Procedures for Stripping Vinyl Composition, VAT and Terrazzo

Prior to stripping any floor, you need the proper tools

Two mop buckets w/ wringers

Two mop handles w/ 20 oz wet mop heads (rayon mops are preferred, avoid cotton fibers)

Utility pad holder w/ black pad

Long handle scraper w/ blade

Putty knife

Wet floor signs

Cleaning cloths

Personal protective equipment (rubber gloves, eye protection)

Floor machine w/ pad driver (175 - 300 RPM)

Black stripping pads PT-2000 (Heavy Duty)

Green scrubbing pads

Scrubber splash guard

Wet vacuum w/ hose, wand and squeegee tool

Wax stripper Pour N Peel (rinse free) or Big Red Stripper

Floor finishes Ultimate II / Mirage / Defiant

Small utility pail (applying finish)

Floor finish mop w/ Mop handle

Floor Finish Applicator

An Overview of procedures used in stripping operations

Dust mop or sweep floor area and remove any foreign debris, i.e. gum, tar etc.

Mix proper solution of stripper with the correct amount of water in your mop bucket with *COLD water.

Post wet floor signs. The signs must indicate which areas are being stripped.

Mop the diluted stripper over the area to be cleaned (approximately 12' X 12') and allow adequate time for penetration of the stripper. Under normal conditions the diluted stripper should remain on the floor surface for 7 - 10 minutes. Do not allow stripper solution to dry on the floor surface!.

After a period of proper chemical reaction has passed (approximately 7  - 10 minutes), agitate the floor surface with a floor machine equipped with a PT-2000 stripping pad. Work with a small circular motion moving about the area you are stripping.

Use a utility pad holder with handle, equipped with a black pad and agitate the perimeter of the room i.e. baseboards.

Recover all stripper solution with a wet vacuum equipped with the proper floor squeegee tool.

If heavy build-up is present, reapply diluted stripper and allow 7 - 10 minutes dwell time and re-agitate with floor machine and stripping pad.

Recover all stripper solution with a wet vacuum equipped with the proper floor squeegee tool.

Alternate Rinse Process. After floor has been completely stripped of all old finish, change floor pad to a clean green or black floor pad (color of floor pad is not nearly as important as is the condition of the floor pad). Flood floor surface with clean water (approximately 12’ x 12’) and agitate with floor machine and appropriate floor pad. Recover water with wet vacuum and floor squeegee tool.

After floor has dried, check to insure that ALL the stripper residue has been removed by running your hand across the floor surface. If there is residue present on your hand repeat step #8.

Damp mop floor with a CLEAN mop and CLEAN rinse water.

Clean your equipment and return to its appropriate area.

Do not remove the wet floor signs until floor is completely dry.

* Why do we recommend COLD water you ask?. Simple. Much of the active ingredients in floor strippers will become very active (create a vapor) if mixed with HOT water and you therefore begin to weaken the strength of the stripper.