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FLOOR FINISHES AND FLOOR TYPES
INFORMATION ABOUT FLOOR FINISHES

In liquid form, floor finishes are composed of up to 25 components. Some components are volatile,
meaning that they evaporate when applied, and assist in the formation, curing and film forming of
the floor finish. The remaining components are non-volatile meaning they do not evaporate. These
materials remain on the floor in residual form after the floor finish has dried and cured.

There are literally thousands of different types of floor finish formulas designed to produce various
results such as: hard and soft floor finishes; buffable, semi-buffable, and non-buffable floor
finishes; finishes that have high scuff and slip-resistant qualities; water and detergent-resistant
finishes; high clarities and glosses; rapid recoating, etc.


FLOOR FINISH COMPONENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

Polymers

Polymers are the main film forming component of a floor finish. The polymer is an emulsion of high
molecular weight polymers normally suspended in water. One of the tasks of a polymer chemist is
to get the individual polymer particles to coalesce into a continuous, coherent film. To better
understand the problem and appreciate its solutions, we must first take a look at the chemistry of
the polymer emulsion and the physical process associated with film formation.

Floor finish polymers are formed by a process known as polymerization, monomers which are
emulsified and changed in a reactor with surfactants, water, and initiators. In this process, the
formulated floor finish is applied to a surface, the water and other volatiles evaporate, curing the
finish, and a film forms. The polymerization is carried out in a 'free radical' process which is initiated
by heat or a redox couple. The free radical combination of monomers forms a high molecular
weight polymer chain which takes place very rapidly in the monomer-rich surfactant micells. Floor
finish durability has been shown to increase with the polymer vehicle molecular weight. Thus,
polymerization reaction conditions are selected to drive the polymer to very high molecular
weights.

The monomers selected to make up a specific floor finish are chosen for their properties or
performance features that they will impart into a finish (i.e. durability, gloss, slip resistance,
leveling, clarity, mark resistance, etc.). For instance, the incorporation of polymerized styrene
monomers into a finish polymer can help achieve a higher gloss and give better detergent
resistance. However, it can also strongly detract from the finish's black mark resistance and
removability. In the process, the residual of un-polymerized styrene can become a health and
environment problem.

Other co-monomers are selected for their performance properties that are known to impart other
properties into the finish. The levels or ratios of co-monomers used are balanced and manipulated
to provide a commercially acceptable overall balance of the finish properties. This is done in much
the same way that finish formulation ingredients are balanced to arrive at the desired combination
of finish properties. The concepts of polymer glass transition temperatures (Tg's) and minimum film
forming temperatures (MFT's) are important when dealing with floor finish polymers. In floor finish
polymers, a polymer's MFT is always higher than its 1g. The reason for this is that the polymer
must be brought to a temperature where plastic flow is possible before the emulsion particles can
be expected to deform for close packing. This cross-linking reaction takes place during the film
formation process. Cross-linked polymers, particularly cross-linked at the relatively low temperature
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levels typical of floor finish polymers, do not demonstrate the fact that they are cross-linked in their
Tg. Evidence of the formation of metal polymer cross-linking is found in finish solubility fractions,
some physical properties, detergent resistance/removability balance, finish durability and increased
polymer emulsion MFT. Some of the polymeric acid functionality is cross-linked in the emulsion
state in polymer manufacturing, long before film formation is attempted. This results in a higher
effective molecular weight for the polymer and decrease mobility in the polymer chains so that the
polymer emulsion deformation is more difficult and emulsion MFT is increased. It is the role of the
finish formulating chemist to take these high MFT emulsions and make finish formulations that form
tight coherent films on floors that may be as cold as 5C to 10 C.


Film Formers and the Process

The key to acceptable floor finish performance is the formation of a tight cohesive finish film. This
film needs to be formed under the fast multiple recoat procedures which is more common of late. It
must withstand the rigors of aggressive wear, friction and heat generated by 2000+ RPM propane
burnishing. As a coat of finish is applied, the universe of that finish is composed largely of polymer
spheres and wax particles. They are kept separated by their charged particles and by a water
medium containing various ingredients. As the floor finish begins to dry, ingredients such as the
water and the coalescence evaporate. Film formation requires deformation of the polymer spheres.
The evaporation of the aqueous media produces very high pressure on the polymer spheres. This
forces the polymer particles together overcoming the repelling of like charges. As the water
evaporates, this pressure forces the spheres together to fill any voids that might exist. The polymer
movement is aided by the presence of a plasticizer within the polymer particle and the softening of
the exterior polymer particle by the coalescence. There are two schools of thought as to what
happens at this point; one group believes that through the film formation process, the existence of
particle identity remains, while another group believes that the particle boundaries are lost during
film formation. In any case, when the volatile water and coalescence have evaporated, a tight,
cohesive film must exist. If this film fails to form, the floor finish will not perform under the rigours of
wear and burnishing.

One cannot talk about film formation without considering the environmental conditions under which
a film is formed. Both high and low humidity conditions can be derogatory to film formation. High
humidity conditions, typically greater than 65%, allow water to re-enter the film as a coalescent.
The result of this situation is that by the time the film dries, there isn't sufficient coalescence for film
formation to occur. Conversely, low humidity conditions are such that the equilibrium between the
film and the atmosphere does not allow the coalescence to remain around the polymer long
enough to perform the functions needed during film formation process. The result of both situations
is weak films. The correct climatic conditions are essential to proper floor finish formation.


Water

Water is the carrier for emulsion finishes. It is the medium which stabilizes and integrates the
interaction of the latex particles in the wet state. As a major volume ingredient of the finish, it must
also be lost into the atmosphere through evaporation to produce a dry finish film. The forces
produced in the loss of water from the wet film are responsible for the deformation of the hard
emulsion polymer particles to produce a film. Caution: At all times, avoid diluting finish. A change in
water concentration will produce unsatisfactory coalescence in the finish.


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The Wetting Agent

This is usually a fluorocarbon surfactant whose function is to reduce the surface tension of the
aqueous finish. A surfactant of 30 dynes per centimeter is generally required so that the finish
formulation will wet out and level over surfaces such as solid vinyl tile. Wetting Agents are
surfactants, therefore, these materials will tend to lead to foam generation in the finish bucket and
on the floor.


The Defoamer

This is either an emulsified silicone oil, or a fatty acid which serves to break foam bubbles. Anti-
foams, which serve to retard the formation of bubbles, do not seem to work well in this application.
Fatty acid defoamers and some silicone defoamers lose their efficiency in prolonged storage of the
wet finish. Excessive defoamer charges will produce craters or 'fish-eyes' due to localized
dewetting in the drying finish film.


Preservatives

These materials protect the wet formulations from inoculation by bacteria and fungal microbes.
Formaldehyde has been commonly used but environmental and toxicity concerns have prompted a
shift to non-formaldehyde-containing antimicrobials. Unlike the more modern preservatives,
formaldehyde reacts with the amines present in the polymer emulsion reducing the formulation pH.
This may contribute to finish sedimentation and other forms of instability. A micro-organism attack
can cause discolouration, early film destruction, and unpleasant odours.


Leveling Agent

The levelling agent is required to achieve a smooth finish film upon application. It is an essential
ingredient in most floor finish formulations. This chemical is also a plasticizer, but its high cost
generally limits its use to only that of a levelling agent.


Stabilizers

Stabilizers are optional ingredients which protect the wet finish formulation. Freeze/thaw stability,
viscosity or sedimentation stability can be enhanced for prolonged storage. The finish may be
inherently stable requiring no stabilizing additive, or it may require one or both types of stabilizers.
Freeze/thaw stability is obtained by restricting the formation of ice crystal structures. Ethylene
glycol and propylene glycol are commonly used for this. The problems of storage instability, which
manifest themselves as viscosity increase, creaming, sedimentation, or gel formation, are the
result of interactions between finish ingredients which ultimately destabilize the emulsion materials
in the formulation. Surface active materials, such as soaps or surfactants, act to stabilize
dispersions so they effectively correct problems of storage and stability. Because the
destabilization process is not well understood, the choice of appropriate stabilizing agents is
usually determined by trial and error. One must also realize that new problems (such as excessive
foaming, overplasticisation, poor detergent water resistance) are not introduced due to the
introduction of the stabilizer.



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Wax Emulsions

Wax emulsions are included as a part of modern floor finish formulations because they favourably
change the effect of traffic on the finish film. By changing the way that the energy of heel impact is
absorbed, wax emulsions modify the scuff, black mark, and slip resistance of floor finish films. It
should be noted that the polymer composition used in a floor finish is also a major determinant in
the performance properties previously mentioned. It has been determined that after the finish
formulation has formed a film, the wax component is not evenly distributed throughout the
composition, but retains its particle identity as a discreet micro-region of wax in the matrix of the
finish vehicle. Because of this, the wax selection and level can prevent a finish from powdering
under traffic. The choice of wax emulsion is usually made on the basis of cost, durability, slip
resistance, stability and overall machine buffing response. Wax emulsions appear to be the least
stable component of a finish formulation. For this reason, waxes are usually the last ingredient
added when making the finish formulation.


Alkali Soluble Resins

When alkali soluble resins are added to a finish, they increase the ease of removability, reduce the
formulation cost, and increase the efficiency of the coalescing solvents. Alkali soluble resins are
low molecular weight polymeric or natural product based acids which make true solutions in water
when they are converted to ammonium salts. Because alkali soluble resins are film forming
aqueous solution polymers, they do not require coalescence or plasticizing. Therefore the inclusion
of an alkali soluble resin in a finish formulation at the expense of polymer emulsion or wax
emulsion and will reduce the requirements for coalescing and plasticizing solvents.


Solvents

There are two general classes of solvents used in the formulation of floor finishes: plasticisers and
coalescences. Plasticisers are permanent constituents of the finish film and coalescences are
volatile. Both serve to soften the polymeric emulsion components of a finish. The plasticisers
remain in the film to permanently soften the finish film while coalescences leave the film after film
formation has taken place. When formulated with coalescences, the polymer and finish can return
to their optimum designed hardness. Plasticisers, as permanent constituents, remain as solids in
an even determination of finish non-volatile content. Because coalescences are driven off in the
same way that water is lost plasticisers can be used as part of the solids when formulating a finish
to a specific solids level. Plasticisers guard against scratching, chipping, resisting impact, slipping
and preventing the floor finish from becoming too brittle, which leads to powdering during buffing
and burnishing.

Coalescences are a necessary ingredient to lower the minimum film forming temperature (MFT) of
the floor finish. This facilitates proper film formation. Coalescences differ in both water polymer
distribution and finish volatility. For a coalescent to be effective, it must possess a proper level of
hydrophobicity. Coalescence choice and charge are both critical in achieving proper re-coatability
and a haze-free finish. Diethlene or dipropylene glycol ethers are typical coalescences. Both
diethlene glycol ethyl or methyl ethers and dipropylene glycol methyl ether display the proper
balance of film formation effectiveness and application volatility. Diethylene glycol butyl ether is a
more potent solvent with the trade-off being a slower evaporation rate. Very hydrophilic solvents,
such as ethylene or propylene glycol, do not assist in film formation. Some coalescences contain
ethylene glycol as a cosolvent. This type of additive detracts from the finish film formation.

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Plasticisers used in floor finish formulations become permanent film components. The plasticiser,
when added to a floor finish, requires time to equilibrate and be absorbed into the polymer particle.
Plasticisers are very effective solvents. As a rule, they will generally replace twice their weight of
coalescence. Plasticisers will permanently soften a floor finish film, lowering its mark and soil
resistance. Dibutyl phthalate is a typical choice for plasticisers.


Solids

Solids are the non-volatile remains of the finish. Generally speaking, the percentage of solids has
little bearing on the strength of the film. However, the performance of a floor finish is more
dependent on the quality of the ingredients that make up the solid and the density of the film.

STANDARD FLOORING AND FLOOR CARE BASICS

Before a suitable floor cleaning and maintenance program can be recommended, the type of floor
must be identified.

Resilient Flooring

Resilient floors can be defined as those that are composed largely of resins and/or polymers.
These materials are thermoplastic and are relatively soft when compared to concrete or wood. That
is, the flooring is both resilient and flexible underfoot. They are pigmented (for colour), and
generally contain plasticisers and inorganic extenders. Extenders are the less expensive portions
of the solid material. These are added to some resilient floors to give them properties such as
firmness, density, etc. In the case of vinyl asbestos tile, asbestos is the extender, while
polyvinylchloride (P.V.C.) is the polymer.

Resilient flooring generally comes in either tile or sheet form. Tiles are commonly 30 cm square
while sheet flooring is in the form of large sheets of material that can cover the entire floor with one
or two seams. Composite vinyl and rubber are the two types of tile flooring in general use today.

ASPHALT TILE - this tile is a mixture of synthetic fibres, lime rock, mineral fillers, and colouring.
The binder is either asphalt or resin. Tiles that have asphalt as a binder are usually darker in colour
than those with resin as a binder. Asphalt tile is relatively inexpensive and is very durable.
However, because it does not have the ability to heal well when it has been tracked upon with gritty
material, asphalt tile becomes porous over time. This will result in a decrease in the floor's
brightness and general attractiveness. It is recommended that these floors are treated with wax
finishes rather than polymer finishes. Polymer brings out the problem of porosity and powdering.
Polymer finishes are generally much harder than wax coatings and often penetrate deeper into
porous substrates. This causes powdering of polymer finishes - although other factors are often
involved as well. Once a polymer film powders it is not possible to bring it back to its original
appearance. With wax it is possible to buff the asphalt tile, to bring the film back to its former
appearance with relative ease. Soap and harsh alkaline cleaners were often used on asphalt tile
which emulsified and weakened components of the asphalt tile. Only mild synthetic liquid cleaners
that contain no soap should be used to clean asphalt tile. A minimum of water should be used in
cleaning this tile, because the water may seep down into the seams and loosen the binding
between the tile and the sub-flooring. When water is used in the cleaning operation, it should be
removed quickly and thoroughly. Solvents and oils should never be used on asphalt tile. They
attack the tile, causing it to break down. A water emulsion resin finish, which is compatible with
resilient tile floors should be used. Extremes of hot and cold should be avoided. Asphalt tile is a
thermoplastic material and becomes brittle and may crack when it gets too cold. When it becomes
too hot, asphalt tile becomes soft and Darks easily. Several coats of acrylic sealer may be needed
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to build up the old asphalt tile. Frequent use of asphalt tile flooring ended in the 1960's and is
seldom encountered today.

RUBBER TILE - This flooring is made up of natural and/or synthetic rubber, along with other
minerals such as clay, oils, waxes, colour pigments, and sometimes asbestos. Rubber tile is
available in many colours, including faux marble. It is coloured by mineral pigments and should be
protected against indentation and direct sunlight. Rubber tile is waterproof, flexible, alkali and
abrasion resistant, and almost stain proof. It resists mold and bacteria growth. Its outstanding
features are its shininess, durability, and resilience. Natural rubber tile is ruined by oils, greases,
solvents, strong soaps, and strong alkali. Soaps and alkali make the tile soft and tacky. When it
dries, it becomes hard and brittle and crazing appears all through its surface. Solvents, oils and
greases not only soften natural rubber tile, but cause it to swell and bleed. However, synthetic
rubber tile will withstand solvents, oils and greases. Rubber tile can be scrubbed with lukewarm
water and a mild cleaner without harming the tile.

SHEET VINYL AND LINOLEUM - The very first soft flooring was linoleum. It first appeared in
England around 1864. It is a mixture of linseed oil, resins, colourings, and ground cork or wood
flour pressed onto burlap backing. Linoleum generally comes in six-foot wide sheets and is
available in many colours, patterns, and designs that permeate its thickness. It is more resilient
than asphalt tile, or vinyl asbestos tile, and will not show permanent indentations from weight or
sudden impact Linoleum can be damaged by acids, strong alkalis and water. Linoleum will absorb
water and soften. Strong alkaline solutions will attack linoleum and cause it to become brittle and
crack. Sealer is recommended to fill the pores to prevent wear, difficult to remove surface dirt, and
water absorption.

Sheet vinyl is much like vinyl asbestos in its makeup, properties, and care require made from the
same materials except that sheet vinyl contains no asbestos. Sheet vinyl generally comes in six-
foot wide sheets that may or may not have a backing. Sheet vinyl flooring comes in many colours
and patterns. It is resistant to weak acids, alkali, and most common chemicals, and is very resistant
to oils, greases, and water, but not solvents. Sheet vinyl has the same good slip resistance as vinyl
asbestos tile, and is much more flexible. Constant foot traffic will dull the original shiny surface of
sheet vinyl - this is especially noticeable in traffic lanes which become marked with small
scratches. These scratches pick up soil and black rubber marks from the soles of shoes and
becomes dirty looking. The use of floor finish will make it last longer and look better. One of the
idiosyncrasies of sheet vinyl is that when it is stripped with highly alkalaline strippers, it may
change colour, and in some cases cause it to yellow. This discolouration can be removed by
scrubbing the flooring with a weak acidic solution such as No Skidding Product's 'Neutraliser',
vinegar or another water soluble organic acid (dilute two cups per 5 litres of water). After
neutralizing, rinse the floor very well with water or a neutral cleaner solution. Be sure no permanent
residue remains on the floor treated in this manner as such residue, either alkaline or acidic,
interferes with the performance of polymer finishes.

VINYL COMPOSITE AND VINYL ASBESTOS TILE - The primary difference between and vinyl
composite and asbestos tiles are that the vinyl composite contains either homogeneous or pure
vinyl. It has no asbestos and no other hardening extender in it. The composition of vinyl composite
tiles are vinyl resins, suitably plasticized and stabilized, with or without fortifying fibers, mineral
fillers and prime pigments. Metallic accents (chips, pigments, etc.) are frequently used to form its
overall design. The transparent wear coating is usually polyurethane, acrylic or vinyl. Although this
transparent layer provides an extra measure of protection, the surface is subject to the same wear
and tear as other types of floors. Vinyl composite tile is generally more durable than vinyl asbestos
and, due to recent studies on the effects of asbestos as a carcinogen, it is considered to be safer.
Vinyl asbestos tile is still prevalent and guidelines have been published from the studies made
explaining how it should be maintained to reduce airborne asbestos fibres from being released.
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Vinyl asbestos floor is harder than vinyl composite tile, however, the problems with vinyl asbestos
flooring is similar to those of asphalt tile. Its surface becomes progressively more porous and
irregular as it is repeatedly stripped and scrubbed. These problems gradually become worse and
worse if sound maintenance programs are not used.

Synthetic travertine tile is an offshoot of vinyl asbestos. It too can be made in the form of pure or
homogeneous vinyl. Travertine, natural or synthetic, occasionally presents another problem. The
depressions or irregularities in the surface of the tile are great soil catchers. When dealing with this
type of tile, it is necessary to keep these pockets clean. Instead of using a buffeting or stripping
pad, a brush may be required to accomplish a thorough cleaning. If the situation is bad enough, a
cleaner solution pre-soak, followed by a scrubbing, vacuuming, and flood rinsing, followed again by
vacuuming, will provide good results.

SYNTHETIC FLOOR - These floors are made from molecular weight polymers, usually
polyurethane or polyvinyl. These floors are frequently used for gymnasiums, ice arenas, recreation
centres, running tracks, and tennis courts. The manufacturers of synthetic flooring are very
particular about the care of their floors. It is possible that the warranty of an installed floor may be
invalidated by applying materials or using maintenance procedures and methods other than those
recommended and approved by the manufacturer. To avoid becoming liable for damage to one
these expensive floors, it is best to have permission in writing from the manufacturer to use a
different type of finish and cleaner before beginning your maintenance program. Treat this floor as
you would vinyl tile. A mild neutral synthetic detergent should be used for routine cleaning. A water
based acrylic seal should be applied to the cleaned floor. A water based floor coating may be
applied and maintained with burnishing. This will protect the floor and provide optimum
appearance. The coating and seal can be removed just as a regular vinyl tile floor by stripping.

NEW VINYL COMPOSITE TILE - New factory tile usually has a release agent on it. The release
agent may be a number of things. Often it is a silicone, a paraffin wax, a combination of the two, or
something similar. This release agent is troublesome on a new floor and should be removed before
applying maintenance coatings. lf this coating is not removed, it can cause a lack of adhesion and
poor leveling of seals and/or finishes if applied over these coatings. The release agent is put there
for a good reason. This very thin film prevents the tile from sticking together when packaged and
stored. It also gives a little wear surface when the tile is newly installed and before the floor owner
does anything to it to preserve it. When a drop of water or finish is put on this floor film, it will not
wet out or disperse. Applied coatings of seal and/or finishes behave similarly and dried coatings
are generally very streaked. In addition, the adhesion of whatever is put on the floor is very poor.
As soon as significant traffic crosses such an area, the surface application is walked off the floor. It
is advisable before applying seal and/or finish to strip such new tile with a solution of stripper and
stripping pads to remove this protective coating to ensure good adhesion.


Hard Flooring

Hard floors are more durable and resistant to stains, solvents, acids and alkali than resilient
flooring. Hard floors are made from both man-made and natural materials. Hard floors come in
many colours, patterns and designs. The main types in use today are concrete, terrazzo, marble,
ceramic tile, quarry tile, seamless flooring, brick, etc.

CONCRETE - Concrete flooring is an alkaline material composed primarily of a mixture of water,
Portland cement sand and gravel. Concrete is a heavy duty flooring that is used when the floor
must withstand heavy traffic. It is, therefore, the most popular type of flooring used in factories
where heavy machinery requires a solid foundation. Colour is sometimes added to the concrete
before it is poured to make it look better. Uncured concrete is extremely porous and subject to
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damage and stains. Cured concrete on the other hand, hardens because of a chemical reaction
between the cement and the water. This hardening process is allowed to continue as the moisture
is held in the slab to complete the hydration. It is recommended to slow down the curing of newly
poured concrete. The slower the cure, the stronger the slab. In the past, slow curing was often
done by simply covering the concrete floor with about an inch of water, or covering it with strips of
burlap or Kraft paper. In recent years however, a much better method of curing has been
developed. It is the use of a polymeric concrete curing aid that is sprayed or mopped directly onto
the new concrete surface after troweling. One or two coats of this curing aid is sufficient to promote
the complete cure of a floor. The polymer forms a thin membrane over the floor which retards
evaporation of water. This keeps water in the floor and promotes a more effective reaction and a
more complete cure. Simultaneously, the curing compound helps to seal and dust proof the floor. If
no sprayer is available, this membrane curing compound can be applied with a lambs wool
applicator. This process prevents the penetration of greases, and the adhesion of paint, soil or
plaster that may fall from surfaces being constructed. It also prevents dusting or blooming.
According to studies by the National Terrazzo Association and the Portland Cement Association,
concrete which has been cured using a membrane curing compound will actually continue to cure
and gain strength for about 90 days. After this initial curing period, the floor should then be
thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned, and then a more permanent concrete seal be applied. There are
various types of seals available, and while these various sealants are designed to perform specific
functions, all must contribute to the following in one degree or another:

Appearance and enhancement. The seal must contribute and aid in surface gloss.
Sealing the concrete pores, thereby preventing the ingraining of soils.
Aid in the retardation of dusting and surface deterioration.
Prevention of staining and other liquid spill damages.


It is possible not only to chemically classify the types of seals, but also to classify seals according
to their usage. There are several important factors to consider when contemplating which type of
seal to use. Consider what type of traffic and abrasion is the floor going to be subjected to.
Consider the toxicity of the seal. In some areas of the country some of the more permanent
chemically resistant coatings are simply banned, and if they are used, considerable effort must be
placed on adequate ventilation, and proper safety equipment while using the product. Consider
also the type of maintenance that will be setup once the sealing of the floor is completed. Some
common sealers are:

WATER EMULSION SEALS - These are generally acrylic co-polymer water based products. They
are best thought of as maintenance sealers, much less durable and permanent than some of the
solvent based systems. In comparison to some others sealer systems, these products have less
chemical resistance and require more frequent re-coating. On the plus side, they are safer to use,
more economical, faster drying and easier to apply.

Penetrating SEALS - Leading the list there is the phenolic tung oil based products. These tung oil
based products are much more durable than water based products. They are lower in cost than
epoxies, and urethanes. Compared to the epoxies and urethanes, they are easier to apply and
almost fool proof. Phenolics have good adhesion properties, good gloss, and resistance to
cleaning compounds, resistant to mild solvents and chemicals, and good resistance to medium to
heavy traffic. One of their major shortfalls is discolouration when exposed to U.V. light.

Epoxy ESTERS - These are single component systems that are faster drying, more durable and
lighter in colour than the phenolic type seals. They have less of a tendency to darken, and possess
good chemical resistance. They are somewhat more difficult to apply.

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The catalyzed epoxies are two component systems. They have a relatively short pot life. Once the
two components are mixed, the seal must be used before it hardens in the container. They are
more costly than the single component types.

URETHANES - Urethanes may be oil modified, catalyzed or moisture cured. Urethanes possess
good discolouration resistance. They do not darken like phenolics, are extremely durable, and
have excellent chemical and solvent resistance. Moisture cured urethanes, along with two
component epoxies, are the most durable, the most chemical resistant, but the most difficult to
apply. The floor must be prepped and cleaned extremely well for good adhesion to occur. Oil
modified urethanes, catalyzed epoxies, and moisture cured urethanes do have low flash points,
which can prove to be hazardous. These urethanes, especially those that are moisture cured,
experience adhesion and re-coat problems. This can be a problem when it is time to scrub and
recoat an area. They do not adhere well to themselves. It is hard to simply re-apply an additional
coat and get it to bond properly. Screening between coats is necessary.

WATER BASED EPOXIES AND URETHANES - these types of materials are being perfected to
provide the durability and chemical resistance properties of solvent-based epoxies and urethanes.
They avoid the hazards released by solvent-based epoxies and urethanes. To date they are less
durable and chemical resistant than water based polymer type systems, as well as the single pot
solvent based urethanes and epoxies. The trend for the future demands the use of water based
systems.

TERRAZZO - good Terrazzo consists of at least 70% marble chips, and no more than a 30%
Portland cement matrix (often referred to as the grout). The irregularly shaped pieces of marble,
after they are ground in the cement matrix, give the floor its beauty. The cement is usually white,
but it can be coloured to provide a desired background. The floor surface is highly polished and is
therefore clean. A proper seal should be used to protect the floor from wear. Because marble is
calcium carbonate, Terrazzo is vulnerable to all chemicals except the very mildest ones. Acids will
react readily with both the marble chips and the cement matrix, defacing or pitting the floor.


Alkaline cleaners may also partially decompose the marble chips. If a cleaner is used which has a
susceptibility to hard water intolerance, (that is, if a solution of it is made cloudy when hard water is
added to it) it can leave a cloudy surface on an untreated Terrazzo surface.

Guidelines for preserving Terrazzo:

Avoid all types of acids.
Avoid abrasives. The marble in a Terrazzo floor is a relatively soft stone and can be
permanently scratched.
Prevent dusting. The cement in some Terrazzo floors has a natural tendency to dust as it
ages. Seal and coat the floor to prevent this and to protect the floor.
Avoid the use of crystalline cleaners. Crystals formed in the pores of the floor exert
sufficient pressure to cause spelling or chipping of the surface.
Avoid oily sweeping compounds. These could stain or discolors the floor.
Avoid steel wool. Particles of iron left on the floor could oxidize and cause rust stains.


MARBLE - Marble and Travertine (sometimes called the poor man's marble) floors are chemically
identical. They are basically calcium carbonate, the same as the marble chips used in Terrazzo. As
a result, these floors do not resist chemicals well. The same problems occur with marble as they do
with Terrazzo floors. In addition, marble and travertine, if they are polished at all, are highly
impervious to water and water based systems. This can cause maintenance problems. Unless
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finishes or seals are specifically formulated for marble, adhesion can be difficult. Always use a
neutral synthetic cleaner for cleaning and avoid acid and high alkaline cleaners. Avoid very
aggressive stripping, and the use of burnishing pads due to their potential for permanent
scratching. All of the precautions for preserving Terrazzo should be adhered to in maintaining
marble. The use of a penetrating sealer is very important to ensure good adhesion of a surface
coating. The penetrating seal fills pits and voids to provide protection to the marble so that dirt and
oil laden soils and greases are sealed out. Coating systems with proper seals can provide very
good protection compared to the traditional grinding or crystallization systems that actually wear
the natural material. Some do prefer not to treat marble flooring at all so that the natural beauty of
the marble can be appreciated.

CERAMIC, QUARRY TILE AND PAVING BRICK - these tiles are made from a mixture of clay and
water that are placed in a mold and baked until they become hard. Size is the main difference
between ceramic and quarry tile. Ceramic tile is generally small, while quarry tile is much larger.
Both types come glazed or unglazed. Clean these surfaces with the same precautions as Terrazzo
and marble. Do not use harsh abrasives or gritty materials. Normally these tiles do not need
sealing. However, the grout or mortar should be sealed to protect it from soiling and stains. If high
appearance levels are desired, seal and coat with a water based seal and floor finish as you would
Terrazzo and marble surfaces.