Maintaining your commercial space’s floor is critical for ensuring its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Stripping and waxing your floors is one of the most effective maintenance techniques. This in-depth guide will walk you through the stripping and waxing process, provide a checklist, share insights, and give professional tips.
Introduction
Stripping and waxing are powerful methods used to breathe new life into worn-out floors.
Stripping is the process of removing old wax, dirt, and debris to create a fresh canvas for wax application. Waxing adds a protective layer to the floor, improving its durability and shine. Regularly stripping and waxing your floors can protect them against scratches and scuff marks, ensuring they remain attractive and in good condition.
Step 1: Preparation
Preparation is a fundamental step in the stripping and waxing process. Without adequate preparation, the entire process can become more challenging, less efficient, and result in sub-par outcomes.
What You Need to Do
Assemble Your Tools and Materials: Your tools and materials are the foundation of the entire stripping and waxing process. Without the proper equipment, the process cannot be carried out effectively.
Prepare the Work Area: This involves clearing the area, covering non-movable fixtures, and setting up “wet floor” signs. This step is essential to prevent damage to items in the room and to ensure safety during the process.
Ensure Safety: Using personal protective equipment and following safety guidelines protects you from potential harm during the process.
How to Do It
Assemble Your Tools and Materials
- Gather all necessary tools and materials as per the provided checklist (below).
- Organize them in a manner that is easily accessible.
Prepare the Work Area
- Remove all movable furniture from the room.
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Cover non-movable fixtures such as baseboards and planters with waterproof coverings.
- Set up “wet floor” signs at all entry points to the room.
Ensure Safety
- Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and slip-resistant shoes.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the room.
Pro Tip: Use a floor machine with a SplashGuard, such as a Centaur Rabbit-3 or Rabbit-1, to protect items from damage or dirt during the process. Alternatively, use waterproof coverings or masking tape to protect fixtures from potential spray and splatter of stripping solution or wax.
Outcome
Adequate preparation leads to a smooth and manageable stripping and waxing process, efficient use of time and resources, and ensures the safety of everyone in the building. The result is a prolonged life of the floor and an enhanced appearance.
Step 2: Applying the Stripping Solution
Applying the stripping solution is the first active step in the rejuvenation of your floors. This step is critical because it loosens and dissolves old wax, dirt, and debris, readying the floor for waxing.
What You Need to Do
Mix the Stripping Solution: Dilute the stripping solution in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it’s effective and won’t damage the floor.
Apply the Solution: Using a mop spread the solution evenly over a manageable section of the floor. Working on small areas at a time ensures the solution doesn’t dry out before it’s had time to work.
Let the Solution Sit: Let the solution break down the old wax and dirt. The time needed for this will depend on the product instructions.
How to Do It
Mix the Stripping Solution
- Combine the stripping solution with the right amount of water, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Stir the mixture until it’s well combined.
Apply the Solution
- Dip your mop into the stripping solution and evenly apply it to a small section of the floor.
- Try to work in roughly 10 x 10 foot areas at a time.
- Apply the solution evenly over a small section of the floor, making sure the floor is wet but not flooded.
Let the Solution Sit
- Allow the solution to sit for the amount of time specified in the product’s instructions. This typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: It’s important to ensure that the stripping solution stays wet on the floor while it’s working to break down the old wax. If the solution dries out, it can re-adhere to the floor, making it more difficult to remove. You can prevent this by working in small sections at a time and keeping an eye on the solution to make sure it stays wet.
What Can Happen
Applying the stripping solution correctly will start to dissolve the old wax and any dirt on the floor, preparing it for the subsequent steps in the process. The more the stripping solution is able to lift old wax and dirt, the easier and more efficient the next step in the process will be, saving you time and effort.
Step 3: Scrubbing and Removing the Old Wax (Stripping the Floor)
Scrubbing the floor and removing the old wax is a significant step in the stripping process. It gets rid of the old layer, creating a clean surface for the new wax.
What You Need to Do
Scrub the Floor: Scrub the treated section of the floor to agitate the old wax and further loosen it.
Vacuum Up the Solution: Using a wet-dry vacuum, you’ll remove the stripping solution along with the old wax and dirt, leaving the floor clean and ready for the next steps.
Rinse the Area: This ensures the complete removal of any leftover solution or debris.
How to Do It
Scrub the Floor
- Use a low-speed (175 RPM) floor machine fitted with a black stripping pad to scrub the area where you applied the stripping solution.
- Be thorough to ensure all old wax and dirt gets loosened.
- If there is a build-up of wax, go over the area with multiple passes.
Vacuum Up the Solution
- Once you’ve scrubbed the floor, use a wet-dry vacuum or an auto scrubber to remove the stripping solution and loosened old wax/dirt.
- Be sure to cover the entire area to ensure complete removal.
Rinse the Area
- After vacuuming, rinse the area with clean water using a mop.
- Use the wet-dry vacuum again to remove the water and any remaining solution.
Pro Tip #1: When scrubbing, take your time and pay attention to corners and edges, as they can often have a build-up of wax and dirt that’s more difficult to remove. Use a doodle pad or a scrub brush for these areas to ensure thorough stripping.
Pro Tip #2: If you have layers and layers of stubborn floor wax, consider using EXTRA weights on your floor machine to add some extra muscle to the process. Adding up to 80 lbs of additional weight to your floor machine can cut down this scrubbing time by as much as HALF.
Pro Tip #3: If you have lots of floor space to work on, consider investing in a Tynex Stripping Brush to use instead of a black stripping pad. One Tynex brush lasts as long as 200 floor pads and will save you money in the long run and be better for the planet.
Outcome
Stripping the floor properly will remove all the old wax and grime, preparing it well for the waxing process. If done correctly, this step can help to reveal any trouble spots or heavily soiled areas that may require additional attention. The goal is to get a clean, dry floor with no residue left behind. This will allow the new wax to adhere properly and uniformly, resulting in a high-quality, even, and shiny finish.
Step 4: Neutralizing the Floor
Neutralizing the floor is an essential step to ensure that any remaining stripping solution is completely neutralized, preventing it from interfering with the new wax’s ability to adhere to the floor. A thorough neutralization will help you achieve a smooth and uniform wax finish.
What You Need to Do
Prepare the Neutralizing Solution: The neutralizer, usually a mild detergent or vinegar, helps to neutralize any stripper residue and helps prepare the floor for waxing.
Mop the Floor: The neutralizing solution should be applied uniformly across the floor to ensure all areas are covered.
Allow the Floor to Dry: Before proceeding to the next step, it’s essential to allow the floor to dry completely.
How To Do It
Prepare the Neutralizing Solution
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the neutralizing solution. The solution is typically mixed with water in a specified ratio.
Mop the Floor
- Dampen a mop with the neutralizing solution and thoroughly mop the entire floor.
- Be sure to wring out any excess solution to avoid over-saturating the floor.
Allow the Floor to Dry
- Let the floor dry completely before moving on to the waxing step. This could take several hours, depending on the room’s humidity and ventilation. Fans or dehumidifiers can be used to speed up the drying process in humid conditions.
Pro Tip: Always verify that the floor is completely dry before proceeding to the waxing step. Any moisture left on the floor can inhibit the wax’s adhesion, resulting in an uneven and less durable finish. Using fans or dehumidifiers can help expedite the drying process in more humid environments.
Outcome
Neutralizing the floor effectively removes any remaining stripper residue, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the adhesion of the new wax. The primary goal of this step is to make sure that the entire floor surface is wholly neutralized and dry, thereby providing the perfect base for the new wax. The result is a high-quality, uniform, shiny, and long-lasting finish.
Step 5: Waxing the Floor
Waxing is the last ‘finishing’ step in this process. It protects the floor, gives it a fresh, new shine, and makes it easier to clean in the future.
What You Need to Do
Prepare the Wax: Choose a high-quality floor wax suitable for your floor type and prepare it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply the Wax: The wax should be evenly spread over the floor, typically in several layers, to ensure a robust, even coating that can withstand wear and tear.
Allow the Wax to Dry: Each layer of wax needs time to dry before the next layer is applied to ensure the best finish.
How To Do It
Prepare the Wax
- Choose a high-quality floor wax suitable for your floor type.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the wax if necessary.
Apply the Wax
- Start at the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the exit to avoid walking on the newly waxed floor.
- Use a wax applicator mop to spread a thin, even layer of wax across the floor.
- Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Generally, 2-5 layers are recommended for a long-lasting finish.
Allow the Wax to Dry
- Give each layer of wax enough time to dry completely. The drying time can vary based on the type of wax and environmental conditions.
Pro Tip: Always apply wax in thin, even layers. While it might be tempting to apply a thick layer of wax to save time, it can lead to an uneven finish and longer drying times. Multiple thin layers yield a more durable, even, and high-gloss finish.
Outcome
Waxing the floor will provide a fresh, new shine and protect the floor from future wear and tear. With careful application, the wax can provide not just a protective layer but also enhance the appearance of the floor, making it look like new.
Step 6: Aftercare and Clean-Up
Aftercare and clean-up are vital to maintaining the newly waxed floor’s shine and durability. Also, proper clean-up ensures safety and efficiency for your next project.
What You Need to Do
Clean Your Equipment and Tools: Keeping your tools clean will ensure their longevity and effectiveness for future use.
Dispose of Used Materials: Correct disposal of used materials, including old wax and stripping solution, is crucial for safety and environmental considerations.
Maintain the Newly Wax Floor: Proper maintenance helps preserve the wax finish, making it last longer and keeping the floor looking its best.
How To Do It
Clean Your Tools & Equipment
- Clean your tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This often involves rinsing mops and scrubbing pads in warm soapy water.
- Wipe down the wheels of your floor machine, auto scrubber and vacuum to ensure that no residue remains.
- Be sure to empty and rinse the vacuum tank, and leave the filters to air dry to prevent unpleasant odors.
Dispose of Used Materials
- Dispose of used materials according to local regulations, ensuring safety and environmental responsibility.
Maintain the Newly Wax Floor
- Avoid walking on the newly waxed floor for at least a few hours, or according to the wax manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean the floor regularly using products safe for waxed floors.
- Consider placing mats at entrances to reduce the amount of dirt tracked onto the floor.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance is key to preserving your floor’s shine. Dust mop or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dust and dirt that could scratch the wax finish. Also, when it’s necessary to mop the floor, avoid using excessive water, and always use cleaning products that are safe for waxed floors.
Outcome
Cleaning your tools and responsibly disposing of used materials ensure you’re prepared for future projects while adhering to safety and environmental standards. Proper maintenance of the newly waxed floor can extend its shine and the duration of the wax protection, reducing the frequency of re-waxing.
Stripping and Waxing Floors Checklist
For easy reference, here is a detailed checklist for stripping and waxing floors. It’s designed to assist you at each step and ensure that you don’t miss any important part of the process.
Summary
The process of stripping and waxing floors can seem daunting, especially if you’re new to the task. However, with the right knowledge, tools, and a little patience, it’s entirely possible to bring even the most worn-out floors back to life.
This comprehensive step-by-step guide and pro tips should provide you with the necessary roadmap to achieving professional-grade results.
Remember, the key to a successful floor restoration lies in the details – careful preparation, diligent execution, and thoughtful aftercare.
So whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for a refresher or a beginner embarking on your first project, let this guide be your go-to resource for achieving a stunning, high-gloss finish that can transform any space.
Happy stripping and waxing!