2. Streaking
3. Scuffing
4. Poor gloss
Listed below are some of the common causes of polishes powdering;
- Floor temperature too low when applied
- Floor finish allowed to freeze in storage
- Use of gels or germicidal products on polished surfaces - these tend to soften the polish and lead to powdering
- Overcoating the floor with polish
- Buffing pad too aggressive for dry cleaning. Aggressive pads should only be used for spray buffing or spray cleaning without any damage to the floor surface.
- Hot water being used on floors. Cold water is always recommended as this helps to harden the polish or seal
- Applied on a new tile
- Applied on a soiled floor
- Polish allowed to dry too fast
- Powdering can occur by using a product to clean polished floor surfaces
- Mops impregnated with an oil dressing must never be used on polished floor surfaces
A good maintenance programme will help avoid any powdering.
2. Streaking
Preparation is the most important factor in avoiding streaking in newly treated floors. The most common causes of streaking include;
- Recoating too soon
- Use of a dirty applicator
- New floors often have an oil or wax dressing which must be removed before any application of polish
- Application of polish too thinly
- The stitching on certain mops makes the fibres hard thus causing streaking
- Some mops are pre-treated with a dressing, which must be removed before use
- Too much pressure on the mop will produce streaking
- Floor finish allowed to freeze
Correct preparation and methodical application will help to avoid streaking.
3. Scuffing
Scuffing on polished floors results due to;
- Insufficient maintenance
- Floors not protected with appropriate seal or polish
- Floor finish film too thick
Even with the best preparation, high gloss finish and non-slip surface being achieved - scuffing will always occur. In a school situation with hundreds of pupils, black marks and scuffing are inevitable.
Scuff marks are easily removed from floors treated with Tough As Nails and Insurance.
4. Poor gloss
Poor gloss results due to;
- Lack or proper preparation and proper rinsing to remove any residue from the stripping agents used
- Application of polish to floor surfaces previously treated with gel and germicidal products
- Diluting the polish greater than the manufacturers recommendations
- Insufficient number of coats
- Wrong pads used in buffing
- Soiled floor
- Floor cleaner being too aggressive
