Floor stripping is a very important task, as it significantly contributes to a facility’s attractive appearance. It’s also a long and labor-intensive task with plenty of room for error. Because floor-maintenance mistakes are often made by beginners as well as by seasoned professionals, it’s important to check and make sure your last vendor didn’t make any of these 6 mistakes:

Mistake #1: Lack Of Preparation

A lack of preparation can lead to delays and mistakes. One common example of under preparation is to not take the time to know what type of floor is being worked on and the procedures necessary for that floor. The tools used for one flooring type don’t always work with another. For example, chemicals appropriate for a VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile) floor may not be suitable for stone flooring. Also, it’s very important to be prepared by having all the necessary tools and equipment ready before starting the job. Commonly forgotten items include:

All necessary buckets for stripping, neutralizing, and waxing

• Gloves
• Anti-slip shoes
• Scrapers and extra blades
• Caution signs and caution tape
• Extension cords
• Towels
• Trash bags
• First aid kit
• Fans

Mistake #2: Working On Too Large Of An Area At One Time 

Rather than working on a large flooring area right from the beginning of the job, it’s important to manage smaller parts of the floor at a time. Otherwise, the floor could dry in some places while another area is still being worked on.

Mistake #3: Not Diluting The Stripper With Cold Water

Most floor strippers on the market need to be diluted with water. Skipping this step, or doing it incorrectly, can cause big problems. For example, hot water can cause the active ingredients in the stripper to evaporate before it has done its job.

Mistake #4: Not Using The Correct Amounts Of Finish

Not using enough finish will streak the floor, making it necessary to recoat it. Using too much finish will also cause streaking, creating the need for extra buffing and further coats.

Mistake #5: Not Using A Clean Mop

Dirty mops will discolor and streak the floor’s finish. This is a big problem that can only be resolved by re-stripping the floor to remove the streaking.

Mistake #6: Not Letting The Coats Dry Enough

Not allowing the coats to completely dry before applying more coats is another mistake that causes significant streaking. This will make it necessary to dry buff the surface using a polish pad, followed by a recoat. To prevent this problem, finish should be dried for around 30 minutes between coats. Dryness can be tested by applying tape over a small area, and checking to see if the finish comes off when the tape is pulled away.

Your floors are a treasured asset. While they naturally age over time and must eventually be stripped and refinished, it is vitally important that it is done right the first time. Done incorrectly, you may end up needing to replace your floors instead! Choose your vendor carefully and question their experience with floor stripping and refinishing specifically.

Fortunately, you can trust the Southampton Operations Team to properly handle your floor stripping and floor refinishing needs. Over the 58 years we have been in business, our experience with floor stripping and refinishing has been refined. We will get the job done right.

Please invite us out to your property where we can review your floors and advise on the best solution to get them shining and looking their best.

Please request your free site visit & project review by calling us at 215-357-1498