Product 101: Floor Finish
Floor finish isn’t always the first thing people notice when they enter a building, but it is significant in determining how a facility looks, feels and functions. For maintenance professionals, janitorial teams, and facility managers, understanding floor finish is essential not only for aesthetics but also for performance.
In this guide, we break down the basics of floor finish: what it is, why it’s essential, and how to select the right one.
What is floor finish?
Floor finish is the protective shield that adds shine, resists wear and helps protect the surface underneath. Most modern finishes are made from durable acrylic or urethane compounds that last much longer and require less upkeep between applications.
Why floor finish matters
Floor finish isn’t just about adding to the floor’s design. It plays a practical role in protecting flooring from spills, scuffs and wear that comes with daily foot traffic. It also makes floors easier to wipe down and maintain, allowing them to stay clean and professional.
Types of floor finishes
- • High-solid – has more polymer in each coat to reduce the number of coats needed, while getting long-lasting results.
- • Low-solid – thinner, making it easier to apply, but it usually requires more coats and touch-ups.
- • Burnishable – designed to work with high-speed buffing machines and suitable for spaces where a glossy finish is desired.
- • Non-burnishable – suitable for facilities where high-speed machines are unavailable and a lower-gloss look is preferred.
- • Green/low-VOC – meet environmental standards and improve air quality. They’re a good choice for schools, healthcare buildings or places focused on sustainability.
- • Low-solid – thinner, making it easier to apply, but it usually requires more coats and touch-ups.
Choosing the right finish
Selecting the right finish starts with understanding your environment. It’s best to consider the type of flooring, the amount of foot traffic the space receives, how often you’ll be able to maintain it and what equipment you have.
In schools, Vinyl Composition Tile flooring is a good choice because it is durable, long-lasting, affordable, easy to maintain and does well with high-gloss finishes. In healthcare, safety and air quality are essential. Therefore, low-VOC options with good slip resistance are best. In retail, shine is what sells. A finish that withstands daily foot traffic and can be easily restored is ideal.
What we offer
If you’re struggling to decide and don’t know where to begin, here are a few floor finishes that consistently get great feedback from facility managers and cleaning crews.
- • Spartan IShine – This finish is a solid choice if you want a polished, just-cleaned appearance without the need for constant maintenance.
- • Phenom High Gloss – This finish is a favorite for its easy application and great shine. It holds up well and provides a clean, professional finish with minimal fuss.
- • Betco Hard as Nails – This finish holds up well in high-traffic areas and requires less frequent recoating, saving time and effort in the long run.
- • Ecolab Gem Star – This finish is excellent for appearance and durability. It keeps floors looking sharp and resists scuffs
- • Phenom High Gloss – This finish is a favorite for its easy application and great shine. It holds up well and provides a clean, professional finish with minimal fuss.
These products have been around for a while and are recommended because they perform well, look great and help to simplify day-to-day floor care.
Proper application and maintenance tips
To ensure proper application, always begin with a clean, stripped floor. It’s best to use a finish mop or a flat applicator to keep the coats thin and even. It’s also essential to allow each coat to fully dry before adding the next one. Typically, you’ll need to do 3 to 5 coats.
After this is complete, regular maintenance is the key to keeping the floor looking nice. It’s important to dust mop daily to remove grit, use a neutral cleaner when damp mopping and use a high-speed buffer as needed if the finish is burnishable.
Even the best finishes will eventually need to be stripped down and reapplied to keep the flooring looking its best.
Floor finishes are one of those behind-the-scenes essentials that make a significant impact. It ensures your facility remains clean, safe and professional-looking. The right finish and regular maintenance can keep your floors looking their best all year round.