VCT - Now what

[wjh0919]

Completed the tiling in the garage last weekend. Ready to strip and wax this weekend.

can someone layout the proper process for me?

strip? then seal? then wax?

do I need to get a floor buffer?

recommended products? Armstrong - can't find that anywhere local. Menards has Floorcraft - anyone use it? how does it hold up?

any and all advice and guidance is appreciated....

 

[ff4500]

I've used the stuff from Lowes, Zep brand. Strip then seal, then wax and polish.
Provided, I use it in the house, so I'm not sure how it translates to a VCT floor in a garage.

I'm curious myself, as I'll likely be putting VCT in part of my garage renovation.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I've used the stuff from Lowes, Zep brand. Strip then seal, then wax and polish.
Provided, I use it in the house, so I'm not sure how it translates to a VCT floor in a garage.

I'm curious myself, as I'll likely be putting VCT in part of my garage renovation.

I used the Zep too. Strip, rinse with a wet mop several times, let dry, seal two to three coats.

IF you want a big shine, rent a stripper to strip, then use it to buff (different pads.) You do not need the machine to strip, but if you are going to wax and buff you may as well.

Personally, since mine is a working garage, I don't bother with polish or wax, just sealer on thick.

This is a year old with a lot of use!

Jim

 

[wjh0919]

I can't seem to find any sealer. can you give me any more information? Home Depot had stripper and wax - but no sealer. Lowes had wax - but not stripper or sealer.

haven't been to Menards yet - but getting a bit concerned.

 

[wjh0919]

found stripper, sealer and wax. stripped twice - waiting for it to dry now. will do the sealer and wax tomorrow. probably should have rented a machine - but I'm ok with what I'm seeing so far.

 

[wjh0919]

sealing done - will start waxing tonight

 

[JimVonBaden]

Looks great!

Jim

 

[G20-Budo]

Just curious for you guys sealing/waxing your floors.. how slippery are they when wet (as compared with just bare cement).

Also, how are these floors holding up to floor jacks and jack stands? Sorry if this has been covered before, I'm pretty new here.

 

[JimVonBaden]

It depends on your cement. My floor was reasonably smooth, and the VCT is not noticably more slick. I do not super polish my floors though, just seal it. Also, the jcak stands and dragging stuff on it will scratch the floor, but it is easy to fix.

That said, were I to do it again, I would go with porcelain or ceramic tiles. They are stronger and less maintenance, but not that much more if you DIY. Search ceramit tile floor.

Jim

 

[G20-Budo]

Jim, thanks for the reply! Yeah, as I'm doing more research on flooring I'm seeing that tile might be the direction for me. Jack's thread (and website) talks about why he went with tile and how it's held up. I have laid a good deal of tile in my house, so I have the tools and know how. My garage seems pretty flat (there are 6 pads in my 3 car garage).. so I guess I'd just need to prep the surface and go for it.