What Steps Are Involved in Stripping and Refinishing Ceramic Tile Floors?
The key to maintaining ceramic floor tiles is keeping them clean. This is the most important step in the maintenance process and can dramatically extend the life of a floor. A dirty floor will quickly attract dirt, debris, and stains.
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A clean, shiny floor is the first thing that people notice when they walk into a room. It also helps telegraph to other guests that the space is well-maintained and healthy, which will in turn increase trust.
There are many types of floors that can be installed in a commercial facility. Some of these include concrete, terrazzo, and vinyl composite tile (VCT) flooring. These types of surfaces need to be stripped and refinished periodically in order to maintain their appearance, performance, and overall health.
- Use the proper stripping solution for the type of floor you have.
The best way to find out if the stripping solution you have is the right one for your floor is to test it on a small corner of the floor. If the color bleeds or there is damage to the surface, then you might need to switch out the stripping solution for something else.
- Ensure the surface is dry before applying the stripping solution.
Once the floor is dry, apply a thin layer of the stripping solution with a mop or floor scrubber. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before sweeping it off the floor. If the floor is heavily soiled or there are large areas of accumulated dust, it may be necessary to add more stripping solutions.
- Depending on the product you choose, you can apply a second or third layer of finish.
If the floor is a light color, you may be able to skip this step and simply apply the first layer of wax. However, if the surface is dark or has an uneven texture, you may need to apply multiple layers of finish to seal it effectively.
- Remove the finished stripping solution from the floor by soaking it up with rags or using a mop.
After removing the stripping solution from the floor, rinse it off with water. Rinsing off the stripping solution will help prevent splash marks and more permanent stains from occurring.
- Ensure the floor is completely dry before applying any wax or finish.
Whether you are using a modern finish or wax that doesn’t require buffing, most products recommend allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will help to keep the surface even and avoid the buildup of excess wax.
- Buff the surface to a high shine, if desired.
A final coat of wax will give your floor a glossy, high-shine appearance that will protect it from stains and scratches. It is also very easy to clean and maintain.