vct & sealer

[Landyacht67]

So I just got back from "the Depot". I still have my money in my pocket - WHY?.... Because when I tried to ask about VCT tile, and sealer options for the garage the salesman (salesboy) tried to convince me "rubber backed glue strip imitation wood floor" was the only application that would work for me.....

So maybe you guys can give me some answers if you don't mind (I tried the search function, but couldn't quite get the info I wanted)

Is it neccasary to seal VCT flooring - I know it looks better, but the time involved in having my entire garage emptied could be unobtainable.

If it has to be sealed do I have to use the products made by Armstrong to go with the floor?

Does anyone know how much coverage the 1 gallon containers of Armstrong products give? The bottles don't say.

I heard the VCT can be sealed with polyurethane. What product would this be exactly (and how long does it take to dry) - also can it be applied in sections?

I know its a lot of questions, but I feel really frustrated with Home Depot right now. Something tells me I'll be purchasing through a different hardware store when the time comes.


Thankyou
Julian

 

[SteveB]

After my VCT flooring was laid I rolled it and let it sit for 5 days (summertime day temps of 85+).

After 5 days I washed it with Armstrong Cleaner, let it dry and then used a sponge mop to lay down 5 coats of Armstrong Floor Polish (about 30 minutes between applications).

That's it.

Then I rolled in my tools, work bench, floor cabinets, beer fridge, parked the cars in their new home and began to enjoy my garage.

Would a sealer make for a better tile floor? Maybe, I don't know. I haven't had a tile lift. The shine is still there and within the next month or so will repeat the same wash/polish process.

I use the Armstrong products because they are reasonably priced and easy to use. My garage is 550 sq.ft. The cleaner gets diluted with water and will probably give me at least 10 cleanings per litre bottle (about one quart). The polish (same size container) should last for 5-7 coatings.

I have seen a similar VCT set-up which gets washed/polished by one of those professional cleaner machines. It is shinier than my floor but heh, its a garage. I spent $2.99 on a sponge mop and get my money's worth.