Floor Finish Application Tips

The proper application of floor finish is paramount to life of the flooring and the success of a Green floor care program. The thinner the coat, the harder the finish will dry to be. This method of applying floor finish has consistently resulted in a 30 percent-plus reduction in floor finish usage as well as better longevity and durability; very important factors in Green floor care. 

Here are some application tips for a green cleaning program:

• 10 – 15 feet from the back wall, or last section, pour finish directly from the shipping container, (1 or 2 1/5 gallon container), onto the floor. Cover two tiles with the finish.

• Using the flat mop and ergo handle, pull the finish towards the wall, or last area completed, making a feeder line.

• Stay at least 1 foot from the edge on this first coat when moving the applicator pad from side to side, spreading the finish from the feeder line. 

• Upon completion of each coat, move the application closer to the edge until only the last coat is against the baseboard. By using a flat mop, applying excess finish to the baseboard is minimized. By focusing on the middle of the floor, more finish is applied to the traffic lane and less along the edges. This reduces the time and effort refinishing the floor in the future as well as the amount of finish needed to recoat the floor. 

• The flat applicator pad can be put in a clean can liner between coats to prevent it from drying out or becoming contaminated. Also, the finish container should be resealed to stop evaporation. 

• Once the proper numbers of coats have been applied, the applicator pad can be removed, rinsed until no white finish can be seen in the water or the water runs clear. 

• Place the applicator pad in a clean can liner for later use.

A Green finishing programs employs not only a reduction of product usage, but also enhanced performance of both the Technician and the Green finish.

David Thompson is a 40-year veteran of the cleaning industry and author of “The New Generation of Cleaning”, a best Practices Guide for Environmental Health Services. Thompson is also president of the Green Clean Institute. His book can be found at www.Janitorkatt.com while the GCI coursework and certification courses have a home at www.GCICertified.com.