How to Strip and Wax Floors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Stripping and waxing is the deepest restoration a hard floor will get. Done right, it removes years of yellowed finish, embedded soil and scuff marks, then replaces them with a fresh, hard wearing layer that looks new. Done wrong, it leaves streaks, hazing or a tacky surface that traps dirt within days.

When to strip and wax

Most commercial vinyl composition tile (VCT) floors need stripping and waxing every 12 to 18 months, depending on traffic. Telltale signs: yellow build up at edges and corners, a dull surface that no longer responds to burnishing, and visible scratches that hold dirt. Schools, retail and healthcare floors usually run on a yearly cycle.

Tools and supplies

• Floor stripper — alkaline solution that breaks down old finish
• Low speed rotary buffer with stripping pad — see our floor care collection
• Wet vacuum for picking up the slurry
• Mop and bucket with two wells for clean rinse water
• Floor finish (wax) — 18 to 25 percent solids for high traffic
• Microfiber finish applicator — never reuse for stripper and finish
• Wet floor signs and barricade tape

Strip step by step

1. Block the area off and post wet floor signs
2. Sweep and dust mop to remove all loose debris
3. Mix stripper at the label rate, usually 1 part stripper to 4 to 8 parts water
4. Apply liberally with a mop, leaving a wet pool on the floor
5. Let it dwell 5 to 10 minutes (do not let it dry)
6. Run the buffer with a stripping pad in overlapping passes
7. Pick up the slurry with a wet vac
8. Rinse with clean water twice to remove all stripper residue
9. Allow to dry completely before applying finish

Apply finish step by step

1. Verify the floor is bone dry and dust free
2. Pour finish into a clean bucket — never reuse a stripper bucket
3. Apply a thin even coat with a microfiber applicator
4. Wait 30 to 45 minutes between coats
5. Apply 4 to 5 total coats for high traffic, 3 for residential
6. Allow 8 hours dry time before reopening to foot traffic
7. Wait 24 hours before allowing wheeled traffic or burnishing

Common mistakes

Skipping the rinse. Stripper residue ruins finish adhesion and causes hazing.

Applying finish too thick. Thin coats build harder and clearer than thick ones.

Walking on the wet finish. Even socked feet leave marks that lock in.

Mixing brands of finish. Different polymers can fight each other. Stick with one product line.

Burnishing for the final shine

After 24 hours, run a high speed burnisher across the floor. The heat softens the top layer and levels it into a glass smooth finish. Burnish weekly thereafter to keep the gloss high and reduce the need for frequent strip jobs.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a strip and wax take?

For 1000 square feet, plan 4 to 6 hours including drying time. Larger areas should be split across two crews or done in zones overnight.

Can I strip and wax wood floors?

No. Stripper damages wood. This process is for resilient flooring only — VCT, vinyl plank, linoleum and rubber.

What buffer speed should I use?

175 to 300 RPM for stripping. Higher speeds can throw stripper everywhere and damage tile. Match the pad to the pad driver and run light, even pressure. Browse our floor care equipment for the right buffer for your floor type.