Floor Polish

Finishing Your Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to give your floors a stunning finish? Follow these simple steps for a professional-looking result.

1. Prepare Your Tools:

• Clean Mop: Use a clean, low-lint mop (rayon) or finish applicator.
• Presoak Mops: If using a new mop, soak it in plain water and wring it out well before using.
• Dedicated Mop: Use a separate mop for applying finish.
• Lined Bucket: Line your mop bucket with a plastic trash liner to prevent contamination.

2. Apply the Finish:

• Pour Carefully: Pour the finish into the lined bucket, avoiding overfilling.
• Immerse Mop: Dip the bottom half of the mop into the finish and wring it out.
• Avoid Re-pouring: Never pour leftover finish back into the original container.
• Work in Sections: Focus on manageable areas (8x8-10x10 feet) and let each coat dry for 30 minutes.
• Limit Coats: Apply a maximum of 4 coats at a time. After that, let the floor dry for 24 hours before applying more.
• Avoid Baseboards: Be careful not to get finish on baseboards or equipment.
• Outline and Fill: Outline the area with a straight line of finish, then fill in using a figure-8 motion. Aim for even, thin coats.

3. Alternate Coats:

• Vary the Perimeter: For the second coat, stay a mop's width away from the previous edge.
• Alternate Patterns: Continue alternating the outline for subsequent coats.

4. Finishing Touches (For High-Traffic Areas):

• Extra Coats: Apply a few additional coats for high-traffic areas.
• Spray Buff: Use a low-speed buffer (175 rpm) with a solution of one part floor polish and two parts water. Move in a left-to-right motion.
• High-Speed Burnish: For a mirror-like finish, use a high-speed buffer (2000 rpm) with a soft white pad. Avoid staying in one spot for too long.

With a little patience and these simple steps, you can achieve a beautiful and durable floor finish.