Floor Scuffs Easily
The Problem:
Floor scuffs easily.
The Cause:
New Floors:
This can simply be the result of poor floor maintenance or a
poor quality finish having been used. If a quality brand was
applied, it is probably the result of the finish not having
been fully cured before subjecting it to heavy traffic. A total
cure time of seven days is required before heavy traffic is
allowed.
Bottom coats, which include stains, require ample time to dry
or solvents trapped in the film will continue to migrate up
through the film, and often two or more layers of finish, resulting
in a tender topcoat.
Old Floors:
As above, plus contaminants such as waxes, sterates and silicones
down in-between the boards and end matches can cause a finish
coat solvent release to be slowed down, resulting in a tender
film.
How to fix the problem:
New Floors:
How long it will take the finish to harden is impossible to
predict (this could take up to three months) but be assured
soft finish will harden eventually. When the finish is hard
the floor should be abraded, vacuumed, tacked and recoated.
Old Floors:
This finish will probably never harden and the finish will have
to be completely sanded to the bare wood. Then, protect the
floor with Dura Seal Neutral (210) buffed in with steel wool
(#2). (Use stain if color change is desired). In addition, apply
a coat of DURA SEAL™
Dura Finish Liquid Floor Wax. Alternately, two coats of
Dura Seal Neutral (210) may be used instead.
How to avoid in the future:
New Floors:
Check the temperature and humidity of the floor and alter them
if they are not within the product specification, (see label)
or give longer dry times. Never apply thick first coats and
ensure complete removal of all stains. Good ventilation is always
essential for proper cure.
Old Floors:
Inspect the floor prior to sanding. Floors, older than 10 years,
should always be suspect for wax's. Checking the corners and
scrapping with a knife often reveals the presence of wax. Wax's
and other contaminates can also be detected by splashing water
on it. If the water beads, know that something is on the floor
and pre-sanding removal is essential. Buff the floor with mineral
spirits or water, depending on which contaminate is involved.
