What floor stripping and waxing involves
Floor stripping removes the accumulated finish layers from VCT (vinyl composite tile) and similar hard-surface floors. Over time, floor finish yellows, scuffs, and builds unevenly. Stripping removes all existing finish down to the tile, allows the floor to be cleaned and repaired if needed, and prepares it for a new, uniform finish application.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Strip | Chemical stripper applied, finish softened, machine-scrubbed, wet-vacuumed and rinsed |
| Inspect | Tile condition assessed, damaged tiles noted, grout lines cleaned |
| Seal (if applicable) | Sealer applied to bare tile for moisture protection |
| Finish coats | 3–5 coats of commercial floor finish applied, each coat dried before the next |
| Buff (optional) | High-speed buffing to bring finish to a high gloss |
Scheduling floor work
Floor stripping requires the area to be clear of furniture and inaccessible for several hours during and after finish application. We schedule floor work after business hours, over weekends, or during planned shutdowns. We document the schedule and re-entry time in writing before work begins so the facility team can communicate to staff and tenants.
Maintenance programs vs. one-time restoration
A floor maintenance program — regular spray buffing or re-coat without stripping — extends the interval between full strip-and-wax projects. Most commercial VCT floors in high-traffic areas need a full strip every 1–2 years; a maintenance program that includes quarterly re-coats can extend that to 2–3 years. We will recommend a maintenance interval based on traffic level and floor condition after the first inspection.
Minnesota winter floors
VCT floors in Hamel-area buildings take a particular hit from November through March. Salt and calcium chloride tracked through entry areas are highly caustic to floor finish and accelerate yellowing and delamination near entries. Buildings that do not use entry mats effectively during winter typically need one additional strip cycle per year beyond what their overall traffic would otherwise require.
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