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Welcome To 1877FloorGuy Blog
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
This article is an overview of some need-to-know info for applying WOCA Oiled Floor Products. Before starting your job, read the full product application instructions that can be found in WOCA Application, Care & Maintenance Instructions- Detailed Instructions for Use and on specific WOCA Product Pages. Keep reading here for some general tips…
1. Prevent rags from self-igniting by soaking all oil soaked rags in water after oil application and before discarding. Rags are safe to discard only after they are soaked in water then air dried. 2. Keep unfinished surface of wood floor clean from adhesive or wood glue to prevent oil from penetrating and resulting in light spots. Light spots can be scrapes or sanded off then refinish spots with oil. In extreme cases it may be necessary to re-sand the entire floor before proceeding with oil finishing. 3. Do not confuse Wood Cleaner with Wood Soap. These are two distinctly different products. Wood Cleaner is only used to prepare a wood floor before new oil or paste is applied (ie: initial application of Master Oil or a periodic reapplication of Maintenance Paste). Wood Soap is used for everyday maintenance and cleaning of the oiled wood floor. 4. Proper dilution of Soap, Oil Refresher and Wood Cleaner is critical to final results. Too little water in these products will result in unwanted haze on the surface of the finished floor. In the event this happens, put a polishing cloth under a dust mop and polish away the “haze”. For correct dilution ratios see the full version of Tips for a Successful Application or the specific product instructions. 5. Dark wood floors, such as Merbau, Brazilian Cherry and Walnut, must be washed with Wood Cleaner twice to ensure that floating color pigments are neutralized as these may otherwise impede the ability of the oil to fully harden and may cause water spots to show. If such spots occur, due to inadequate cleaning, see remedy in the full version of Tips for a Successful Application. 6. Let the floor dry completely after mopping with Wood Cleaner and before any Master Oil or Maintenance Oil Paste is applied. Any trapped moisture under the oil may cause mildew to develop, which causes black or dark blotches in the floor. It may also greatly increase drying time of the oil. 7. If the floor has sizeable gaps between the floor boards, a brush may be used to apply the oil generously down the middle of each floor board covering approximately 50% of the floor surface. After 20 to 30 minutes the oil is polished into the floor with a buffer using a red pad. This method reduces the consumption of oil, which otherwise would drip down into the gaps between boards. 8. As it is usually difficult for a buffer to reach into corners and tightly along walls or base boards, it is advisable to hand rub oil along the edges and in corners of a room. This is easily done by using a piece of red or white pad and rubbing oil into the floor by hand. It will blend nicely with the machine buffed area. 9. When applying Master Oil to a large floor, which may require longer application times, it is recommended to treat an area to a natural break point, such as a doorway or the long edge of a floor board. For best result, tape a plastic cover along this line, ensuring that the plastic covers at least two feet of the unfinished part of the floor. Next day, reverse the procedure and cover the oiled side of the floor. This way, when oil application is resumed there will be no visible break in the floor and no uneven sheen levels between areas. 10. Sometimes Master Oil bleeds back to the surface from gaps between floor boards as it cures. If the oil has not yet fully dried, it is possible to polish the floor again using a white pad. A small amount of Solvent may be added to the pad in order to better dissolve the bled-back oil. If the bleed-back oil has had time to harden it can be removed by scraping it off with a sharp wood floor scraper before Maintenance Oil Paste or Master Oil is applied. Small amounts of bleed-back oil usually blends well with Maintenance Oil Paste and does not need to be removed. It would be advisable to check the floor two to three hours after the Master Oil (base coat) has been buffed into the floor. If necessary, the floor is then buffed again with a white pad to remove bleed-back oil. 11. If the floor needs to be covered to prevent wear and dirt penetration due to additional construction, allow proper cure time then use paper or cardboard. NEVER use plastic, which does not let the floor breathe. If the floor has been covered during construction it may be necessary to clean it and add a final coat of Maintenance Oil Paste or Master Oil before moving in. 12. The newly oiled floor should not come into contact with water during the first 36 hours to allow the oil to fully cure. After 36 hours it is safe to use Wood Soap or Oil Refresher to clean the floor. 13. Tough dirt, on a finished floor, should be removed by wet cleaning using a solution of 1 capful of Wood Cleaner diluted per quart of lukewarm water. Apply liberally to the dirty area, and then evenly scrub with a soft scouring pad or soft nylon brush. If there is dried on paint or grime, then remove carefully using a sharp wood floor scraper. Never overly scour a particular spot as this will leave a lighter mark. Wipe excess solution off the floor. When dry, re-oil the area by dampening the tip of a Polishing Cloth or lint free rag with Maintenance Oil Paste or Master Oil and manually rub it in (or by machine with white pad). NEVER pour oil directly onto the floor. Leave the oil to dry for 20 to 30 minutes before dry buffing it to match the rest of the floor. 14. Light scratches are best repaired by hand rubbing Maintenance Oil Paste or Master Oil into the scratch using a cloth. If necessary, first clean the area to be repaired with Wood Cleaner solution, which then must fully dry before applying oil. This drying time can be substantially shortened by using a hair dryer on “cool” setting. Leave the oil to absorb for 20 to 30 minutes before thoroughly buffing and removing the oil from the surrounding area. The scratched wood will be protected and lost in the general pattern of the floor. Deeper scratches or gouges should be scraped and/or sanded until they are no longer visible. Do not use a sand paper that is too fine. An 80-100 grit sandpaper will usually suffice, depending on the wood species. Then clean the spot with Wood Cleaner solution, mixed with water in proper solution, and let dry completely. Do not use a hair dryer for this, as this may prevent the pores from opening all the way, preventing full saturation of the Master Oil. This is especially important when using Master Color Oil, which will need this to fully blend with the surrounding color. Then follow directions for light scratches. 15. Abrasives of any grit grade or scouring nature will physically cut into the oiled or soaped surface. While the offending stain or mark will be removed, it is highly likely that wood of a different color will be exposed relative to that of the surrounding area, even after re-treatment of oil. A solution to this is to use a slightly darker Color Oil or by mixing a Color Oil with Master Oil to obtain a color that matches the surrounding floor area before applying it to the sanded area. 16. Whenever an area of the floor has been cleaned or repaired with new oil, it is important to remove all new oil from the surrounding area to avoid different sheen levels. This is easily done using a Polishing Cloth or a cotton rag, which then allows both areas to blend by having approximately the same sheen level. If necessary, steel wool can also be used to eliminate the “halo” effect of a slightly higher gloss level in the area around the repair. Be sure to buy your WOCA products from a reliable, proven Seller who will provide customer service and product information. This will help to ensure you are getting all of the products you need to complete your project. 1877Floorguy.com is an Excellent-Rated web store with representatives who will take the time to answer your questions and make sure you’ve got the right supplies for the job. See the 1877Floorguy website for free freight on orders $150 or more or use coupon code FGBLOG for a 10% discount. 1877Floorguy.com is dedicated to providing customers with easy access to flooring manufacturers’ recommended floor care and maintenance products at the best possible prices with superior customer service. by: 1877FloorGuy 
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wood floors have long been popular in Europe and America though the way Europeans and Americans finish and care for their wood floors varies from one side of the Atlantic to the other. Europeans trend towards low sheen, natural looking wood floors often achieved with an oil finish. Americans typically purchase urethane coated wood floors because of the desire to have their wood floors look eternally shiny and new, no imperfections and no scratches. European wood floors are lived-with and American wood floors are lived-on. “The difference?” you ask.
While easy to maintain with spray and mop products, urethane coated wood floors, very popular in America, get microscopic scratches in the finish that dull the floor’s shine over time. The only way to truly regain that “brand new” look is to sand and refinish the entire floor. The best way to extend the “new” look of urethane coated wood floors is to be careful with traffic on the floor to minimize scratches. In other words, be careful how you live on your floor. Europeans expect imperfections will happen and accept this as part of the wood’s natural character and beauty that make it unique and inviting. Oil finishes are often selected because of their natural look and simple maintenance routine. An Oil Finished wood floor masks most scratches because, along with low sheen, the finish actually becomes part of the wood floor and penetrates the surface minimizing the appearance of normal wear. To live with a wood floor means embracing all of its inherent qualities and traits (accept that a wood floor will get scratches on it). While an Oil Finished Wood Floor may not be for everyone, it is an excellent opportunity for the consumer who is looking for a natural, comfortable wood floor that minimizes the appearance of scratches(and we all know that scratches happen), is a proven product that is easy to maintain over time, uses floor cleaners & maintenance products that contain no VOCs, environmentally friendly flooring materials and care products. It’s important to have a little background knowledge about oil finished wood floors. There are two primary types: non-hardening and hardening oil finishes. More commonly seen in the USA is non-hardening oil finishes, like Tung oil, which do not harden as they penetrate and dry and therefore do not provide the best protection against wear and stains. This article focuses on the other type, hardening oil finishes, which penetrate into the surface of the wood floor hardening as it cures to form a very protective surface that is an integral part of the wood. Oil Finish tends to be used when describing either type so be careful to learn more about the products you investigate to determine if they are hardening or non-hardening oils. If you’re considering an Oil Finished Wood Floor, WOCA is an excellent, proven product choice that has been manufactured in Denmark for over 30 years. WOCA Oil Finish is appropriate for home and commercial uses. WOCA oils are very different from non-hardening oils, as they contain very high amounts of solid particles, as high as 91%. This translates into a very high quality floor finish that is completely VOC free. WOCA contains primarily cold pressed vegetable oils and aromatic hardening oils that penetrate into the surface of the wood floor hardening as it cures to form a very protective surface that is an integral part of the wood. This type of Oil Finished Wood Floor is currently used on almost a third of all wood floors sold in Europe. WOCA oil finishing products are constantly researched and improved at the manufacturer’s own laboratories in Denmark, always meeting the highest possible environmental standards. WOCA wood care products are also approved and certified by independent laboratories, such as IBR, the German Institute for Biological Building Materials, and are in accordance with DIN-Norm 53-160. WOCA products also meet or exceed the most stringent VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations in North America. WOCA products are VOC free! If you’re used to polyurethane or similar wood finished floors, there is learning curve when you switch to oil-finish however you’ll find, if you take the time to learn the care and maintenance process, you’ll spend less time and money on floor care. You’ll find that refinishing is rarely, if ever, required. This finish can be spot treated or repaired without disrupting the entire floor which means no down-time for your entire floor. Normal cleaning for a WOCA oil finished wood floor is easy using WOCA Soap, simply mixing it with warm water and mopping the floor periodically. As the floor is being cleaned, it is also given added protection against wear and tear. The WOCA soap contains soy and coconut oils, which dry as an invisible film on the surface of the floor and give added protection. Periodic cleaning and maintenance will make it unnecessary to ever screen or sand your entire wood floor. WOCA is the only oil finished wood floor that comes with a complete package solution for all finishing, repair and maintenance. For more information on WOCA oil finishes and WOCA care & maintenance products call 1-877-Floorguy. The owners and staff have long been in the flooring industry and have an uncanny ability to provide answers. They will guide you to the products and amounts you'll need for finishing or maintaining your WOCA floor. 1877Floorguy.com carries the full line of WOCA products and ships anywhere in the USA & Canada so you can one-stop-shop. Use coupon code “FGBLOG” to receive a 10% discount on your first order with 1877Floorguy.com. by: 1877FloorGuy
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Smells come from many sources and in a variety of strengths. For the really BIG, bad odors that don’t go away on their own…Odorcide 210 is the answer. This deodorizer is different than most for several reasons.
1. It works! 2. It doesn’t leave a residue on hard surfaces like laminate counters or wood floors. 3. Works on fabric, carpet, hard surfaces and airborne odors without staining. 4. Non-toxic, non-irritant, water-based, biodegradable = safe for people and environment. What type of odors does it eliminate? Pet odors, urine (or other bodily fluid), mold and mildew, decaying organic matter, cigarette smoke, and sweaty sports equipment. How does it work? Odorcide 210 doesn’t mask odors, it eliminates them by neutralizing bad smells and replacing them with a mild, pleasant scent. Where can it be used? It can be used on bedding (mattress and linens), sports equipment (ie: football pads, soccer shoes, etc), in bathrooms, in kitchens, on carpet, hardwood floors, clothing/laundry, upholstery (test a small area for colorfastness before use). How is it used? Odorcide 210 Ready-to-Use Spray or Soaker is applied then left to air dry. The directions on the product will tell you how much to use to penetrate to the stain. Odorcide 210 Concentrate, 16oz, 64oz or gallon, should be diluted with water for use in laundry wash cycle, general cleaning & deodorizing, heavily contaminated areas,in pressure sprayers and as refill for sprayer or soaker bottles. If Odorcide 210 reaches the source of the odors, it is guaranteed to work and odors coming from the source will continue to be neutralized long after the initial application because of the residual action. Did we try it? We sure did! When we started selling this product, each of us, at 1877floorguy.com, decided to try this stuff out at our own homes because we each has a “smell” situation that came to mind. The results… Odorcide 210 is formulated for use in hotel rooms, public restrooms, daycares, schools and hospitals - strong enough for institutional use yet safe enough for home use. It’s available in several sizes so you can buy a small amount for home or a large amount for commercial use. Whatever the size of your order, try it today and use coupon code FGBLOG for a 10% discount off your initial order from www.1877Floorguy.com. If you need guidance on which Odorcide 210 product is right for your specific needs, call us toll-free at 1-877-Floorguy for professional customer service. by: 1877FloorGuy
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
 Dr. Schutz ColorRize was just installed over an existing wood floor at the Shu Uemura cosmetics counter in Bloomingdales, NYC. Result is fabulous!ColorRize was chosen as a cost effective way to handle the aggresssive wear on the retail store's floor. The wood floor, at Shu Uemura cosmetics, Bloomingdale's, New York City, is challenged every day with heavy foot traffic. The store needed a way to improve the durability of this floor while maintaining style. They turned to Dr. Schutz ColorRize for use over their existing wood floor (saving time and money). The job was completed in two days and the area did not need to be dismantled. Result is beautiful! See for yourself!  Wood floor after sanding and before Dr. Schutz ColorRize. First coat of Dr. Schutz ColorRize. Second coat of Dr. Schutz ColorRize. Finished Job!Dr. Schutz has a family of floorcare that works hand in hand with existing or new flooring materials to create durable, slip-resistant surfaces. For more information on Dr. Schutz products, go to www.SchutzNA. or call 1-877-272-4889 Sales x1. by: 1877FloorGuy
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
SchutzNA aka Dr. Schutz, commercial flooring finishes, has just begun to penetrate the North American Market and the first rumblings indicate success with an innovative group of flooring finishes designed to solve problems in high-traffic areas of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings while maintaining the integrity of the floor.
These products, WaxNoMor, SlipNoMor, MarkNoMor Finishes and ColorRize, each serve a unique purpose (the names say a lot) and can be applied to most types of hard surface flooring, new or existing, to reduce maintenance costs and improve performance. Dr. Schutz flooring finishes are used to improve durability of a floor, change appearance, adhere to ADA requirements, reduce maintenance, improve slip resistance or increase longevity. Any or all of these often add up to savings and solutions for building owners and managers. Dr. Schutz products are available on 1877floorguy.com or through a network of authorized commercial Distributors. Manufacturer certified Applicators are the only ones who should apply Dr. Schutz products because they have been professionally trained in the products’ use. These Applicators can be found throughout the US and Canada via the SchutzNA website or by calling 1-877-272-4889. Installations are currently underway in hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, warehouses, retail stores and restaurants throughout the US and Canada. Find more information about these products at www.SchutzNA.com. To get started with a SchutzNA products contact the manufacturer’s Sales Dept. On-the-job assistance is available in most areas. For a 10% discount on your Dr. Schutz order, use FGBLOG coupon code when you order from 1877floorguy.com. by: 1877FloorGuy
Removing mold and bacteria does not have to involve corrosive, caustic chemicals!
Vital-Oxide kills bacteria and controls mold while at the same time the formula is gentle, safe in contact with skin and can be used on a variety of surfaces- fabrics, carpets (even wool), polyurethane wood floors, ceramic tile, laminate, sealed concrete, stainless steel, shower stalls, under sinks, in basements and crawl spaces and more--anywhere mold and bacteria is found. Vital-Oxide has even been proven to prevent mold on ceiling tiles for 7 months. Vital-Oxide is a broad spectrum disinfectant cleaner that is EPA registered (USEPA #82972-1), colorless and odorless, contains no harmful by-products for the environment, no ozone harming VOC's and is 100% biodegradable. No special handling is required because of the safe nature of this product. The reason Vital-Oxide works so well is because it eliminates the source of odors. The uses are limitless because this product is safe for people, pets and the environment. Uses include Hospitals, Schools & Day Care, Restaurants, Hotels, Sports Equipment, HVAC Systems, Building Materials, Drip Irrigation Lines, Kennels, Auto Detail Shops and Households. Use it to clean up after pet urine, outbreak of flu or other illness, to eliminate mold and bacteria from sporting equipment, clean public bathrooms or athletic locker rooms, for general maintenance in a school during winter or spring break, in a hotel to disinfect linens during laundering. To get down to some technical terms, Vital-Oxide is broad-spectrum antimicrobial that has been proven effective against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Norovirus, Legionella pneumophilia, and E. coli in testing conducted by certified independent laboratories under GLP conditions submitted to the USEPA. This disinfectant and mold remover performs against a wide variety of bacteria, yeasts, viruses, fungi, spores, molds, mildews, and other microbes. It is effective at low concentrations and over a wide pH range by creating a molecular free radical with a chlorine dioxide molecule that has one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms which create a magnetic like attraction that seeks out electron donors and selectively oxidizes harmful bacteria and mold. Chlorine dioxide (CLO2) and Chlorine both contain the same name however the by-products are vastly different from each other. Chlorine Dioxide, as in Vital-Oxide, is an environmentally sound alternative to chlorine bleach. Though both are oxidizing agents, the way they react with organic compounds is distinctively different. Vital-Oxide is not harmful if it comes into contact with a person’s skin and will not corrode the material to which it is applied. Vital-Oxide is a super-effective, ecologically sound cleaner & odor eliminator, with proven broad-spectrum, anti-microbial action. Take a 10% discount off your purchase of Vital-Oxide from 1877floorguy.com by using coupon code FGBLOG. Vital-Oxide is shelf stable for over one year & Ready To Use—no mixing required. Non-irritating to the skin and not corrosive to treated articles. Always test a small area for colorfastness before full use on fabrics or carpets. by: 1877FloorGuy
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
If you've recently installed a new residential Congoleum Vinyl Floor, there's no doubt that you hope to keep it looking new for years to come. The bright and shiny "newness" can be maintained with proper care and maintenance. Let's take a look at ways you can keep your vinyl floor looking sharp.
Following installation of your new vinyl floor it’s important not to disturb the seams. The amount of time you need to stay off the floor or limit traffic varies for the different Congoleum products and can range from 16 hours for Congoleum Resilient Sheet Vinyl to 48 hours for DuraCeramic, DuraStone and Resilient Tile Floors. Furniture and appliances should not be placed on the new floor for 24 – 48 hours. Detailed Care & Maintance for Congoleum Residential Vinyl on 1877Floorguy.com gives the cure time for all of the products in this line. This cure time allows the adhesive that seals the seams to harden and hold. Adhesive may not be completely dry before this time and moving furniture on the floor can cause the vinyl and adhesive to become compressed which could leave permanent compression marks. When you do move furniture, don’t push or pull items across the floor. Use plywood or furniture slides under heavy items to avoid scratching or tearing your new floor and carry lightweight pieces. Finally, wait a full 48 hours following installation before washing your new floor. When you do wash it, use Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy No-Rinse Cleaner as recommended by the Manufacturer. Ongoing maintenance is critical to maintaining that “new floor” look. Your Vinyl floors should be swept and mopped regularly. How often you sweep & mop depends on how much you use the vinyl floor. The idea is the keep it free from loose dirt and debris which can scratch the surface under foot traffic, dulling the finish. Sweeping will be more frequent than mopping. When you do mop your floor, Congoleum advises you to use Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy No-Rinse Cleaner which has been specially formulated for use on Congoleum Vinyl. Following Manufacturer instructions for how to clean your floor and what to clean it with will keep it in excellent condition and will uphold your Warranty if you should have a claim. Avoid one-step "mop and polish" products, dishwashing liquids and oil-based cleaners that may leave a residue which can attract dirt and dull your floor's finish. Avoid cleaners that contain abrasives or solvents which may permanently damage your floor. Preventive Care will extend the life of your floor. More information can be found on 1877Floorguy.com under Congoleum Residential Floor Care & Maintenance. Here are some guidelines: Keep furniture & appliance feet and bases covered with non-staining felt floor protectors or smooth, flat glides. Check glides periodically for grit and wear and replaced when necessary. Place mats at outside entrances to prevent dirt, grit and soil from being tracked onto your floor. Use 100% latex- backed mats, because some rubber-backed mats or carpets may permanently stain your floor. To help prevent staining from asphalt tracking (a frequent problem), use of a latex-based driveway sealer and remove shoes for a few weeks following the driveway sealing. Draw drapes and blinds during peak periods of strong sunlight. Resilient floors, like other home furnishing products, may discolor or fade when overexposed to the sun. Avoid wearing stiletto or spiked heels on your floor. These types of heels can indent or damage many types of floors. Stains & spills should be wiped up right away. If a damp clean cloth is not enough to thoroughly cleanse the area, most stains can be removed by scrubbing the area with a small amount of concentrated Congoleum Bright ‘N Easy No-Rinse Cleaner then rinse thoroughly (because it's undiluted). More tips are available on 1877Floorguy.com. Vinyl floors are very durable and last a long time when they are maintained with some degree of care however time and normal use will reduce the shine on even the most well maintained floor. When you notice your floor looking dull, even if it’s only in a high traffic area, you can restore shine with the use of a Vinyl Polish. Congoleum has two polishes for you to choose from depending on the finish you desire. Before applying Polish, you’ll need to remove any ground-in dirt and excess polish buildup with Congoleum Bright 'N Easy Polish Remover. Rinse thoroughly. Then apply Congoleum Bright 'N Easy Floor Polish to obtain a high-gloss finish or Congoleum Bright 'N Easy Satin-Gloss Floor Polish to obtain a satin-gloss or natural-gloss finish. If you choose high-gloss, keep in mind that, like any glossy surface, this will show all smudges and imperfections. Satin-gloss is the more popular of the two. Some Congoleum Flooring Materials require Polish immediately following installation. Check Congoleum Residential Floor Care & Maintenance on 1877Floorguy.com before applying to see when Polish is required on your vinyl floor. Finally, keep an eye out for any compromised spots on the vinyl floor and treat them immediately. For tears or split seams cover the area immediately then contact the retail store where you purchased the floor or call a reputable flooring installer who specializes in hard-surface floors. Place an order on 1877Floorguy.com for any Congoleum Cleaning or Maintenance Product and receive a 10% discount by entering coupon code FGBLOG. by: 1877FloorGuy
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