By Floor Waxing Explained
Floor waxing is a process by which a wax-based preparation popularly known as ‘floor wax’ is used to polish and finish floors. This process results in an increase in the hardness and resistance against scuff marks on flooring, giving it an added shine and more longevity. It is an ideal method of floor preservation.
What is floor wax?
Floor wax is a preparation made from several chemicals such as urethane, polymer emulsions, etc. There are different types of floor waxes and they are classified according to their constituents.
Types of Waxes
When choosing floor waxes, you should consider the type of shine and protection you want, the durability of the wax, cost effectiveness and the type of flooring you want to apply the wax to..
Depending on the type of shine and protection you desire, you can choose from several floor waxes.
Traditional synthetic waxes
These types of waxes contain ingredients which are known to be hazardous to the health. These ingredients include cresol (which causes kidney damage), phenol, xylene, toluene, perchloroethylene, nitrobenzene, etc. They are cheaper, readily available and normally made to last.
An oil-based urethane can be purchased in a gloss, semi-gloss line sheen, or a more matte type sheen. Anything containing oil usually requires several coats. Another type of floor wax called a moisture-based urethane is a bit more heavy duty, lasts a long time, and provides remarkable coverage against scuffs and scratches.
Eco-friendly waxes
These waxes are much safer for the health and the environment. These products usually contain eco-friendly ingredients such as carnauba wax, beeswax, etc. which is used to effectively seal off porous flooring surfaces. It is important to note that these waxes are more expensive than their alternative and require recoating as they do not last long.
Pros of Floor Wax
It can be used on most flooring such as wood, concrete, ceramic.
It is a great finish and is readily available in the market.
When applied and maintained properly floor waxes give a high shine which is highly desirable in most commercial spaces.
It aids in the prevention of stains, scuffs and abrasions.
well suited to high traffic areas.
It is a great and affordable way to increase the lifespan of your floors.
How to wax your floors
To do this, you would need removing chemical or stripping agent. This chemical will strip away the existing layer of wax without damaging the floor beneath. If you decide to strip the floor first, ensure you have proper ventilation and protective gear like gloves and masks to help keep you from touching or breathing in the toxic fumes.
Get your tools, equipment and materials ready:
- A low speed buffer for small to mid size projects, for larger projects consider using a propane floor stripper.
- A wet/dry Vacuum.
- Two mop buckets.
- Two mops: One waxing/finishing mop & one regular mopping mop to prep the floor.
- A floor scraper.
- A floor squeegee.
- Black stripping pads.
- Water boots
- Floor Stripper
- Floor Wax/Sealer.
- Cleaning rugs.
How to wax your floors
Firstly, ensure you clear all removable obstacles from your path.
Close all project areas so that no one else has access to it. Place safety tape at all entries along with wet floor signs.
Prepare your stripping solution per manufacturing directions.
Prepare a mop bucket with clean water and a clean mop heap. Do not add detergent.
Begin by dusting all the debris from the surface by vacuuming the whole work area.
To prepare the floor for the coating we must remove the current wax coating. Chose an area to start at the further point of your project and work your way to the exit.
Put your wet boots on to prevent falls while stripping the floors.
If needed, Put on protective gear such as gloves and masks to prevent inhalation of the toxic fumes.
Pour some stripping solution on the floor and distribute evenly with broom. Entire room should be wet with stripping solution. Floor will get slippery as the stripping solution is working.
After a few minutes start to scrub the floor with your buffer and stripping pad. Go over each square foot twice to make sure it’s well scrubbed. Edges, corners and tight spaces will have to be hand scrubbed with your screaper or hand scrubber. While scrubbing make sure floor does not dry, in such case you’ll have to repeat the process. If the floors sticky or looks uneven you need to strip it again, until you get to the bare floor.
Once the floor is scrubbed, use the vacuum and squeegee to pick up the dirty water on the floor.
After picking up the water mop clean the area and wipe any spills in baseboards or walls.
Now let the floor dry completely.
How to wax your floors
At this point get your stripping tools, equipment, materials and trash out of the way and prepare to apply wax to the floor.
Make sure the floor is now dry. Walk on it with clean shoes or socks to avoid leaving prints on the floor.
There are a number of wax applicators such as backpacks and large tools to cover large areas in less time. My preferred method for the last 20 plus years is using a traditional mop bucket and a waxing mop.
Pour the wax into the mop bucket.
Using a wax applicator mop, give your floor a nice even coat of wax. It’s just as if you were mopping the floor, but in this case you are applying the coating. Make sure every single inch of your floor is covered. With your rug make sure to wipe clean any stains to the baseboards and walls as soon as it happens.
Floor Wax Maintenance
Floor wax requires a lot of maintenance to retain its shine. Depending on the type of flooring and floor wax used, you would need to buff and reapply the wax at intervals. It is essential to pick the correct type of wax for your floor.
You can decide to remove the prior layer of wax before applying a new coat
Tips
Floor wax requires a lot of maintenance to retain its shine. Depending on the type of flooring and floor wax used, you would need to buff and reapply the wax at intervals. It is essential to pick the correct type of wax for your floor.
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