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Resilient Floor Care Manual

Stripping and Preparing Procedures
Proper stripping requires the right equipment, good chemicals, adequate help and ample time. Stripping is very labor-intensive and disruptive to many facilities. It should only be performed when deep-scrubbing and recoating will no longer revive your floor. With proper care, Essential Industries' unique floor maintenance system approach allows most users to experience strip cycles anywhere from one year to three years and even longer.

Step 1: Gather Equipment
and Supplies
Proper stripping requires the right equipment. Some or all of this equipment may be necessary for complete removal
of finish:

Step 2: Gum Removal
Scrape up any chewing gum or attached labels with a razor scraper.

Step 3: Dust Mop
Dust mop the entire floor. Then roll up a towel and place it across all doorways to keep wet solutions contained.

Step 4: Dilute Chemicals
If using an auto-scrubber, fill it with Nu-Tral Cleaner (#507) diluted 2 oz. per gallon (1:64). Fill one mop bucket (without a wringer) using warm water with properly diluted stripping solution. Fill another mop bucket (with a wringer) with Nu-Tral Cleaner (#507) diluted 2 oz. per gallon (1:64).

Step 5: Wet Floor Signs
Place “Wet Floor” signs at both ends of work area.

Step 6: Apply Stripper Solution to Edges
Apply a liberal amount of stripper solution to the edges. Let it dwell for five minutes (do not let it dry on the floor). Using a scraper and/or Doodle Bug, completely detail the edges.

Step 7: Apply Stripper Solution to Floor
Once the edges are finished, liberally apply stripper solution to 100 to 200 square feet of floor. Let it stand for five minutes. Using stripping pads and a single disc floor machine or an auto-scrubber, with full pad pressure, scrub until all finish is removed.

Step 8: Pick Up Soiled Stripper Solution
Using a wet/dry vacuum or an auto-scrubber, immediately pick up all stripper/soil residue.

Step 9: Rinse Floor
Double-rinse the floor using an auto-scrubber and mop for hard-to-reach areas. If rinsing with a mop and bucket, change rinse water frequently to insure that the floor is completely free of all residue. Be sure to pay close attention to the edges and under counters. Inspect the floor for compete finish removal. Allow floor to dry completely before refinishing.