MULTI-BLEND LTD.
SALES & MARKETING OF FLOOR FINISH PRODUCTS
SYSTEM SELLING:
The goal of system selling is to target a
specific end use market and provide a product
and maintenance procedure combination that
will offer specific benefits.
Ask about the Situation
"Finding facts about the accounts
existing situation."
Discover Problems
"Ask about customer's problems,
difficulties, or dissatisfactions."
Ask about the implication
"Ask about the effects, consequences,
or implications of the customers problems."
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MULTI-BLEND LTD.
FIELD TESTING OF FLOOR FINISHES:
In many cases a field test of your product will be necessary before any buying decision will be made. With this in
mind, you want to give yourself every opportunity to be successful during this important evaluation. Floor tests are very
subjective and if you are fortunate enough to be included in how the evaluation will be performed, you need to know how to
make your product SHINE!
COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES!
SITE SELECTION
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE?
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CONTROL
FLOOR PREPARATION
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MULTI-BLEND LTD.
Multi-Blend Floorcare Program
Product Demo Checklist
_____ Multi-Blend Multi Strip / Super Stripper / Turbo Strip
_____ Multi-Blend finish
_____ Doodle Bug Strip pad w/Handle
_____ Eliminator SST/24 Strip Machine w/Brushes
_____ Wet Dry Vac or Automatic Scrubber
_____ Bucket & wringer
_____ Dust Mop & Handle
_____ 2 Mop Handles
_____ Stripper Mop
_____ Rinse Mop
_____ Finish Mop or Applicator
_____ Measuring Cup or Bucket
_____ Polyliners
_____ Short Handle scrapper
_____ Squeegee
_____ Other: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Additional For Burnishing:
_____ Eliminator Propane Burnisher
_____ Propane Tank (Full)
_____ At least two types of burnish pads
_____ Turbo Matic Restoration/Cleaner
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HOW TO / TASK PROCEDURES
I. GUM AND STICKER REMOVAL
Tools required:
a)
A floor scraper or putty knife.
b)
Neutral cleaner.
c)
Pad center from light cleaning pad.
Procedure:
1)
2)
Use floor scraper or putty knife to remove gum or stickers from floor.
To remove residual adhesive, use pad center moistened with neutral cleaner.
a)
b)
Untreated dust mop of appropriate width, with handle and swivel frame.
If using rented mops, specify "untreated".
1)
2)
Always begin with a clean, dry mop.
Begin at a point farthest away from where the dust will be disposed of, and push dirt and debris
into a pile near the disposal point.
During each pass, do not lift mop from floor until reaching disposal point. Gently shake dust out
of mop.
On completion, pick up and dispose of dust/debris.
Clean dust mop by shaking well and combing with a stiff brush.
Hang up cleaned mop for next day's use.
II. DUST MOPPING
Tools required:
Procedure:
3)
4)
5)
6)
III. EDGE AND CORNER CLEANING
Edges and corners are defined as the area 4-6 inches from walls and permanent fixtures, and
should be cleaned at least monthly.
Tools required:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
"Wet Floors" signs and markers.
Utility scrubber, handle, and deep scrubbing pad.
Floor scraper or putty knife.
Neutral cleaner.
Autoscrubber or mop and bucket.
Edges and corners are cleaned in the scrub and recoat operation.
1)
2)
Place "Wet Floor" signs and markers.
Mix neutral cleaner in autoscrubber following labeling directions and apply cleaning solution to
the floor.
Loosen dirt build-up in edges and corners with putty knife or scraper.
Scrub with utility scrubber and pick up solution with wet mop.
Procedure:
3)
4)
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MULTI-BLEND LTD.
IV. FLOOR MAT CLEANING
Tools required:
a)
Vacuum cleaner or stiff synthetic broom.
Procedure:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Pick up mat (folding the surface inward to avoid spilling dirt) and take outdoors.
Shake well or swing mat against an inconspicuous wall to remove loose dirt and dust.
Lay mat flat and vacuum surface, if possible, to remove embedded dirt.
If unable to vacuum, sweep thoroughly with stiff broom.
If needed, sweep or wipe off rubber backing before replacing mat.
V. FLOOR RINSING OR ROUTINE MOPPING
Tools required:
a)
"Wet Floor" signs and markers.
b)
Mop bucket with wringer.
c)
Clean cotton or rayon mop with handle.
d)
Neutral cleaner.
Procedure:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Place "Wet Floor" signs and markers.
Mix cleaner per label directions in mop bucket.
Soak mop thoroughly in solution, and wring out so that mop is just short of dripping.
Mop entire floor, resoaking and wringing mop frequently to clean and replenish with fresh
solution.
Change water when it becomes cloudy.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
"Wet Floor" signs and markers.
Putty knife or floor scraper, broom, dust mop and handle, dust pan.
Utility scrubber with handle, fitted with small strip pad.
Mop bucket and wringer, mop and handle.
Autoscubber, propane stripping machine, or 175-300 RPM swing buffer fitted with strip pad.
Floor stripper formulated to remove a specific brand of finish.
VI. FLOOR STRIPPING
Tools required:
Procedure:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
Place "Wet Floor" signs and markers.
Remove portable displays and unattached counters.
Remove and clean floor mats.
Pick up large debris and trash.
Sweep or dust mop floors.
Remove gum and stickers while dust mopping.
Mix stripper per label instructions in mop bucket.
Apply solution liberally to floor with wet mop and allow to soak for approximately 10 to 15
minutes.
Do not allow solution to dry on the floor.
Manually scrub floor edges, corners, and under all shelving with pole-mounted utility scrubber
fitted with small strip pad.
If using autoscrubber, mix neutral cleaner per label directions in autoscrubber fitter with
stripping pad. Set pad pressure for "stripping". Autoscrub using "two pass" method as follows:
a) Autoscrub with squeegee "up", vacuum "off", and solution tank "off".
b) Autoscrub again with all systems "on".
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MULTI-BLEND LTD.
12)
13)
14)
If using a propane stripping machine instead of autoscrubber, scrub entire floor, not allowing
solution to dry. Pick up solution with wet vac or wet mop.
Mix neutral cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and change solution as needed. Allow to dry.
Check floor for complete removal of old finish. Strip again if necessary.
VII. SEALER/FINISH APPLICATION
Tools Required:
a)
"Wet Floor" signs and markers.
b)
Clean mop bucket and wringer.
c)
Clean rayon mop with handle (synthetic mopheads such as rayon do not leave lint).
d)
Plastic trash can liner.
e)
Sealer and/or finish.
Procedure:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
Place "Wet Floor" signs and markers.
Presoak new mophead in hot water and a small amount of detergent to remove impurities.
Rinse mop and wring dry before using as applicator.
Line mop bucket with trash can liner for easy cleanup.
Pour 2-4 gallons of sealer or finish (depending on area to be covered) into lined mop bucket.
Place clean mop into finish and allow to soak for a minute or two. Wring out mop thoroughly,
return it to finish and submerge completely.
Place mop in wringer and push down while twisting handle to wring out. Apply light to medium
pressure to the wringer handle to prepare the mop. A properly prepared mop will be just short
of dripping when removed from wringer.
Apply sealer or finish with mop, first outlining area following edges and corners, then filling in
main area using a tight, overlapping figure eight stroke. Take care to reload the mop when it
begins to "drag" on the floor.
If applying multiple coats, apply only one thin coat within six inches of edges and corners.
Allow adequate drying time between coats.
Do not pour unused product from mop bucket back into original container.
Three to four coats are usually recommended after stripping. Check the product label for
recommended number of coats.
VIII. EQUIPMENT CLEANING AND STORAGE
Tools Required:
a)
b)
Adequate and properly equipped storage area.
Adequate water source.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Clean and hang brooms, dust mops, and pans.
Rinse wet mops thoroughly and hang up.
Rinse bucket, wringer, and hand tools, and store.
remove, rinse, and hang up floor pads.
Empty autoscrubber, rinse tank, and drain. Wipe down.
Clean other machines and equipment as needed (wet vac, swing buffer, etc.).
Dispose of empty chemical containers properly, and return remaining product to safe storage
area.
If using a propane powered machine remove fuel cylinder and store outside in storage building
or cage.
Procedure:
8)
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MULTI-BLEND LTD.
PROFESSIONAL FLOOR CARE TIPS
1. Always use clean, fresh mops.
2. Rinse and hang up wet mops after use.
3. Mark wet mops regarding their specific use ("Strip", "Clean", "Rinse", "Finish"). Do not interchange.
4. Always follow label directions for correct dilutions.
5. Use walk-off mats to reduce amount of dirt, grit, and sand being tracked onto the floor. Clean regularly. Use proper
pads. Make sure they are clean. To remove build-up of old floor finish from pad surface, take it off
with a scraper or wire brush or put pad in a deep sink and spray off the build-up. Hang up to dry.
7. Use proper machinery. Make sure it is clean and in good working condition at all times.
8. Use proper chemicals. Do not take any short cuts.
9. Always clean mops, buckets, janitorial sink and work areas
after use.
10. Do not leave dirty water in bucket after use.
11. Establish a maintenance schedule and follow it.
12. Flush out autoscrubber after use.
13. Clean and hang up brooms and dust mops after use.
14. Do not pour unused chemicals back into their original container.
15. Always hang up pads after use.
16. Clean up spills and stains as they occur.
17. Change dust mop heads frequently.
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MULTI-BLEND LTD.
Floor Care Troubleshooting Guide
Most floor care problems are caused by improper product use. This quick reference guide will help identify
problems, causes and solutions.
Problem: Finish is too sticky or tacky
Cause
Solution
Not enough drying time between coats.
Under normal conditions, finishes dry in 20-30 minutes.
High humidity extends drying time.
Restorer not properly diluted or applied too frequently.
Follow label instructions. Overuse can leave a sticky
residue.
Restorer/maintainer not burnished soon enough after
application.
When dry, restorer/maintainer will continue to soften
finish if not burnished.
Floor not properly rinsed before application of finish.
Thoroughly rinse and neutralize floor after stripping.
Use neutral cleaner in proper dilution.
Improper use of disinfectants.
Measure carefully and follow label directions.
Separation of finish.
Finish may have been exposed to prolonged heat or
cold. Shake or stir before using.
Alkaline or detergent contaminated tile.
Make sure to rinse floor until pick-up water remains
clear. When recoating, make sure no cleaner residue
remains on floor - rinse with clean water to prevent
problem.
Finish is applied too thick.
Apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry before
applying the next coat.
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Problem: Finish swirls or scratches.
Cause
Solution
Pad is too aggressive.
Use the recommended pad for a particular task,
whether it be burnishing or cleaning.
Pad is dirty or has build-up.
Clean with a wire brush or put pad in deep sink and
spray off the build-up. Hang up to dry.
Floor is dirty or sandy
Use walk-off mats; dust thoroughly before burnishing.
Restorer not properly diluted.
Follow label instruction. Overuse may leave "soft" top
coat which can swirl.
Finish applied too thick, excessive recoating.
Apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry before
applying the next one.
Finish not completely "cured" before burnishing.
Allow more time to dry. Many finishes should not be
burnished for 24 hours.
Too much pad pressure.
Do not place additional weight on the burnisher deck.
Do not lift up on the handle when burnishing.
Residue from treated dust mops.
Only use untreated mops. Oil and silicone used in
treated mops can cause softening of finish film.
Floor not properly cleaned and neutralized after stripping.
Always rinse thoroughly with neutral cleaner and water.
Make sure swirls are not coming from cleaning equipment
Worn cleaning pads or brushes have been known to
scratch finish in same circular pattern as buffer.
Use of alkaline degreaser or stripper for cleaning.
This will soften film. Only use cleaners designed for
daily floor care use.
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Problem: Discolored floor finish.
Cause
Solution
Floor not properly rinsed after stripping.
Vacuum up as much stripper and old finish as possible.
Rinse thoroughly with neutral cleaner and water at
least twice. A "hot" floor can cause finish to discolor.
Change rinse water often and wring mop thoroughly.
All finish not removed in stripping.
After stripping, check dry, newly stripped floor with
thumbnail for residual finish. Strip again if necessary.
Finish applied with dirty mop and bucket.
Always clean mops before applying finish. Never use
finish all the way to the bottom of the bucket because
dirt, grit, and lint settle to the bottom. Always rinse
bucket when switching from one task to another.
Stripper residue left over in the bucket used for finish
could ruin the finish. Line bucket with plastic bag to
avoid contamination.
Poor maintenance procedures.
New finish applied over finish that has not been
cleaned will turn dark.
Too much finish; infrequent scrubbing.
Use restorer to bring back the shine. Follow
maintenance schedule of daily cleaning and monthly
scrubbing. Apply new finish to traffic areas only. Avoid
low traffic areas and baseboards.
Restorer is used too often or concentration is too strong.
Follow directions for restorer dilution and usage.
Dirt, sand, and grit are ground into the floor.
Dust mop before performing any maintenance. Clean
with scrubber before any buffing operations.
Rust spots develop on tile with in a short time after stripping.
Fines from steel wool used on problem areas during
stripping are reacting with floor finish.
Dark spots showing up in finish.
SOS pads may have been used during strip. Soap
from pads embeds in tile and causes dark spots when
it reacts with finish.
Dark areas developing (especially at the end of isles).
If cleaner/restorer is used with automatic, and product
is based on pine oil or fatty acid soaps, residue could
be softening film (especially where automatic trails are
not picked up quickly) and causing floor to attract dirt.
Problem: Streaks in finish.
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Cause
Solution
Recoated before prior coat was dry.
If streaks will not burnish out, strip, rinse well with neutral
cleaner and water, and apply new finish. Wait 20-30 minutes
between coats. Make sure each coat is dry. Do not continue to
recoat if mop drags.
Finish is applied on new tile before factory finish is stripped.
Strip, rinse well with neutral cleaner and water, and apply new
finish.
Dirty mop or equipment.
Use clean rayon mops and mop buckets when performing floor
care tasks.
Frozen floor finish.
Replace finish. Strip, rinse well with water and apply new finish.
Floor not properly maintained; maintenance schedule not
followed.
Strip, rinse well with water and apply new finish.
Mop head not "loaded" with enough finish during application.
Make sure mop is just short of dripping when removed from
wringer. Turn mop over every 3-4 strokes to ensure proper
delivery from mop.
Mop coming of floor when applying.
Apply in smaller strokes. Do not extend reach with mop.
Problem: Circular blemishes or "fish-eyes"
Cause
Solution
Application of finish too heavy.
Apply in thin, even coats.
Finish was agitated when poured in bucket causing air bubbles.
Excessive use of wringer.
Gently lean on mop in wringer to load. Do not use wringer
excessively.
Floor contaminated with solvent cleaner or oil based product.
Watch for use of dust mop treatments or silicone based
polishes. Do not use alcohol or any other chemical to eliminate
foam in bucket.
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Problem: Powdering/Poor adhesion.
Cause
Solution
Pad is too aggressive.
Use pad recommended by manufacturer. Try less aggressive
pad.
Pad is dirty
Clean with a wire brush or put pad in a deep sink and spray off
the build-up. Hang up to dry.
Restorer/maintainer mixed and applied improperly.
Follow manufacturers directions.
Recoated before prior coat was dry.
Allow 20-30 minutes between coats. High humidity may mean
extra drying time.
Finish is applied on new tile before factory finish is stripped.
Strip, rinse well with water and apply finish.
Treated dust mop residue.
Oil and silicone from treated mops can cause on layer of finish
to separate from another. Use untreated dust mops.
Floor not properly cleaned and neutralized in stripping.
Always rinse thoroughly with water after stripping.
Wrong product for maintenance methods.
Contact finish manufacturer to ensure that you have proper
product.
Poor durability due to Metal buckets. Metal buckets affecting
crosslinking.
Use bucket liners if using metal or galvanized buckets.
Problem: No shine.
Cause
Solution
Floor not properly rinsed after stripping.
Deep scrub, recoat and burnish repeatedly. Use clean
burnishing pad. If problem persists, re-strip and apply new
finish.
Finish applied too thin.
Scrub and recoat more frequently in high traffic areas.
Contamination in finish.
Always clean mops before applying finish. Never use a strip
mop to apply finish. Always clean out mop bucket when
switching from on task to another. Never pour finish from mop
bucket into its container.
Burnishing pad too aggressive.
Use pad recommended by manufacturer.
Dirty Pad.
Clean with a wire brush or put pad in a deep sink and spray off
the build-up. Hang up to dry.
Floor has too much sand, dirt, or grit.
Use walk off mats. Dust mop thoroughly before burnishing.
Floor finish diluted or tampered with.
Have dealer check solids.
Inadequate dry time.
Recoating too quickly hazes film and reduces gloss.
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Stripping procedure opened pours of substrate. To harsh a
stripper/dilution.
Reduce amount of floor stripper at once to lower dwell time.
Make sure stripper diluted to manufacturers recommendations.
Do not add any "accelerators" to stripper. If tile has been
"opened", use sealer to help build gloss.
Problem: Slippery Floors.
Cause
Solution
Treated mops depositing oil or silicone.
Use only untreated mops. Scrub and recoat slippery areas.
Lubricants, oils, polishes, or like products spilled on floor.
Scrub and recoat areas spills occurred. Clean or replace soiled
dust mops to avoid spreading the problem throughout the
building.
Water tracked in from outside.
Use walk off mats during inclement weather. Replace them
often. Keep areas dry.
Floor is not being burnished enough.
Burnish floor regularly to restore "tightness" to floor.
Not enough finish has been applied.
A finished floor is more slip-resistant than a bare floor. Use only
finishes which comply with ASTM D2047 Coefficient of friction.
Problem: Edge build-up and discoloration.
Cause
Solution
Poor maintenance of edges.
Follow tasks recommended in "How to section"
Finish too thick on the edges.
Apply recoats of finish to traffic areas only. Stay about six
inches away from edges. Burnishing will feather the finishes
together.
Restorer/maintainer applied too close to the edges.
Apply restorer/maintainer to traffic areas only.
Problem: Soft, easily scratched finish.
Cause
Solution
Not burnishing floor regularly to harden finish and reduce dust.
Burnish floor on a regular schedule.
Too much dirt, grit, and sand being tracked into building.
Use a sufficient number of walk-off mats. Dust mop more
frequently.
Wrong choice of floor pads.
Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Wrong choice of floor finish.
Check with your floor care consultant to determine proper
choice of finish.
Restorer/maintainer mixed too strongly.
Follow label directions.
Cleaner use contaminating floor.
Check for over use of floor cleaner. Cut back on dilution. Rinse
floor with only water prior to recoating or restoring.
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GLOSSARY OF FLOOR CARE TERMS
Abrasion -- The wearing away of a floor finish by friction and grit.
Acid -- A water soluble substance with pH less than 7 that reacts with and neutralizes an alkali.
Acid Cleaner -- A detergent solution containing one or more acids.
Acrylic -- A popular thermoplastic polymer used in floor finishes.
Acrylic Floor Finish -- A water-emulsion finish containing acrylic, that dries to a hard glossy finish.
Adhesion -- The ability of floor finish to bond or adhere to flooring, rather than peel, flake, or powder.
Alkali -- Any base, such as caustic soda, ammonia, etc. that neutralizes acid.
Alkaline Cleaner -- A detergent product make up of one or more alkalies and having a pH greater than 7. Floor strippers are usually highly
alkaline.
All Purpose Cleaner -- A detergent solution for routine mopping and hard surface or general cleaning.
Ammonia -- An alkaline solution which enhances the cleaning power of degreasers, strippers, and cleaners. A common ingredient in floor
finishes.
Application -- The act of applying; as in floor finish application.
Asphalt Tile -- Flooring consisting of a mixture of synthetic fibers, lime rock, mineral fillers, and coloring, with asphalt as a binder.
Autoscrubber -- Labor-saving, power driven floor cleaning machine that dispenses cleaning solution to floor, strips or scrubs it, and vacuums
dirty solution into a recovery tank.
Binder -- That part of the composition of floor tile that holds or binds together the rest of the parts.
Biodegradable -- A product or organic substance readily decomposed by bacteria into harmless matter.
Bleeding -- The migration of colors from substrate through coating, often caused by overly strong stripping solutions.
Blooming -- A white mineral deposit--composed of soluble salt or magnesium chloride--sometimes found on the surface of new concrete or
magnetite floors.
Buffability -- The degree of gloss in a floor finish resulting from burnishing or spray buffing.
Build-up -- Layers of floor finish usually found in low traffic areas, where there is not a normal wearing of the film. If not properly maintained a
darkening of the finish may occur.
Burnish -- To buff a floor at very high speed (over 1000 RPM) to produce high gloss and a hard slip-resistant finish.
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Burnisher -- A floor polishing machine using pads or brushes.
Caustic -- Extremely alkaline substance (caustic soda, sodium hydroxide), capable of neutralizing acids.
Caustic Cleaners -- Made up in whole or in part of caustic materials.
Ceramic Tile -- Fired clay tile with an impervious, glossy or satin surface.
Chemical Resistance -- The degree to which floor finish can resist penetration by cleaning solution and other chemical products.
Clarity -- Clearness.
Coating -- (See Finish.)
Compatible -- Able to exist or act together harmoniously. Compatible floor care products are used together with desirable results.
Concrete -- A mixture of cement, sand and crushed stone which when mixed with water and allowed to harden, forms a highly durable floor
surface.
Concrete Seal -- A protective, penetrating seal that dries to form a transparent film and hardens the concrete surface.
Conductive Floors -- Special resilient tile--often used in computer room applications--designed to drain off or prevent static electricity.
Copolymer -- A polymer make up of one or more monomers.
Corrosion -- The process of being eaten away or dissolved by rust or chemical action.
Coverage -- The number of square feet covered by a gallon of coating or sealer.
Curing -- A. The drying out of excess water in freshly laid concrete. B. The chemical process during which floor finish fully dries and bonds to
flooring.
Damp Mopping -- The act of cleaning a floor using a moistened mop, water, and usually a pH-neutral cleaner.
Degreaser -- A chemical that dissolves and removes grease and oils from hard surfaces.
Detergent -- A soap-like cleaner that dissolves dirt, lifts off oily contaminants, and aids in removing soils.
Dilution -- A substance made less concentrated by mixing it with another substance, usually water. The dilution ratio is expressed as a
number such as 1:4, referring to parts of chemical dissolved in parts of water.
Dirt Retention -- The degree to which floor finish will hold dirt or soil. Low dirt retention is preferable.
Discoloration -- Darkening or yellowing of finish.
Disinfectant -- Chemical product used to kill harmful bacteria and viruses (germs) on inanimate surfaces.
Double Bucket Procedure -- A mopping technique using two mop buckets--an applicator bucket for applying cleaning solution to the floor, and
a rinse bucket for rinsing and wringing the mop before reinserting into the applicator bucket.
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Dry Time -- The average time required for floor finish to dry.
Durability -- The wearing quality or longevity of floor finish.
Etching -- The use of acid or other potent chemicals to whiten and roughen stone and concrete surfaces in preparation for applying sealer of
finish.
Fading -- Loss of color caused by sunlight, cleaning, or bleaching.
Film -- A thin layer or coating of floor finish.
Finish -- A protective, glossy floor coating applied over sealer or previous coatings.
Fish Eyes -- Circular blemishes in dry floor finish caused by trapped air bubbles or too heavy an application of finish.
Flash Point -- The lowest temperature at which vapors produces by a volatile substance ignite when exposed to flame.
Flexibility -- The ability of a floor finish to be pliable, resilient, or plastic in nature.
Floor Machine (burnisher) -- A power driven machine used to scrub and/or buff floors with pads or brushes.
Foam -- A mass of bubbles formed in liquids by agitation.
Freeze/Thaw -- A determination of the stability of a floor finish exposed to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing.
Germicidal Detergent -- A one-step detergent and germicide for cleaning and disinfecting.
Germicide -- Any agent which kills germs or microorganisms.
Gloss -- A floor's ability to reflect light and luster.
Gloss Meter -- A device used to measure gloss of a coating.
Grout -- Mortar material or other substance used between ceramic tiles.
Heeling -- Technique of applying pressure to one side of a floor machine to remove black heel marks and persistent soil.
High Speed Machine -- Buffing or burnishing machine with pad speed over 1000 RPM.
High Speed Floor Finish -- A finish designed for use with high speed floor machines.
Impact Resistance -- The degree to which a finish can withstand forceful blows.
James Machine -- An instrument for measuring the static coefficient of friction of a surface to determine its slip-resistance.
Leveling Agent -- A substance added to finish causing it to flow evenly when applied. Prevents ridging and "fish eyes" (see glossary).
Lifting -- (See Peeling).
Linoleum -- Flooring composed of a mixture of solidified linseed oil, gums, wood flour, ground cork, and pigments applied to a backing of felt,
fabric, or burlap.
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Low Sudsing -- Cleans without forming a significant amount of foam.
Maintenance -- The care and upkeep of buildings.
Matrix -- An enveloping element within which something originates, takes form, or develops. Concrete is a matrix for marble in terrazzo
flooring.
Mild Cleaner -- A cleaner which is mild or non-damaging.
MSDS -- Abbreviation for Material Safety Data Sheet required from manufacturers to inform end-users of product health hazards and
precautionary measures.
Magnesite Floors -- Hard composition flooring with magnesium oxychloride as a binder. This binder is formed in laying the floor, when
magnesium oxychloride is combined with a string solution of magnesium chloride. Fillers are cork, sand, wood flour, marble, dust, leather, etc.
Magnesite floors are maintained like terrazzo floors.
Marble Floors -- Beautiful, durable polished limestone flooring consisting principally of crystalline calcium carbonate.
Metal Interlock -- Microscopic metal salts (often consisting of zinc and other metals) linked together in many floor finishes, to provide detergent
and water resistance. Easily removed with ammonia strippers.
Monomer -- A single molecule that is chemically bound to other molecules to make up a polymer.
Mop Strip -- A stripping solution designed to remove floor finish without the need for machine scrubbing.
Neutral -- Neither acid or alkali. A neutral pH is 7.
Neutral Cleaner -- A pH-neutral, all-purpose cleaning liquid which will not harm floor finishes.
Neutralize -- To render a stripped floor surface pH neutral (7), so finish will adhere to it and film will form properly.
Non-Buff Finish -- A hard finish which dries to a high gloss without buffing; also called "dry-bright".
Non-Volatile Solids -- The amount of solid material which will remain in floor finish when volatile components have evaporated.
Odor -- The property of a substance stimulating the sense of smell. Many offensive odors are covered up with a perfume for customer appeal.
Paste Wax -- A buffable, solvent-based product, traditionally used on wood flooring.
Peeling -- The pulling away or curling of finish from the floor surface.
pH -- A measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0-14. From 0-3 is strongly acid; 4-6 is moderately acid; 7 is neutral; 8-10 is moderately
alkaline; 11-14 is highly alkaline.
Phenolic Germicide -- A germicide that is phenolic in nature, or chemically related to phenol.
Phosphates -- Alkaline builders used in detergents for their anti-redisposition properties and water softening effects.
Pitting -- Tiny indentations or holes which form in concrete, terrazzo, or other flooring materials. Pitting can be prevented by proper sealing.
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Plasticizer -- An ingredient in floor finish which enhances flexibility.
Polymer -- A substance composed of giant molecules that have been formed by the union (polymerization) of a number of simple molecules
with one another. Common types of polymers are styrene, acrylic, urethane, vinyl epoxy, etc.
Polymer Emulsion -- Polymer materials chemically emulsified into a water base.
Porous -- Full of pores; permeable by liquids. Concrete is porous.
Powdering -- The disintegration of floor finish into fine powder, resulting in airborne dust when burnishing.
Power Scrubber -- (see Autoscrubber.)
Precoating -- Sealing the floor prior to applying finish.
Quaternary Ammonium -- The active ingredient in many disinfectants widely used because of its broad spectrum germ-killing power and
gentleness to surfaces. Also called "Quat".
Recoatability -- The ability of a finish to accept repeated coats while maintaining acceptable appearance levels.
Re-emulsification -- The process which occurs when a coat of finish is recoated before completely dry, causing it to reliquify, and produce a
streaked or dull appearance when dry.
Removability -- The ability of a floor finish, once damaged, to be restored to its original appearance by recoating, burnishing, or other
maintenance.
Resilient Floors -- Flooring which has a measure of elasticity and will withstand mild shock or blows without permanent damage; for example,
vinyl, linoleum, rubber, cork, asphalt, vinyl asbestos, etc.
Resistant to Soil -- A finish that is resistant to one or all of the following; grease, oil acids, alkalies, bleaches, solvents, boiling water and soap.
Restorer -- Solution used in high speed maintenance programs to clean, restore slip-resistance, and gloss to flooring.
Rubber Burn -- A black rubber heel mark on the floor.
Rubber Floors -- Flooring consisting of synthetic rubber, fillers, and mineral pigments.
Scrubbing -- The use of a scrub brush or floor cleaning pad with cleaning solution to remove soil while leaving the floor finish primarily intact.
Scuff -- A mark made on floor finish by a shoe or other object. Some finishes are scuff-resistant. Scuffs can normally be removed by
burnishing.
Sealer -- A base coat that protects flooring, by filling pores, and preparing the floor for application of finish.
Semi-Buffable Finish -- A floor finish designed for good initial gloss. Responds to low-speed buffing or spray buffing.
Shelf Life -- The length of time a product will retain full potency or usefulness when stored at room temperature.
Slip Coefficient -- A number--as measured by the James Machine--denoting the angle of a person's foot when slippage begins on flooring.
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ASTM considers 0.5 or greater according to the ASTM test method is considered to be slip-resistant.
Soil Resistance -- The ability of a floor to resist penetration by dirt or soil. Finished floors have much higher soil resistance than bare floors.
Solids -- All materials in a product that do not evaporate or become volatile at 105° C. Solids are expressed as a percentage; for example
18% solids, 22% solids, etc.
Solvent Finish -- Finish in which the solids are dispersed in a petroleum-solvent base rather than in a water emulsion.
Solvent -- A liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances.
Specular Gloss -- Measured, reflected light from finished flooring.
Spray Buffing -- A floor care procedure which involves spraying a restoration product onto the floor and immediately buffing the area until
glossy. The process cleans, removes marks, and shines traffic areas of a floor.
Spread and Leveling -- The ability of a finish to be applied to a floor without streaking or drying unevenly.
Streaking -- Lines or marks of different color or texture in a floor finish caused by improper application.
Stripper -- Chemical product formulated to totally remove finish and sealer from floors.
Stripping -- Removing or lifting of floor finish and soil using a stripper, floor machine, and stripping pad.
Suds -- Foam or later generated on or in a detergent solution.
System -- Compatible chemicals, machines, pads and procedures used together to produce maximum results.
Tackiness -- Sticky floor finish usually characteristic of insufficient drying time; may also be caused by improper use of cleaning chemicals.
Terrazzo -- Hard floor surface consisting of granite or marble chips suspended in portland cement.
Thermoplastic -- Synthetic and natural resins used in ultra-high speed floor finishes which respond to the heat and pressure of burnishing to
produce a brilliant gloss.
Tile -- Clay mixed with water and burned or "fired" in kilns. Surface is either unglazed or glazed. Tiles are set in cement with grout to form a
floor.
Topaka Floor Slip Tester -- An instrument used to measure the slip resistance of a floor by determining the dynamic coefficient of friction.
Traffic Lane -- High traffic areas of a floor which are the first to show wear.
Ultra High Speed Finish -- Floor finish with a polymer composition which is thermally reactive and responds best to ultra high speed
burnishing (2000 RPM and higher).
Ultra High Speed Machine -- A floor burnishing machine with pad speed of 2000 RPM or higher.
Urethane -- A polymer used in resilient and hard floor finishes for greater durability and higher gloss.
Use Dilution -- The final concentration at which a product is used.
Vinyl Asbestos Tile -- Also known as V.A.T., flooring composed of vinyl resin, plasticizers, asbestos fibers, mineral fillers, and pigment.
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Vinyl Composition Tile -- Flooring similar to V.A.T., but without asbestos.
Vinyl Cork Tile -- Flooring or natural cork fused with plastic, having the appearance and durability of vinyl.
Vinyl Flooring -- Composed of tough, flexible, chemically inert vinyl resins that are odorless and thermoplastic.
Viscosity -- A measure of the thickness of a floor finish and the ease with which it flows. High viscosity finishes flow with more difficulty than
low viscosity finishes.
Volatile -- The matter that changes to vapor easily or readily at normal temperatures and pressures.
Washing -- Cleaning in an aqueous medium.
Water Resistance -- The ability of a floor finish to be unaffected by water.
Wax Applicator -- A device used to apply floor finish.
Wear -- Floor finish abrasion from foot or other traffic.
Wet Mopping -- Cleaning a floor using a mop and water with or without chemical cleaners.
Wetting Agent -- An ingredient that increases the spreading of a liquid. Used in coatings to aid in spreading and leveling.
Wood Floors -- Flooring consisting of soft or hard woods in a variety of designs.
Wrinkling -- Floor surface irregularity.
Yellowing -- Discoloration of floor finish due to aging, finish build-up or improper use of cleaning or restoration products.
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