Differences In Waxes, Pads and Machine Speeds

A reader writes: “At a recent seminar, you tried to explain the need to understand the differences between waxes, pads and machine speeds. I am still confused.”

Sorry for the confusion but it may be in part due to your not having any real hard floor experience. Due to the brief amount of time that could be allocated to this subject, I simply stated that it is important that you have the right floor finish on a clean/prepped floor and maintain it with the correct pH cleaners while utilizing the best buffing/burnishing pads on the correct speed machines. Yes, that is a mouthful and I doubt if I can do it justice in this brief article.

First of all, I highly recommend you spend a few days with an experienced floor crew that can give you hands on experience that will help you in understanding the head knowledge you already have.

A soft (18 percent solids) floor finish will respond to a relatively soft pad (white or pink) without losing too much product if the correct speed machine is used. A super hard (35 percent solids) floor finish will better respond to a hogs hair or more abrasive pad with an ultra-high speed burnisher. Most finishes will last longer if you use a neutral pH (7-8.5) cleaner with a mild detergent to deal with grease and oil type soils. If you use an aggressive floor pad on an ultra-high speed burnisher (over 2,000 RPM) you will probably remove multiple coats of finish that could have lasted a lot longer with the right speed machine and pad in place. If you, in turn, try to put a shine on a 35 percent solids floor finish using a white or even red pad using a 175 RPM swing machine, you will be there a long time before “popping a shine.”

I suggest you print and share this response with your floor crew who can give you real world examples of what I am referring to. Keep asking questions and keep learning.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.