that is too large, you will often end up with uneven topcoat application.
2. Always dilute the floor stripper in the recommended proportions
Follow the chemical manufacturer's instructions to dilute the floor stripping chemical in the proper ratio. Correct dilution is the key to a successful stripping process.
Both under-concentrated and over-concentrated solutions have potential negative effects.
An under-concentrated paint stripper that is too concentrated can damage the floor. In some cases, it can permanently bleach the tiles.
On the other hand, a solution with too much water and too few chemicals will not be effective. Excessively diluted pickling solutions will not remove the old wax and will require your staff to repeat the pickling procedure.
3. Prepare the solution with cold water
When diluting the stripper, it is recommended to use cold water.
Hot water can be dangerous when diluting any chemical, especially harsh floor cleaners.
In some cases, it can increase chemical odors, creating a hazard for employees and occupants.
Hot water also evaporates faster, causing the stripping solution to dry quickly. We recommend working in small areas to avoid this.
Additionally, hot water has the potential to react with stripping chemicals, making them less effective and making it difficult to remove the wax layer.
4. Line the mop bucket with a can liner to prepare the surface
Even if it has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, the inside of the mop bucket may still contain impurities and contaminants.
The Cost of Floor Removal When applying new floor paint, even the smallest dirt in the mop bucket can create big problems.
To prevent any dirt from affecting the even application or damaging the color of the new floor finish, we recommend lining the inside of the mop bucket with a clean liner before pouring the top coat.
Not only does this help prevent any debris from staining your finish, but it also makes cleaning very easy. As long as there are no holes in the box liner, you can discard the liner and return the mop bucket to storage to prevent the surface treatment from leaking into the bucket.
5. Use a flat microfiber mop to prepare the surface
Use a clean microfiber mop to prepare the surface.
Cotton mops leave string and lint behind during the cleaning process. They also tend to absorb too much of the finish into the fibers, making the application process extremely difficult.
While you can use a mop made from rayon or other synthetic fibers, a flat mop provides a more even application.
In addition, a flat mop is easier to handle and reduces the risk of finishing patterns and plinths, which can otherwise be frustrating, time-consuming and difficult to remove.
6. Allow the coating to cure completely
Drying times will vary depending on the thickness of the floor finish and the layer applied.
However, this last step cannot be rushed as it is crucial to the outcome of the surgery.
In general, we recommend that you isolate the area and prevent foot traffic from entering the floor for at least 8 hours after completion.
If you open the floor before the topcoat is completely dry, occupants can leave contaminants on the floor that can become trapped in the topcoat.
You can use a fan to help circulate air around the painted area. However, if you use a
