Use and Care Manual

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES FOR KEEPING YOUR FLOOR LOOKING ITS BEST.
Immediately After Installation
• Because your floor adhesive needs time to thoroughly dry after installation, we recommend that you do not scrub
or wet wash your floor for five days.
•
• Immediately after installation, wipe dirt and scuff marks off your floor with a clean, white, damp cloth.
•
• When the floor is dry, apply 3 to 5 coats of Armstrong Shinekeeper* Long-Lasting Floor Polish or Satinkeeper
Low Gloss Floor Finish, following the instructions below under Polishing Your Floor. Allow a minimum of 30
minutes for drying time between coats. (On humid days, drying may take much longer.) Note:
Vinyl composition tile
is coated with Fast Start Factory Finish, which does not require removal after installation. It is compatible with floor polishes
.
•
• NOTE: For Armstrong Natural Options and Natural Creations, it is necessary to scrub the surface to prepare the
flooring for polish; this can be done five days after installation. Scrub with Once 'n Done* Floor Cleaner, using
1/4 cup per gallon of water and a scrubbing pad (blue/green, or equal). When the floor is dry, apply 3 to 5 coats
of Armstrong Shinekeeper* Long-Lasting Floor Polish or Satinkeeper Low Gloss Floor Finish, following the
instructions below under Polishing Your Floor.
•
• Optional: Application of 1 or 2 coats of S-495 Sealer is optional but rarely needed in a residential setting. If used,
the S-495 Sealer must be applied before application of Shinekeeper or Satinkeeper polish. The S-495 Sealer
should be applied with a clean mop or applicator (note: the typical residential sponge mop may result in a visually
unacceptable appearance).
Regular Maintenance
• Sweep or vacuum frequently to minimize dust and grit. If you have an upright vacuum, use the wand attachment
since the beater bar may scratch the polish. This will extend the life of each application of polish.
•
• When necessary, wash with Once 'n Done* Floor Cleaner, using 1/4 cup per gallon of water. Wash your floor in
small segments and do not let water stand on the floor. Water can temporarily soften the polish and allow
scratching. However, softened polish will dry and return to normal in about 24 hours.
• Special note for Safety Zone: When washing Safety Zone, use a soft nylon scrub brush and rinse after washing.
Do not use a mop on Safety Zone because it may tear when used on this surface. If a nylon brush does not
seem to bring up the residue, you will need to use a stiff-bristle brush with Once 'n Done. Rinse, and remove
excess moisture with a wet vac. If you use the stiff-bristle brush, you will need to apply another two coats of
polish after washing. Be sure the floor is thoroughly dry before applying the polish.
Polishing Your Floor
• These floors do not have a no-wax wear layer and must be polished. Polish protects your floor and is the key to
keeping it looking beautiful.
•
• When your floor shows wear, it is time for another layer of polish. Wash your floor thoroughly with Once 'n Done
before applying polish. Only polish the worn areas to reduce polish buildup.
•
• Apply Shinekeeper or Satinkeeper with a dampened sponge or sponge mop. Pour some polish into a clean
bucket. NEVER POUR POLISH DIRECTLY ONTO THE FLOOR. Dip your sponge into the polish and wring it out
so it does not drip. Spread the polish evenly over 3 or 4 square feet at a time, going over each area only once to
avoid streaking. The polished segment should appear wet, not puddled.
•
• Most of the time you will only need one coat (after the initial 3 to 5 coats). However, if you do need another coat,
allow ample drying time between each coat, with 30 minutes as a minimum.