How do you wax a floor?
Waxing protects the floor and gives it its shine. It is done on a stripped floor, or on an existing finish in good condition that has just been deep cleaned. Here is how to get an even, streak-free finish.
Updated
Quick answer
To wax a floor, apply several thin coats of finish (acrylic wax) to a clean, dry floor with a clean mop, in figure-eight motions. Let each coat dry for the time given by the manufacturer, often 30 to 60 minutes, and generally apply 3 to 5 coats in traffic areas.
Time: 3 to 5 hours depending on the number of coats
What you need
- Floor finish (acrylic wax) compatible with your flooring
- Clean finish mop, kept for waxing only
- Clean bucket lined with a plastic bag
- Painter’s tape to protect the baseboards
- High-speed burnisher (optional, for the final buffing)
Steps
- 1
Start with a clean, dry floor
The floor must be stripped and rinsed, or deep cleaned, then perfectly dry. The slightest dust gets trapped in the finish.
- 2
Load the mop
Dip the mop in the finish and wring it lightly: it should be damp, not dripping.
- 3
Apply a thin coat
Start along the walls about 15 cm (6 in.) from the baseboards, then fill in the centre in figure-eight motions, working backward toward the exit.
- 4
Let it dry
Wait until the coat is dry to the touch before the next one, for the time given by the manufacturer (often 30 to 60 minutes).
- 5
Repeat
Generally apply 3 to 5 coats in traffic areas, 2 or 3 elsewhere. The last coats can stop a little short of the baseboards to avoid buildup.
- 6
Let it cure, then buff
Respect the curing time before foot traffic and before heavy furniture goes back. High-speed buffing, once the finish has cured, increases the shine.
Mistakes to avoid
- Applying thick coats: they dry poorly, yellow and keep the mop marks.
- Using the washing mop: soap residue prevents the finish from bonding.
- Waxing in a cold or damp room: drying takes longer and the finish can turn white.
- Putting the furniture back too soon: the legs mark the finish while it is still soft.
When should you call a professional?
For a store, school or office that cannot close for long, professionals apply the coats faster and with a more even finish, then buff at high speed. HygiePro takes care of it outside your business hours.
Frequently asked questions
How many coats of wax should you put on a floor?
Generally 3 to 5 thin coats in entrances and corridors, 2 or 3 in rooms with little traffic. Several thin coats are better than one thick coat.
Can you wash a waxed floor with vinegar?
It is best avoided: the acidity of vinegar dulls and wears down the wax. Wash with a neutral floor cleaner instead.
Which wax should you use on a vinyl floor?
An acrylic finish (floor wax) made for vinyl and VCT. Wax for wood floors is a different product and should not be used on vinyl.