Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) Update after 6 1/2 Years

[Chuck W.]

I put down 900+ square feet of Vinyl Composite Tile in December of 2007. This forum was a big help in deciding to use VCT to its installation and upkeep. In the past 6 1/2 years this is the third time I have stripped it and put down fresh wax. I regurally sweep, mop and burnish it. I even bought a high speed polisher off of Craigslist and use it at least twice a month on the floor.

Is a VCT floor for everyone? No. It takes some effort to keep it looking good and some regular maintenance. I have replaced several tiles over the years because my car tires left brown marks or there was an imperfection under the tile that caused a blemish in the tile. It is also not very forgiving with things like jack stands. That also caused some tiles to be replace.

But, if you enjoy waxing your cars and keeping things clean and polished, I highly recommend it.

Here are three photos I took today after stripping the floor twice with a 750 RPM machine, applying 11 coats of wax using 7 gallons of wax, burnishing it twice with a hogs hair pad and polishing twice with a white pad using a 2500 RPM polisher.

 

[600SL]

That looks awesome.

 

[mikec35]

That looks great! 11 coats of wax- seems like a lot. What kind of wax and stripper are you using?

 

[Chuck W.]

That looks awesome.

Thanks.

That looks great! 11 coats of wax- seems like a lot. What kind of wax and stripper are you using?

I believe you're right. Instead of using a mop I apply it with a medium paint roller that I lock so it won't roll. This puts on a thinner coat thus the eleven coats. Next time I strip and wax I am going to try and find a better (more efficient) way to apply it. If I did this as a business I would go broke. One coat of was took me an hour and a half. Because I do it every two years it isn't that big of a deal. But, still.....

As far as the brand of wax and stripper, I buy both from a local small shop that has their name on them. The wax states it is 35% solids, but I have my doubts. Last time I special ordered wax from Clean Freaks, an online business. I was very disappointed in their products.

 

[mygarageone]

Sharp , thanks for posting.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Looks great! I assume you do not do a LOT of mechanical work on it?

Mine is a little over 2 years old, and not looking all that great. I work on everything on mine, including welding.

A few months ago. Looks OK from a distance.

You can see the blotchy look. That was from hand sanding stains.

 

[Chuck W.]

Looks great! I assume you do not do a LOT of mechanical work on it?

You can see the blotchy look. That was from hand sanding stains.

I do light weight stuff like brake jobs, but nothing big and no welding. When I do work in there I lay out a trap.

I wish you lived closer. I would tackle that floor with you and bring it back to life!