|
Basic
Floor Care Procedures |
|
• |
Stripping - Typically performed as little as
possible due to the cost and labor intensive nature
of the process. Stripping is performed to prepare
the floor for a new finish when the floor will no
longer hold a shine through regular maintenance.
Stripping involves the complete removal of a floor
finish utilizing harsh chemicals and aggressive
(black or brown) stripping pads prior to applying
several coats of new finish and sealer. Common
equipment used are a low speed floor machine,
wet/dry vacuum or automatic scrubber.
|
|
• |
Spray Buffing - A maintenance procedure to
maintain a scuff free shiny finish. The janitor
applies a light mist of cleaning and finish solution
in front of the floor machine. Utilizing a red of
tan polishing pad, this process cleans the floor,
removes scuff marks, and restores shine to the
surface. Common equipment used are a 175 or 350 RPM
floor machine.
|
|
• |
Scrubbing - A more aggressive maintenance
procedure that removes dirt, scuff marks, and a
portion of the floor finish utilizing a more
aggressive pad (blue) prior to applying a
restorative finish. The type of pad, detergent,
water temperature and speed of the machine determine
how much of the old finish is removed. Common
equipment used are a 175 or 350 RPM floor machine,
depending on how many coats of finish need to be
removed.
|
|
• |
Polishing - A non-aggressive maintenance
procedure utilizing a soft brush or pad (tan or
lighter) to remove soil and restore the shine to a
finished floor. Common equipment used are 175 or
1,500 RPM floor machine.
|
|
• |
Burnishing - The most popular maintenance
procedure. Burnishing utilizing a soft pad (tan or
lighter) on a high speed floor machine to clean and
polish a floor that is in good condition. This
process results in a better looking floor for longer
periods. This reduces costs by extending the periods
between most costly scrubbing and stripping. Common
equipment used is a 1,500 RPM floor machine.
|
|
• |
Finishing / Refinishing - Finishing seals
fill the pours of the surface, provide a shine and
protect the surface from dirt and stains. A new
finish is typically applied with several thin coats. |
