Strip and Wax Floors [VIDEO]

Strip and Wax Floors [VIDEO]

Achieve a durable, high-gloss finish on commercial floors with a systematic stripping and waxing process that enhances safety, streamlines maintenance, and incorporates eco-friendly advancements.

Stripping and Waxing Commercial Office Flooring

An optimized stripping and waxing process is a top-tier method for achieving a durable and high-quality finish on commercial office flooring.

This approach not only boosts visual appeal but also reinforces the floor’s longevity and slip resistance—critical for ensuring safety in high-traffic spaces.

By carefully prepping, stripping, and applying layered wax, this method enhances efficiency and cuts down on long-term maintenance needs.

Using the right tools, products, and techniques results in a polished, resilient surface that stands up to the daily wear and tear of commercial environments, offering a sleek, low-maintenance flooring solution.

 

Preparation and Safety Precautions

Proper preparation and adherence to safety measures are crucial for a smooth and successful stripping and waxing process.

Taking the time to clear, secure, and set up the workspace minimizes risk and ensures the entire procedure runs efficiently.

Clear and Prepare the Area

  • Furniture and Obstacle Removal: Move all furniture, equipment, and other items off the floor to allow easy, unobstructed access.
  • Secure the Workspace: Set up signage and barriers to block unauthorized access, keeping the area controlled and free from interruptions.

Ventilation and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to minimize exposure to chemical fumes by opening windows or using fans and exhaust systems.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equip staff with essential safety gear:
    • Gloves to protect skin from chemical exposure.
    • Goggles to guard against splashes.
    • Masks to prevent inhaling dust and fumes.

Following these preparation and safety protocols provides a safe environment and effectively readies the area, setting the stage for a high-quality stripping and waxing process.

 

Stripping the Floor

Stripping removes old wax and buildup, leaving a fresh, clean surface for new wax application.

Precision at this stage is essential to prevent damage and achieve a smooth, professional finish.

Apply Stripping Solution

  • Choose the Right Product: Select a pH-neutral stripping solution appropriate for the flooring type, such as vinyl or linoleum, to avoid any damage.
  • Uniform Application: Use a mop to apply the solution evenly across the floor, avoiding any pooling that could lead to uneven results.

Allow Dwell Time

  • Optimal Wait Time: Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes, giving it time to break down the old finish. Avoid letting it dry out, as this dwell time ensures easier removal of the wax.

Thorough Scrubbing

  • Floor Buffer Use: Employ a low-speed floor buffer (175-300 RPM) with a black stripping pad to scrub the floor, lifting old wax effectively. Choose the appropriate pad to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
  • Edge and Corner Work: Manually scrub edges and corners with a hand-held pad to reach spots the buffer can’t access, ensuring a consistent finish across the entire floor.

Rinse and Neutralize

  • Rinse Thoroughly: Use clean water to rinse the floor, clearing away any leftover stripping solution and residue.
  • Neutralize if Needed: If required, apply a neutralizing solution to eliminate any chemical remnants that could interfere with wax bonding in the next step.

Following these stripping steps carefully leaves the floor clean, smooth, and ready for waxing, allowing the new finish to adhere well and deliver long-lasting results.

 

Wax Application Process

Applying wax is the final, essential step that provides shine, durability, and protection to the floor.

Each coat adds resilience, extending the flooring’s life and enhancing its appearance.

Dry Completely

  • Ensure Floor is Dry: Confirm that the floor is fully dry before starting. Any remaining moisture can trap under the wax, affecting its adhesion and clarity.

Apply First Coat of Wax

  • Tools for Application: Use a clean microfiber mop or a professional wax applicator to achieve a smooth, even layer.
  • Application Technique: Start in a room corner and apply wax in straight, non-overlapping lines. Thin, even coats ensure better bonding and durability.

Allow Curing Time

  • Drying Between Coats: Let the first coat dry completely—20 to 30 minutes or until fully set. Proper drying prevents streaks and creates a strong bond with the floor surface.

Repeat for Additional Coats

  • Number of Coats: For commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic, apply 3-5 coats. Each layer builds thickness, enhancing scratch resistance and protection.
  • Drying Between Layers: Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before the next, ensuring lasting durability and a consistent shine.

By following these wax application steps, the floor will have a high-gloss, resilient finish capable of withstanding the demands of commercial use while simplifying future upkeep.

 

Buffing and Final Touches

The final buffing and inspection steps complete the stripping and waxing process, delivering a high-gloss, slip-resistant finish that’s both attractive and durable.

Buff the Final Coat

  • High-Speed Burnisher: Use a high-speed burnisher (1000-3000 RPM) to buff the last wax layer. This brings out the shine and creates a hard, slip-resistant surface designed for heavy foot traffic.
  • Technique for Uniform Shine: Move the burnisher in straight, slightly overlapping passes to ensure an even, polished look across the entire floor.

Inspect and Address Imperfections

  • Detailed Inspection: Carefully examine the floor for any uneven, thin, or streaky areas that might need extra attention.
  • Touch-Ups as Needed: If required, apply a light wax coat to specific areas, allowing it to dry before a final buff. Minor scuffs or dull spots can be polished out with targeted buffing to restore the shine.

With these final touches, the floor is left with a polished, uniform finish that’s ready for daily use.

Regular upkeep will help preserve this look, and the layered waxing provides a resilient, easy-to-maintain surface.

 

Key Benefits of This Technique

Implementing a systematic stripping and waxing process offers substantial benefits for commercial office flooring, ensuring a safe, durable, and attractive surface that withstands heavy daily use.

Extended Durability

  • Layered Protection: Multiple wax coats create a strong, scratch-resistant surface that minimizes wear, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
  • Longer Lifespan: Proper layering and buffing make floors more resilient, reducing the frequency of full stripping and waxing cycles, which saves resources and minimizes downtime.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

  • High-Gloss Finish: The waxing and buffing steps deliver a professional-grade shine that elevates the appearance of any commercial area.
  • Consistent Appearance: A uniform, polished finish creates a welcoming environment, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the workspace.

Improved Safety

  • Slip Resistance: When applied and buffed correctly, the waxed surface boosts traction, helping to reduce slips and falls.
  • Chemical Safety: Using pH-neutral products and thorough rinsing removes any residues, maintaining a safe surface for employees and visitors alike.

Efficient Maintenance

  • Simplified Cleaning: A well-applied wax finish resists dirt and debris, making routine cleaning faster and easier.
  • Cost-Effective Upkeep: The durable, low-maintenance surface reduces the need for costly, frequent touch-ups, keeping long-term care expenses manageable.

This thorough stripping and waxing process not only enhances the look and safety of commercial flooring but also supports a sustainable, efficient maintenance plan, benefitting the business in the long run.

 

Recent Advancements and Alternatives in Floor Maintenance

Innovative approaches to floor maintenance now offer environmentally friendly, efficient options that can enhance or even replace traditional stripping and waxing methods.

Recent studies highlight several advancements that bring new benefits to commercial floor care.

Biobased Strippers as Eco-friendly Solutions

  • Sustainable Option: Biobased strippers are a green alternative to traditional solvent-based products, reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emissions.
  • Safety Benefits: These strippers lessen exposure to harsh chemicals, providing a safer option for workers and occupants without compromising cleaning effectiveness (Massawe et al., 2007).

Microwave-Assisted Tile Removal

  • Low-Dust, Non-invasive Process: Using microwave technology, thermal stress is applied to the adhesive, allowing for dust-free, non-mechanical tile removal. This minimizes noise and is less disruptive to occupants during floor renovations (Akbarnezhad & Ong, 2015).

Enhanced Sanitation with Damp Washing

  • Effective Bacteria Reduction: Damp washing followed by dry wiping significantly reduces bacterial loads on waxed surfaces, offering improved hygiene over standard cleaning methods.
  • Improved Hygiene: This technique is especially useful in high-traffic or sensitive areas where cleanliness is critical (De Lorenzi et al., 2006).

Customizable Floor Cleaning Robots

  • Efficient Coverage: Reconfigurable cleaning robots, like the hTetro, adapt to different layouts for maximum coverage and reduced labor.
  • Time-Saving and Cost-Effective: These robots autonomously clean large areas, consistently maintaining floors while reducing manual workload (Prabakaran et al., 2018).

These recent innovations give facilities the flexibility to combine traditional techniques with cutting-edge solutions, optimizing floor maintenance for both safety and efficiency in commercial settings.

 

References

  1. Wolkoff, P., Clausen, P. A., & Nielsen, P. A. (1995). Application of the Field and Laboratory Emission Cell “FLEC” - Performance Study, Intercomparison Study, and Case Study of Damaged Linoleum in an Office#. Indoor Air, 5(3), 196–203. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0668.1995.t01-1-00006.x
  2. Prabakaran, V., Elara, M. R., Pathmakumar, T., & Nansai, S. (2018). Floor cleaning robot with reconfigurable mechanism. Automation in Construction, 91, 155–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.03.015
  3. De Lorenzi, S., Finzi, G., Parmiggiani, R., Cugini, P., Cacciari, P., & Salvatorelli, G. (2006). Comparison of floor sanitation methods. Journal of Hospital Infection, 62(3), 346–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2005.09.021

 

Takeaway

A systematic stripping and waxing technique is the ideal way to achieve a high-quality, durable finish on commercial office floors.

By following key steps—preparation, thorough stripping, layering wax, and buffing—facility managers can create a resilient, slip-resistant surface built to handle heavy foot traffic.

Integrating recent innovations like eco-friendly strippers and automated cleaning solutions can further enhance this process, reducing environmental impact and manual effort.

This approach not only improves safety and aesthetics but also simplifies long-term maintenance, making it an efficient, all-in-one solution for commercial floor care.

Vanguard Cleaning Systems® of the Ozarks' franchise-owned custodial service provider business cleans more than 8M sq. ft. weekly, maintaining an industry topping 95+% of its customer base, year-over-year, and boasting more than 60 5-star Google reviews.

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Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Ozarks.

Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Ozarks.