The mop matters.
Strip new floor before waxing.
This may take several attempts depending how thick the initial wax was.
This is at least two extra steps and is more labor intensive not to mention the extra products needed for a strip and wax job.
Not stripping wax before putting down a new coat.
The post wax wait time is the same for existing vct as well.
If on the other hand there are visible marks and or scratches on the floor i d recommend using a blue pad for medium duty scrubbing or a green floor pad for deep heavy duty scrubbing.
If any wax if found on the knife you may need to re strip these areas.
When floors are stripped or it s a new floor we need to neutralize the floor then apply a floor sealer.
Some types of floor especially hardwood may be damaged by certain types of floor finish stripper.
Thoroughly rinse neutralize and dry your floor before applying the finish.
Check the label before buying to make sure it is safe to use on your type of floor.
Once new vct is installed it must be properly stripped and waxed with at least two coats of wax applied.
Waxing is too labor intensive.
Use a clean cotton blend mop and neutral cleaner to mop the floor.
Step 1 purchase a floor finish stripper that is appropriate for your floor.
Applying wax to flooring.
When floors are scrubbed we do not need to neutralize and seal the floor.
Additionally you ll be able to see the discoloration in the floor because the dirt will be trapped between the wax layers.
Proper application takes time and skipping steps can send you back to square one again.
For best results use a floor finish stripper that is the same brand as the floor wax you last used.
The general process involves using a floor machine to strip away the existing wax.
After the floor is completely dry fill the mop bucket with wax sealer.
If you don t strip the old wax off before putting a new layer down you re encasing dirt grime and debris between the old and new layer of wax.
If you don t clean the tile well before applying wax you could encounter several issues including surface tension issues like the wax separating in circles adhesion or lay issues and a slue of unforeseables.
Anyone who ever had to strip and wax their floor knows it can take a lot of time and effort especially if you ve got multiple floors or large areas to cover.
From there apply the wax to the flooring.
Use a clean synthetic fiber mop to apply the finish.
Unlike applying the stripper be sure not to flood the floor area.
Prep before finish.
Use the squeegee and vacuum to remove all liquid from the floor.
For the best results have the vct stripped and waxed prior to moving furniture or people into the space ideally allowing a full 24 hours of cure time before it is walked on.
Failure to do this will result in a poor bond between the wax and the floor.
Wash the surface well and apply finish to floor much easier and much quicker job than stripping.
This will also neutralize the alkalinity of the floor caused by the stripper chemical.
