FLOOR FINISH APPLICATION

Preparation

Before starting the application bring all tools and materials into the work area. Remove all moveable objects from the room and place warning signs all around. Have crew use duct tape and plastic sheeting at door entrances to prevent seepage to other areas where floor finish is not applied.

Safe Procedures

Your crew should be familiar with the material safety data sheets (MSDS) and operation of the equipment required. Clean footwear, without treads that is easily removeable is recommended. Product should be used according to manufacturers’ specifications. The finish and sealer you use should never be diluted.

Application

Use a plastic trash bag or plastic liner inside the mop bucket before pouring finish, to prevent contamination of the product. Use new mop heads so as not to mix with other chemicals and follow manufacturers’ instructions for proper application.

Agitate mop lightly in the finish, for no longer than 20-25 seconds. Gently wring out excess finish without twisting or doubling over the mop head.

Apply the finish using a figure eight pattern with a three inch overlap. Using this pattern prevents the mop strands from leaving a swirl pattern. Work close to the mop bucket when applying the finish, to avoid rapid drying or uneven spreading. Replace mop heads and/or finish if they come into contact with other contaminates. Never pour used finish back into original container.

Drying Time

Approximately one gallon of finish covers 2000 sq. ft. of tile flooring with one coat. Streaking, with a dull finish, may indicate the finish is laid on too thinly, whereas a prolonged drying time may mean coat is too thick. Most finishes take approximately twenty minutes to dry and once completely so, may be re-coated. Test for dryness several times before re-applying. Forced drying of the floor finish may damage the appearance. If you must use fans to speed up the drying process, use indirectly across the floor to prevent rippling of the finish.

"Finishing Touches" and Tips

• always apply finish to a clean floor, ideally when it has just been stripped

• in larger centres where stripping/finishing cannot be completed in one process, have your crew complete the tasks in segments, leaving time to finish each segment completely

• no traffic on a floor with less than two coats of finish

• the floor should be ready for traffic about twenty minutes after last coat has dried

• wait twenty-four hours before buffing a newly finished floor