Sealing & Stripping

What Is Floor Sealing and Stripping?

Sealing and stripping are two complementary but opposite processes in professional floor maintenance, especially on porous surfaces such as marble, tile, terrazzo, polished concrete, and commercial vinyl floors. While one protects the surface, the other deep cleans by removing layers of old wax or sealant.

Stripping: Deep Cleaning

Stripping, also known as wax removal, is an aggressive cleaning process that completely removes accumulated layers of wax, old sealant, embedded dirt, and residues from previous cleaning products.

Over time, commercial and residential floors accumulate multiple layers of buildup that make the floor look dull, yellowed, sticky, or marked with traffic patterns that are impossible to clean superficially:

• Acrylic waxes applied for shine.
• Old sealants that have yellowed or worn unevenly.
• Dirt and grease trapped between layers.

The Stripping Process

1. 1

   Chemical Application

   A stripper is spread over the floor — a chemical solution designed to dissolve layers of wax and sealant.

2. 2

   Activation Time

   The chemical is left to sit so that it can penetrate and soften the accumulated layers.

3. 3

   Mechanical Scrubbing

   A rotary machine with an abrasive pad is used to lift and emulsify all the old residue.

4. 4

   Extraction

   The resulting sludge (a mixture of chemicals, old wax, and dirt) is collected with a wet vacuum or automatic scrubber.

5. 5

   Rinsing

   The floor is repeatedly rinsed with clean water to remove any chemical residue, leaving the surface completely bare and porous.

Result: A floor that is 100% clean at its base layer, ready to receive a new sealant or wax coating.

Sealing: The Protective Layer

Sealing is the process of applying a protective barrier to a clean, porous surface (such as marble, grouted tile, terrazzo, or cement) to prevent dirt, liquids, and bacteria from penetrating it. Without a proper sealant, porous surfaces act like sponges:

• Grout becomes permanently darkened.
• Marble stains easily (especially with acids such as lemon or vinegar).
• Dirt becomes embedded and impossible to remove.
• Mold and mildew appear due to retained moisture.

The Sealing Process

1. 1

   Surface Preparation

   Sealing should always be done after thorough cleaning or stripping, with the floor completely dry.

2. 2

   Sealer Application

   The sealer (penetrating or coating, depending on the type of floor) is spread evenly with a roller, mop, or sprayer.

3. 3

   Penetration Time

   The product is allowed to penetrate the pores of the stone or cement.

4. 4

   Cleaning Up Excess

   Excess is removed from the surface (for penetrating sealants) or allowed to dry (for coating sealants).

5. 5

   Curing

   The product is allowed to dry completely before exposing the floor to traffic.

Result: A floor with an invisible barrier that repels liquids, resists stains, and is much easier to clean on a daily basis.