1.5 Preparation

Floor Stripping Preparation:

  • Check stripper Safety Data Sheet for hazards and PPE.
  • Sweep the floor to remove rubbish and scrape off any chewing gum and labels and erect ‘wet floor’ signs and barricades.
  • Stick plastic sheeting along the base of windows, walls and doors to protect from stripper solution.
  • Place cardboard next to the area being stripped. Step on cardboard if stripper gets on shoes (prevents ‘footprints’ appearing all over the floor).
  • Wear gator shoes, to prevent slipping on wet floor.
  • First add cold water to wringer bucket (approx 12 litres)
  • Then add stripper at 1:10 (1¼ litres (5 cups) to 12 litres of water)
  • For thick coatings use 1 in 5 solution depending on product, always read instructions.
  • If stripping a large area divide floor into sections and strip one section at a time.
  • Dip stripper mop into solution, then remove without wringing and let stripper pour over floor. Repeat process until entire area is well covered.
  • Leave stripper on floor for ten minutes, giving it time to attack the sealer.

IMPORTANT

  • If the solution dries the floor will need to be stripped again – always keep the floor evenly wet.
  • During this time, scrub edges, feet of shelves and fittings to remove old sealer and dirt.
  • When time is up, scrub whole floor using black stripping pads.
  • If using autoscrubber, turn vacuum off.
  • If an electric machine is used, then start at the point nearest to the power point.
  • Spend longer scrubbing edges where sealer is thicker.