9-Step Guide to Stripping Commercial VCT Floors the Right Way

Stripping commercial VCT floors is essential to maintain shine, safety, and durability in many commercial buildings. Over time, old layers of floor finish and dirt build up due to foot traffic, spills, and furniture movement—making your VCT floors appear worn and scuffed. This guide walks you through the complete process to strip and wax vinyl composite tile effectively while using the right tools, stripper solution, and safety steps to protect your facility in the long run.

What Is Stripping Commercial VCT Floors and Why Does It Matter?

Stripping commercial VCT floors refers to the complete removal of old floor finish, wax, and debris from the surface of vinyl composite tile. It’s a critical floor maintenance process that helps prevent excessive wear, reduce slip hazards, and prepare the floor for refinishing with a new finish. Regular floor stripping improves appearance, prevents future damage, and extends the lifespan of VCT floors.

How Floor Finish Impacts the Stripping Process

The quality and number of coats in your current floor finish can affect how challenging the stripping process will be. Old layers that haven’t been maintained can harden or yellow, requiring stronger chemicals or longer dwell times.

Difference Between Floor Stripping and Waxing Floors

• Stripping removes all previous layers, including dirt and chemicals.
• Waxing floors involves applying a new floor finish to restore shine and protection.

This deep cleaning cycle ensures a clean base before applying a fresh floor finish in the following steps.

In the next section, we’ll cover how often to strip and wax VCT floors and what signs indicate it’s time.

When Should You Strip and Wax VCT Floors in Commercial Spaces?

Maintaining VCT floors means knowing the right time to begin the stripping process. The frequency of floor stripping depends on factors like foot traffic, facility type, and how well the floors are maintained between refinishing cycles.

Signs It’s Time to Strip VCT Floors

• Visible discoloration or yellowing of floor finish
• Scuffed or dull appearance
• Wax buildup in corners or edges
• Slippery spots or uneven texture
• Residue that doesn’t go away with regular cleaning

Frequency Recommendations Based on Foot Traffic

Understanding this timing helps your team or contractors plan floor maintenance in a cost-effective way.

Next, we’ll walk through the actual step-by-step process of stripping commercial VCT floors using the correct tools and techniques.

Step-by-Step Process for Stripping Commercial VCT Floors

The process of stripping VCT floors involves several carefully timed steps. Each one ensures the old finish is removed completely, surfaces are prepared, and a new floor finish is applied correctly.

Step 1 – Place Wet Floor Signs and Prepare the Area

Begin by:

• Blocking off the area with caution tape and wet floor signs
• Removing furniture, debris, and mats from the space
• Sweeping or vacuuming any loose dirt or gum

This step ensures safety for employees and protects the rest of the facility from spills or chemical exposure.

Step 2 – Choose the Right Floor Stripper for Your VCT

Use a commercial-grade floor stripper solution suitable for vinyl composite tile. Choose a low-odor, fast-acting chemical if working in occupied buildings. Always review the product label and follow manufacturer directions.

Step 3 – Dilute and Apply Floor Stripper Safely

• Pour the stripper into a mop bucket and dilute as instructed
• Using a finish mop or loop mop, apply generously across the floor
• Avoid puddles, but ensure even coverage
• Allow the chemical to dwell for 10–15 minutes

Proper application helps begin the breakdown of old wax layers.

Step 4 – Let the Stripper Dwell and Reactivate Old Finish

Letting the stripper sit helps soften the old layers. If the solution dries, reapply to keep the surface wet and reactive.

Step 5 – Scrub VCT Floors with Commercial Equipment

Use a floor machine with a black stripping pad or an auto scrubber:

• Move slowly and overlap each pass
• Focus on corners and high-wear areas

The stripping pad lifts the old finish while the machine agitates the residue.

Step 6 – Remove Residue and Rinse the Floors Thoroughly

Use a wet vac to extract dirty solution. Then:

• Rinse the floor at least twice with clean water
• Mop thoroughly to remove any remaining residue

Repeat until the surface is free of chemical, dirt, and wax buildup.

Step 7 – Allow Proper Drying Time for VCT Surface

Drying is critical before applying a new coat. Use fans or air movers in large spaces. Avoid walking on the floor until it’s completely dry to avoid slip risks or trapped debris.

Step 8 – Apply a New Floor Finish in Thin Even Coats

Using a clean finish mop, apply:

• 3–5 coats of commercial floor finish
• Allow each coat to dry completely (20–30 mins)

The number of coats will vary based on traffic and shine requirements.

Step 9 – Buff and Burnish for a Glossy Protective Finish

Once the final coat is dry, use a burnishing machine to buff the surface and restore a high-gloss, slip-resistant shine.

After this 9-step process, your commercial VCT floors will be clean, shiny, and safe for daily foot traffic.

Now that you’ve mastered the process, let’s talk about choosing the right supplies and tools for the job.

Tips for Choosing the Right Floor Stripper and Equipment

The effectiveness of floor stripping depends heavily on using the right supplies. Using low-grade or incorrect tools can lead to incomplete removal or damage.

Best Floor Stripper Types for VCT Floors

• Heavy-duty for old wax layers
• Low-odor for facilities with occupants
• Fast-acting formulas to reduce downtime

How to Pick the Right Floor Buffer or Auto Scrubber

Look for:

• Models with rubber wheels to prevent scuffing
• Adjustable pressure settings for flexibility
• Compatibility with black stripping pads

Use the right floor machine and supplies to save time and money while ensuring the job is done completely.

Next, let’s review how to stay safe and compliant during this process.

Safety and Compliance When Stripping Commercial Floors

Stripping VCT floors involves chemicals, wet surfaces, and moving equipment—making safety essential.

Why Wet Floor Signs and Proper Ventilation Are Critical

• Wet floor signs prevent slip accidents
• Ventilation reduces exposure to fumes
• Open windows and use exhaust fans if needed

OSHA Guidelines for Floor Stripping Chemicals

• Use gloves, goggles, and non-slip shoes
• Label chemicals and store them safely
• Train your cleaning team in chemical handling

Using correct procedures helps protect employees and avoid costly accidents.

Mistakes during the stripping and waxing process can ruin results—let’s go over the most common ones.

Mistakes to Avoid When Stripping and Waxing Floors

Even experienced teams can make simple errors that reduce floor appearance or cause future damage.

Over-Application of Floor Stripper

Too much stripper can leave behind residue that attracts dirt. Always follow dilution guidelines.

Rinsing Too Quickly or Not Enough

If you don’t rinse thoroughly, leftover stripper can ruin the new finish or cause peeling.

Applying Wax on Damp Floors

Never wax wet floors. Trapped moisture causes bubbles, streaks, and peeling coats.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a durable and professional finish. But how long does the entire process take?

How Long Does It Take to Strip and Wax Commercial VCT Floors?

Time varies based on the size of the area, layers of old finish, and crew size.

Time Estimate for Medium vs. Large Commercial Areas

Drying and Curing Time for Floor Finish Layers

• Each coat dries in 30 minutes
• Full cure may take 24–48 hours
• Limit heavy furniture or foot traffic during this time

Understanding the timeline helps you plan facility operations accordingly. But if it sounds overwhelming, you might consider hiring professionals.

Should You Hire Professionals to Strip and Wax VCT Floors?

While DIY may seem cost-saving, hiring experts ensures high-quality results and longer floor durability.

DIY vs. Professional Floor Stripping: Pros and Cons

How Scher Flooring Ensures Long-Lasting Floor Finish Results

Scher Flooring Services uses:

• Industry-approved chemicals and tools
• OSHA-compliant processes
• Expert teams trained for complete removal and refinishing

Hiring professionals can protect your investment, reduce future maintenance costs, and improve safety.

Let’s wrap up everything we’ve covered.

Conclusion: Keep Your Commercial VCT Floors Clean, Safe, and Shiny

Stripping commercial VCT floors is a critical part of facility maintenance. From removing old layers to applying a new floor finish, each step protects your investment and enhances safety. Using the right stripper, equipment, and supplies can restore your floors’ shine and prevent future damage.

Whether you choose to proceed with your own team or hire professionals like Scher Flooring Services, routine floor stripping helps you save money in the long run and keeps your business looking its best.