Commercial hard floors are critical to your facility’s overall cleanliness and appearance. Often, these resilient floors require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.
One of the most important maintenance steps is floor polishing. But what exactly is this process? And how can you know when it’s time to polish your showroom floor?
What is Polishing?
Commercial floor polishing Jackson Heights, NY is a multi-step process of progressively grinding concrete or terrazzo floors with industrial diamonds to create an impressive quality shine. Unlike spray buffing, which uses a high-speed machine to coat & shine the floor surface, floor polishing also removes nicks & smudges.
A professionally polished commercial floor looks newer & is easier to maintain. Regular floor polishing also helps to protect your floors from damage & makes them last longer.
A floor polishing product with a flathead mop can be done on most flooring types (except for vinyl, luxury vinyl & linoleum). Be sure to use a floor polishing product made specifically for your floor type & doesn’t have urethane. A good quality product will specify this on the label.
What is Buffing?
Buffing is the last stage of the polishing process. It levels out any residue or excess product and usually increases the level of gloss, and helps spread it evenly across the surface.
The buffing process involves using a cloth wheel impregnated with loose abrasives as a cutting compound to remove the superficial material and imperfections to leave behind a smooth surface. It may also involve using a polishing compound to achieve the desired look.
To avoid over-buffing your nails, use six to eight strokes. It’s important to keep in mind that buffing can damage the nail, so be gentle. Try a softer, more flexible buffing pad to make the process less painful. You can buy various buffers online and at your local hardware store.
How is Polishing Done?
Floor polishing is a labor-intensive process that can be challenging with the proper equipment. Hiring a professional floor cleaning company for this type of work is generally best.
Buffing & polishing both increase the longevity of your floors by removing buildup, nicks & scuffs to make them look newer & cleaner. However, buffing is done with a machine that spins at a slower rate, while polishing (also known as burnishing) requires a much heavier & faster machine that goes up to 1500-2500 rpm.
There are several different types of polishing products available that can be used for your showroom floors, but you should always test the product on an inconspicuous area first. Regular re-polishing can keep your flooring looking great and reduce slips & falls in your shopping mall or showroom.
How is Buffing Done?
The buffing process is done with a machine that spins pads that remove dirt and other scuff marks that can’t be removed with a standard mop. The machine also leaves a glossy, smooth finish that appeals to most commercial clients.
Floor buffing machines are usually manual walk-behind types but can also be powered by electricity. They are ideal for concrete, VCT & linoleum but can be used on wood floors if they aren’t urethane finished and need a high gloss.
Buffing is a time-consuming job that requires the right chemicals and equipment to be completed properly. This is why most businesses prefer to hire a professional service equipped with the right tools and knows how to use them correctly.
What is the Difference Between Buffing and Polishing?
While the two may seem similar, buffing and polishing offer different results. For instance, polishing offers a more intense shine, while buffing is generally used to create smoother material without the added brilliance.
The difference between the two also depends on the type of floor in question. For example, linoleum is machine-buffed with a specialized floor cleaner, or you can use homemade polish (a mixture of 1 cup of white vinegar and water). Laminate typically has an acrylic factory finish which machines can damage, so only damp mopping with a special laminate floor cleaner is recommended.
Buffing is an excellent way to remove stains and other light surface imperfections from your showroom floor, while polishing helps your floors look new. Depending on the usage of your commercial space, it is recommended that you get your showroom floor re-polished at least once a year.
