Floor Sealing and Polishing

Indoor flooring, whether it is slate, stone, wood or vinyl, usually has a great appearance and, depending on cost, offers varying levels of durability and varying designs. Keeping these floors looking good is a challenge, an important one as if not carefully maintained these floors can quickly become stained and dulled over time and with use. Slate and stone and vinyl flooring are two good examples of this and the maintenance of these types of flooring is particularly important. Vinyl, at first glance, appears low maintenance as spillages can be wiped, and the floor is durable. However, spillages can infiltrate the vinyl at the joint and for this reason a sealer is usually applied to proof it.

Slate and stone are obviously durable surfaces, but the grout usually needs some sort of sealant to maintain its aspect, and once again stop filtration and staining. Grout is the material used to fill the gaps along the edges of tiles, and to seal them. Grout is quite a porous substance, as it is composed of a mixture of cement, sand and water – making the need for a sealer paramount. Slate and stone often gains its attractive appearance from a floor polish.

General maintenance such as mopping and cleaning on a daily basis can help protect your floor, but general wear and tear, such as the moving of heavy furniture, spillages not cleaned immediately and walk in grit and particles can mark or scratch a floor. Once this happens, any sealant or polish can be marked or scratched leaving an area where bacteria and soiling can accumulate, dulling the floor’s appearance and causing it to lose its previous charm.

Unfortunately when this happens, general cleaning and maintenance ceases to be effective and a professional floor sealer and floor restoration company will need to be consulted. Such a company specializes in stripping the previous sealer and cleaning the floor to restore it to its previous state. At this point a new sealer is applied to give it added protection.

In the case of slate, it is possible that no sealant was originally applied, and in this case a sealant is recommended as stone stains very easily. A water based impregnator/sealer that is silicone free and non toxic is recommended, and as stated, a professional floor sealer and restoration company will be able to advise you on the best sealer for your floor.

A good floor is generally not cheap, and an investment to protect it could save you future work and cost. For further information, advice or a quote for floor sealer and floor restoration, please contact professional floor cleaners, the clean n simple team.