Wax Concrete Floors

What is Concrete Wax?

Concrete Wax, or Wax Concrete is basically a finisher for floors, usually water-based acrylic copolymers that are meant for use under normal foot traffic. For domestic purposes, using your average wax concrete is completely reasonable.

For commercial applications, however, higher-grade solvent-based floor waxes are advised, as they offer extra resistance to black heel marks and scuffs. If maintained well, they also stay slip-resistant

The appearance of a concrete floor finished with concrete wax is similar to a polished concrete floor, but should not be confused, as the application processes are completely different. Concrete wax is based on a surface process and concrete polishing on a mechanical process of the floor.

Most of the acrylic-based wax concrete are mop-down products that can be applied with a microfiber mop. It is advised to not use cotton mops as they can leave streak marks and lint onto the wax concrete floor. Solvent-based concrete waxes are usually applied with heavy-duty floor machines that are fitted with buffing attachments for the wax concrete floor.

Wax Concrete Floors
Applying concrete wax on a red floor

The durability of concrete waxes depends on the grade. A high-grade, commercial concrete wax will last longer than the average concrete wax. Waxed concrete will not wear down under normal daily use, but will see wear and tear after long periods of time.

Concrete floors are usually protected with several layers of concrete wax, going up to even 10 coats in high foot traffic areas. After these applications of concrete wax, the concrete surface should last forever, as long as it is maintained. The finish should be prevented from wearing down to the sealer, as a sealer is not as easy as a floor finish to re-apply.

How To Wax A Concrete Floor
Waxing a decorative concrete floor

How to Remove Wax From Concrete

This is a very common question that is asked by homeowners or even business corporations who have decided to opt for waxed concrete floors. Even other than concrete wax, getting out other types of wax from surfaces is an issue often. Below we will talk about some of the commonly talked about issues:

Removing Wax Concrete With Cleaning Machine (1)

Removing wax from a concrete floor

First, mix 3-4 L of hot water with 2 cups of wax stripper in a plastic bucket. Apply this to the waxed floor generously with a mop or soft bristle brush. Allow this solution to rest for 5-10 minutes, while adding more wax remover mix if it begins to dry out. Once the wax loosens up, rinse the floor using a clean mop and warm water.

Using vinegar?

Vinegar is a reliable option to use if you need to get rid of an old coat of wax from a surface, but should not be used to clean waxed furniture.

Rubbing alcohol?

A common recommendation is to use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipe-down to get rid of wax. We instead recommend that you use a degreaser, as wax is an oily substance. Isopropyl alcohol does have degreasing properties, but a degreaser works as a much more efficient option.

Removing wax from surfaces

Lay a lint-free and dry white cloth onto the wax and apply medium heat with an iron. The wax will stick to the cloth. Apply rubbing alcohol to get rid of residue, or simply freeze the wax with an ice pack, then shatter the frozen block with a blunt object.

Concrete Wax Vs Sealer

Concrete wax is basically a sealer itself, just the most affordable kind of sealer out there. It is recommended that you seal every new floor installation, and some floors may require wax while others require sealers. Wax works well on VTC flooring, while sealers work best on stone laminate and hardwood floors. Such is not always the case though, and the material required will always be based on your specific needs.

What remains in common between the two is that a wax or a sealer should be applied only after the installation of a new flooring or after a professional cleaning. A good sealer protects floors from liquid damage, which if left unsealed, can create stains.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to only hire professionals to apply waxes or sealers. Improperly applied sealers shine for the first few months, after which the floor begins to start taking on a dirty, yellowish appearance.

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