Author: Poloplaz

Never use power scrubbers or automatic floor cleaning machines that disperse water on the floor (especially water under pressure). The use of scrubber machines will void the warranty on your floor. Power scrubbers were designed for other surfaces, such as terrazzo and vinyl floors. Even the softest brushes will scratch and dull the finish. The chemicals typically used in these machines are too aggressive for wood and finishes. The machine’s liquid and scrubbing action can cup the floor, and pull paint and finish from the wood.

Be sure that temperatures of the air, floor and finish are all between 70°F-80°F. As the finish is applied, it will quickly reach the temperature of the floor. A warmer temperature can cause the finish to flash dry and not flow out properly. A cooler temperature can raise the viscosity of the finish, which could result in thicker coats, slower dry times, delayed curing and even wrinkling. High humidity can slow the evaporation rate of the solvents, which will extend dry times. Allow for longer dry times when applying in high humidity. Also, never apply finish when the ambient temperature and dew point are within 5° of each other. This could allow water to condense on the floor, contaminating the finish.

Low-VOC finish should always be applied at a minimum of 500 square feet per gallon. If the coverage rate is below that (i.e. 400 square feet per gallon), then the finish is being applied too heavily. This will extend dry times. For best results, use a heavyweight T-bar to apply. It’s a good idea to calculate the square footage of the entire floor and then place a new pail of finish every 2,500 feet. As you reach each new pail during application, you should have emptied the previous one.

It is important to eliminate outside air and turn off HVAC systems during application and until the film has become tack free (usually about 8 hours). Then, allow fresh airflow on the floor to help with the curing process by removing the solvents that blanket the film. Introducing airflow to a wet film will cause it to skin over and trap the solvents underneath, significantly extending dry times. Only allow air back on the floor once the film has become tack free.

Low-VOC products are high in solids. This is great for build, protection and gloss, but it also requires 24 hours before it can be top coated. Drying overnight may not be adequate in some situations, so allow for these products to dry for a full 24 hours before applying another coat.

Temporary game line tape is NEVER RECOMMENDED on sports floors coated with polyurethane, as there is a high risk of delaminating the finish from the floor when removing the tape. However, if tape must be used, use it at your own risk and follow these procedures to minimize damage:

• The finish on the floor must be cured for at least 30 days.
• Use only lightweight tapes that are easy to remove (3M brand 2080 & 2090).
• Do not leave the tape on the floor longer than 24 hours.

Water-based tempura paint can also be used to create temporary lines (see warning below). The finish should be cured for a minimum of 30 days before using these paints. Test the paint first by applying it to a small, inconspicuous area. Allow that paint to dry completely, then remove it with a small amount of warm, soapy water on a rag or sponge. If the paint removes easily and completely, then apply it to the remainder of the floor as game lines.

WARNING 1. Tempura paints can sometimes attack and dull the sheen of the finish. These paints should be removed as soon as possible. Be sure to test the paint before using. 2. Use only white tempura paint. Other colors can bleed into the finish.

The increased use of multipurpose facilities has created some unique problems for the hardwood flooring professional. Portable flooring systems are frequently dismantled and stored, which presents the opportunity for damage to the finish by marring, scratching, etc. Because of the timeframes involved for screen and recoats, sport floor finishes must develop film properties quickly to reduce the risk of scratching the surface during stacking and transportation. PoloPlaz World Class Finish develops chemical and abrasion resistance quickly to minimize damage. PoloPlaz Super Dry can also improve early film property development by reacting with the finish. This reaction improves early chemical and abrasion resistance, which helps to minimize damage upon stacking. Stacking the floors creates very high pressures on the bottom layers of flooring, which can cause permanent damage to the finish. Padding should be used between each flooring section to minimize damage to the finish. Floors should not be stacked before the 7-day initial curing stage.

Stacking Guidelines

• Stack panels face to face, with padding between faces. Do not stack over 14 panels high.
• Stacking material must be free of any surface texture (must be optically clear). Any texture will be imprinted on the finish surface while stacked, and will cause dull spots in the finish. Products such as 2 mil Melinex (available from Plastics Suppliers (800-722-5577)) should be used as stacking material.
• Before stacking, clean sections with PoloPlaz Hardwood Floor Cleaner to avoid scratches from debris. Secure stacked sections well before movement to prevent the panels from rubbing against each other.
• Do not use cardboard or foam as padding. Cardboard can scratch the finish during transportation. Most foams contain plasticizers that chemically attack the finish, causing permanent damage.

Due to their excellent chemical and abrasion resistance, PoloPlaz World Class Finish or Magnum provide the best protection for portable flooring systems. PoloPlaz is the finish of choice on many NBA and major college portable floors.

For complete information on stacking portable floors, contact the flooring system manufacturer.

Use the following Tie Tack cleaning systems for periodic deep cleaning, tacking between coats, and to reduce spreading contaminants during screen and recoats. The mixing ratios indicate water to Tie Tack ratio, so 3:1 would imply three parts water to one part Tie Tack.

Periodic Cleaning, 3:1 – Mix solution in bucket and clean entire floor. If floor is heavily soiled, two cleanings may be required.

Tacking Between Coats, 3:1 – Do not increase the Tie Tack ratio. You must final tack with clean water only before top coating.

Clean Before Screening, 0:1 – Use Tie Tack at full strength before screening to reduce the risk of contaminants. Do not use it at full strength between coats.

Usage:

• In a bucket, mix the appropriate ratios of Tie Tack and water. Dip untreated cotton towels in solution and wring towels before placing flat on floor.
• Place push broom on towel one foot from leading edge and fold leading edge over the top of push broom. Push towel the entire length of floor. Before returning back down to the floor, lift and move push broom back on towel about six inches so that only a clean portion of the towel is on the leading edge, and fold the soiled portion of the towel on top or behind the broom bristles. Repeat the process until there is not a clean edge on the towel. At that point, turn the towel over and continue.
• When a towel becomes dirty or dry, replace it with a new clean towel. Never dip a dirty towel in clean solution. Continue cleaning with fresh towels until entire floor is tacked. If floor still appears dirty, it may be necessary to tack the floor again with the Tie Tack solution.