Swift can make your dull and faded vinyl floors look almost new!
Vinyl flooring is made of several materials, the most common being true vinyl, thermoplastic, and linoleum, which is making a comeback due to its versatility and good wearing properties. All are smooth, water resistant to a high degree and can be polished to virtually a mirror-like finish. Care must be taken, however, to protect the surface from new, as once the surface finish becomes abraded by foot traffic it becomes progressively more difficult to maintain a highly polished finish and, if the wear is bad enough, it can prove to be virtually impossible. It’s therefore essential to start maintaining the floor surface from the moment it is laid and that is the procedure we’re going to look at now. Swift provide professional stripping, cleaning and sealing services for all your Vinyl & Lino floors needs!
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| Dentist’s surgery flooring was dull and in need of some TLC | Floor cleaned and polished back to a mirror like finish by Swift |
What is Vinyl?
When it comes to vinyl flooring, there are several major subgroups that are all generally referred to as vinyl. It evolved from linoleum and is typically a mixture of cork powder or other wood dust, pigments and binding agents that are pressed into sheets. They are then covered with a transparent wear-resistant layer to seal the vinyl underneath and give the tiles a finished look that varies from matte to glasslike shine. Vinyl has always been popular, because it boasts excellent qualities – it’s durable and affordable, looks appealing and is fairly easy to maintain. Of course, one of the greatest things about vinyl flooring is that it comes in great deal of colours and patterns and ultimately, there is no look that cannot be mimicked by vinyl flooring.
What is Linoleum?
Linoleum, commonly abbreviated just “lino” is a flooring material that was first patented in 1863 and its name comes from the main ingredient it’s made from - solidified linseed oil that is boiled and mixed with molten resins, powdered cork, wood dust, fine limestone and other raw materials. Finally, the mixture is formed into sheets by applying heat and pressure. Genuine linoleum is an extremely long wearing floor coating that gets stronger with age, because the linseed oil gets harder as it oxidizes slowly over time.
Cleaning & Sealing Vinyl / Linoleum Floors
We know that although polishing of vinyl and linoleum floors is not that hard, there are many small things you need to think of and allow for in order to achieve perfect results.
Our hard floor restoration services include effective cleaning and polishing of vinyl and linoleum floors and their long term protection by employing state of the art equipment and technical expertise. Your floor can look neat and fine once again, just give us a ring and let us handle everything. We always use non-toxic finishing agents only, because we will never put you and your family in danger. Materials and agents that can be of health hazard are not in our product portfolio and have never been.
The polish is the uppermost layer of your vinyl or linoleum flooring that prevents dirt and liquids from penetrating and staining the floor. It should be reapplied regularly. While some companies recommend that this be done once or twice per year, others once every several damp cleanings and the rest as the appearance dictates, the truth is it should be done periodically, at least twice a year. This involves stripping the previous polish using manufacturer’s approved products and applying a new layer. In most cases dry buffing to achieve maximum shine, surface gloss and durability. While the latter technique is not always necessary, it’s the only option when it comes to dealing with permanent stain, burns and deep scratches. Finally, a freshly stripped floor requires a minimum of 3 layers of polish for acceptable gloss and surface protection.
Polishing of vinyl and linoleum floors is relatively unsophisticated. Without polishing, linoleum and vinyl floors appear dull and matted and become progressively susceptible to getting dirty, stained and damaged. Some of the advantages of proper polishing is the floor surface becomes shiny and protected against wear and tear and stains. Generally, polished linoleum and vinyl floors need more regular maintenance than flooring that features protective coating layer applied by the manufacturer during production. A proper maintenance routine typically includes stripping and re-polishing at least once or twice per year, especially in areas with high foot traffic. You will know it’s time to have you floors polished once they start looking dull and matted even after proper cleaning.
You must remember never to pour down polishing agents directly onto the floor, because this may lead to undesirable effects like uneven surface gloss, streaking etc. The use of proper, clean applicator pads is of utmost importance. Always wring the pad and never use it while soaking wet with the polishing agent. Remember that rubbing over the same area repeatedly may cause floor marks looking like paint brush strokes. Generally, several layers of polish need to be applied to attain a smooth, glossy surface finish. It is important that they are allowed enough time to dry and the more humid the weather is, the more it takes for a layer to dry. Depending on the polish itself, 40-60 minutes per layer is enough in most cases. Finally, you better wait for one to two hours before allowing foot traffic on the newly polish floor and 24 to 48 hours for the polish to harden and reach its maximum toughness.
Our “clean & polish” service includes:
- Preparatory cleaning, buffing or scrubbing
- Application of suitable, traffic resistant polish
- Guides for regular maintenance
Vinyl &Lino Floor Sealing FAQ
Q. Why do I need to reseal my vinyl & lino floors?
A. If your vinyl floors are old, badly scratched and discoloured, we can strip old sealers and reseal them with a high quality gloss finish to restore the look the vinyl. Resealing will also extend the wear of your floors and reduce the appearance of marks and scratches so as to guard against dirt penetration and abrasion.
Q. How often do I need to reseal my vinyl/lino floors?
A. That depends on the area and how it is used. Commercial floors will usually require resealing every year or two, while with residential floors, it’s good to have them sealed every 3-10 years depending on foot traffic and use. It also depends on the quality of the sealer that is used and the way it has been applied. If you have the procedure professionally done you will get the most out of it and be saving time and money.
Q. What is vinyl / lino strip and seal?
A. Vinyl strip and seal is simply the process of stripping the coating off the vinyl floor before resealing it. Vinyl flooring can look dull and lifeless over time, making it look older and really bringing down the feel of the home. By stripping and resealing it, you can bring the vinyl back up to a beautiful, lustrous appearance and eliminate the cost of laying new flooring.
Q. What is the process I can expect when you come to reseal my vinyl / lino floors?
A. Our professional team will go through the job processes step by step so you know exactly what you’re getting . The process of stripping the floor is to ensure that all the old sealer is removed. The floor is then thoroughly cleaned and neutralised so that it is free of dust, residue and anything else that can affect the new sealer. The new sealer is then applied to the dry floor and allowed to set. The newly sealed floor will not only look as new again, it will also protect the vinyl surface for longer and make it much easier to clean.
Q. How long does it take to reseal my vinyl / lino floors?
A. It all depends on the size of the area that we are sealing but most jobs take 4 – 8 hours to complete. We do stripping, cleaning and resealing in the same day so you don’t have to fuss with more than one appointment.
Q. What is sealing?
A. A sealer is a substance that, when applied to a porous surface that prevents the transmission of liquids through that surface. Sealers may dry to a shiny finish when applied to the floor but they are not intended to be burnished to a shine like a polish is – you’ll get your shine but eventually you will wear the seal through. Sealers are intended to be a permanent barrier between the surface to be treated and liquids. Generally a seal goes down first, followed by polish buffing.
Q. Why is it important for me to have my vinyl/lino floors sealed?
A. Sealers are different from polishes and are actually designed to keep liquids and dirt particles from sinking into the vinyl. All vinyl should be sealed when it is first installed, and this initial seal can last many years, especially if the vinyl is polished regularly. It is important to call us as soon as your floors are installed so we can come and protect them before you do any accidental permanent damage.
Q. How long does the sealer last for?
A. The floor should only be resealed when the coating is starting to wear away in places. Sealers, polishes, and finishes are often used interchangeably, and some polishes do have sealing effects while other products labelled finishers are actually sealants, so be sure to carefully inspect products if you decided to buy them.
Vinyl / Lino Floor Stripping
Q. Why do I need to strip my vinyl / lino floors?
A. If you want your vinyl floors to be their cleanest and looking their best you need to have a professional strip all the wax from the floor which will remove the film of grime that you are seeing. After the floor is stripped of the previous wax then the cleaner and sealer will be applied. You will have the freshest cleanest looking floor when we are finished with the process.
Q. Is it possible to have my vinyl / lino floors stripped too often?
A. Yes, you should only have your floors stripped every 3-10 years for residential floors and every 1-3 years for commercial floors. It is best to have your floors buffed and polished on a regular basis to keep them looking new.
Vinyl / Lino Floor Buffing & Polishing
Q. What is the meaning of vinyl / lino floor polishing?
A. The term “polish” can be used to describe different services by different companies, however when it comes to vinyl &lino floors “polishing “is just another way of saying sealing and buffing.
Q. What is polish?
A. “Polish” is a substance that is applied to a surface to protect it and enhance its appearance. So for porous floors, the polish is applied on top of the seal, to give your floor its shine – and to protect the seal! The idea is that polish can be reapplied and maintained fairly easily, leaving the seal in place to protect the floor surface.
Q. How is the polish applied?
A. The application of polish to vinyl flooring is a simple task – but one that must be carried out correctly if the final finish is to be of a high standard. The floor should be cleaned as described above and rinsed thoroughly. When totally dry – and at this time probably looking quite dull – the polish can be applied and buffed using our buffing machine.
It is very important not to over-apply the polish – the floor should have a ‘wet-look’ finish with no opaque streaks visible – if there are streaks it means that the polish is being spread too thickly – drying time and finish will suffer if polish is over-applied. There are several different kinds of polish, which are normally applied to vinyl flooring.
Q. Why should I have my vinyl/ lino floors buffed?
A. Over time, vinyl floors lose their sheen due to built up dirt and grime. Abrasion due to heels under footwear or rollers under chairs cause scratches and fine cuts on the sealed layers of your vinyl floors. These scratches and cuts act as cavities, attracting fine dirt particles to settle between them. High speed buffing can normally remove fine scratches and built up dirt so that floors return to a sparking shine.
After we strip, clean and seal your vinyl floor it will be pristine. The vinyl has probably lost some of its gloss and developed some tiny scratches on the surface so buffing will make it look smoother and shinier. The smooth shiny floor will be easier to keep clean with just water or a mild cleaning solution for suture cleaning. You won’t need to re-buff for a while and they will be looking the best they possible can.
Q. Can you buff my vinyl/lino floors for a special occasion?
A. Yes we buff floors so special occasions often and it happens to be one of our specialties. If it’s a wedding or a party we will have your floors looking shiny and new for your special day or night.
Q. How often should polish be applied to my vinyl / lino floor?
A. The polish is the uppermost layer of your vinyl or linoleum flooring that prevents dirt and liquids from penetrating and staining the floor. It should be reapplied regularly. While some companies recommend that this be done once or twice per year, others once every several damp cleanings and the rest as the appearance dictates, the truth is it should be done periodically, at least twice a year.
Q. How is the polish applied?
A. This involves stripping the previous polish using manufacturer’s approved products and applying a new layer. In most cases dry buffing to achieve maximum shine, surface gloss and durability. While the latter technique is not always necessary, it’s the only option when it comes to dealing with permanent stain, burns and deep scratches.
Q. How many layers of polish will you apply?
A. A freshly stripped floor requires that a minimum of 3 layers of polish for acceptable gloss and surface protection. Polishing of vinyl and linoleum floors is relatively unsophisticated. Without polishing, linoleum and vinyl floors appear dull and matted and become progressively susceptible to getting dirty, stained and damaged.
Q. Why should I have a professional polish my vinyl / lino floor?
A. Some of the advantages of proper polishing is the floor surface becomes shiny and protected against wear and tear and stains, you will end up saving time and money having it down right the first time
Vinyl Cleaning
Q. How do I know when my vinyl / lino floors ready for stripping and cleaning?
A. You will know it’s time to have it done once your floors start looking dull and matted even after a proper cleaning.
Q. What does your restoration services include?
A. Our hard floor restoration services include effective cleaning and polishing of vinyl and linoleum floors and their long-term protection by employing state of the art equipment and technical expertise. Your floor can look neat and fine once again, just give us a ring and let us handle everything.
Q. Are your cleaning products non-toxic?
A. We always use non-toxic finishing agents only, because we will never put you and your family in danger. Materials and agents that can be of health hazard are not in our product portfolio and have never been.
Q. What does a proper maintenance routine include?
A. A proper maintenance routine typically includes stripping and re-polishing at least once or twice per year, especially in commercial areas with high foot traffic.
Generally, polish linoleum and vinyl floors need more regular maintenance than flooring that features protective coating layer applied by the manufacturer during production.
Q. What can I do to keep my vinyl / lino floor looking new?
A. Basic precautions will help keep your floor looking good such as a doormat at entrances, and regular sweeping to avoid grit being walked into the floor.
Q. How do I properly clean and maintain my vinyl/ lino flooring?
A. Sweep or vacuum vinyl floors with a solid floor attachment. To clean dirt that won’t come up with a sweep or vacuum, use a non-rinsing cleaner that leaves no film and a mop. Never use an abrasive cleaner, oil cleaner, or dish detergent.
Q. What do your cleaning services include?
A. Our services include stripping your vinyl or linoleum floor, cleaning it and then re-sealing it.
Q. How do I measure the size of the area?
A. We recommend that you measure each room separately. They way to measure is the width x length. For example a room that is 3 meters long and 2 meters wide is 3 x 2 = 6m2 in total.
Q. How long does it take to dry?
A. It depends on the airflow and weather the day that the service is done but usually dry time takes around three to six hours.
Q. What should I do to prepare for the cleaning?
A. Move all furniture and items up off the floor so it is ready for us to clean when we arrive.
Q. Do you repair vinyl and linoleum flooring?
A. We do not do repairs to damages like cuts and scratches but we can restore your floor for you with our stripping, cleaning and sealing process. If you have small scratches in your floor usually after we buff and polish they are hidden. However the actual deep scratch may still be there and can’t be removed.
Q. My vinyl / linoleum floors are very old and dull can you make them look new again?
A. It really depends on how old your floors are. We will have to come have a look at them to decide if we can restore them for you or it will even be worth it to use our services.
Q. There is a stain on m vinyl / linoleum floor can you remove it?
A. Is the stain is new and has not set in we will probably be able to remove it. It is important to have us strip, clean and seal your floor so in the future nothing will be able to stain your vinyl floor.
Q. What is the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring?
A. The primary difference between linoleum and vinyl is that linoleum floors need to be refinished at regular intervals, whereas vinyl floors are more durable and need only occasional resealing when the sealant wears down and the tile is in danger of being scuffed or torn.
Q. What exactly is Vinyl?
A. When it comes to vinyl flooring, there are several major subgroups that are all generally referred to as vinyl. It evolved from linoleum and is typically a mixture cork powder or other wood dust, pigments and binding agents that are pressed into sheets. They are then covered with a transparent wear-resistant layer to seal the vinyl underneath and give the tiles a finished look that varies from matte to glasslike shine. Vinyl has always been popular, because it boasts excellent qualities – it’s durable and affordable, looks appealing and are fairly easy to maintain. Of course, one of the greatest things about vinyl flooring is that it comes in great deal of colours and patterns and ultimately, there is no look that cannot be mimicked by vinyl flooring.
Q. What exactly is Linoleum?
A. Linoleum, commonly abbreviated just “lino” is a flooring material that was first patented in 1863 and its name comes from the main ingredient it’s made from, solidified linseed oil that is boiled and mixed with molten resins, powdered cork, wood dust, fine limestone and other raw materials. Finally, the mixture is formed into sheets by applying heat and pressure. Genuine linoleum is extremely long wearing floor coating that gets stronger with age, because the linseed oil gets harder as it oxidizes slowly over time.