dewax


  #1  
Old 09-17-02, 08:43 AM
Q
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dewax

Seeking an effective way to strip approx. 30yrs accumulated
wax and finish from a beautiful old kitchen floor.
It's a brown / beige chip finish, light colored where I gently scraped with a knife for a look-see. Single seam down the middle.
Was advised to avoid chemicals requiring rubber gloves and face masks, etc.
Any enviro/older guy - friendly products out there?
 
  #2  
Old 09-24-02, 09:43 AM
kcc
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Stripping wax from wood is similar to stripping wax from resilient floors, only using less water. That's assuming the floor is hard finished, not a wax or oil finished wood.

Use a good stripper(or ammonia, if you can stand the smell - ventilate well), and apply the solution to a small area(not too heavy) and allow to dwell(not too long). Agitate with a scrubber if you have access to one, or a stiff bristle brush or broom will do the job. Mop up or wet vac the slurry. Check to see if any finish remains on the floor. If necessry, repeat the process. You're better off using short time cycles and repeating the process than to let the floor stand wet too long and do damamge.

When done, rinse with clean water, and if the stripper requires it, rinse again with a neutralizer in the water; you can also use vinegar as a neutralizer.

Your best bet is to contact a janitorial supplier. They can provide you with high quality materials and any specific info regarding their use. Best of luck.
 
  #3  
Old 09-30-02, 11:42 AM
marcthornton
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KCC hit the nail on the head. This is exactly what i would do. Ad a cheap mask from Home Depot and you don't have to worry as much about fumes.

Ball Chemicals (janitorial supplier) makes a great stripper (called "Super Stripper) they also make a sealer to apply once stripped. On some floors sealer is better than wax.
 
  #4  
Old 10-03-02, 09:48 PM
T
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Wax buildup on wood floors

If wax is solvent based wood floor wax, strip the old wax away with odorless mineral spirits or a wood floor product made for stripping wax. Use cloths and fine steel wool to remove all residue. After the floor is dry, wax and buff. Use a quality paste wax for wood floors. Water should not be used on solvent based paste wax, as it will turn white.
 
 

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