ASTM_D_4386_-_95_2008.pdf

Designation:D438695(Reapproved 2008)Standard Practice forApplication of Floor Polishes to Maintain MultilayerComposite Tile or Flooring1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4386;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This practice covers the application of floor polishes tomaintain multilayer composite tile or flooring.2Floor polishesare applied to multilayer composite floors for protection andbeautification of the floor surface.Cleaning,polish application,removal,and maintenance procedures are important functionsin this process.1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard.The values given in parentheses are forinformation only.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Significance and Use2.1 Multilayer composite tile or flooring may consist of adecorative pattern layer and a transparent wear layer.Somefloors may also include a stress absorbing foam layer or abacking layer of other type.2.2 Included in the composition are vinyl resins,suitablyplasticized and stabilized,with or without fortifying fibers,mineral fillers and prime pigments.Metallic accents(chips,pigments,etc.)are frequently used to form the overall design.The transparent wear coating is usually polyurethane,acrylicor vinyl.Although the transparent wear layer provides an extrameasure of protection,the surface is subject to the same wearand tear as other types of floors.3.Initial Treatment,New Floors3.1 Do not scrub multilayer composite tile floors for about 4to 5 days after the floor has been installed.This waiting periodallows sufficient time for the adhesive to set properly.However,it is good practice to clean the floor lightly as soonas it has been installed.Lightly mop with a dilute floor cleaningsolution to remove surface oil(following the cleaner manufac-turers dilution recommendations for damp mopping).Careshould be taken during these operations not to flood the floor.3.2 Sweep the floor frequently to keep it free of foreignmatter,dust,and dirt.3.2.1 For this purpose,treated mops or dust cloths may beused provided they are treated in such a manner that nodeposits of treatment compound are left on the floor.4.Thorough Cleaning4.1 After the 4 to 5 day waiting period on new floors or asneeded on previously installed floors,scrub thoroughly toremove all dirt,surface soil,temporary floor polish coats,etc.4.2 Use a suitable floor cleaner diluted with warm water 100to 120F(37.8 to 48.9C)in accordance with the manufactur-ers instructions.4.2.1 For proper preparation of multilayer composite tile orflooring use a suitable cleaner following dilution instructions asrecommended by the manufacturer.4.3 Apply the cleaner solution without flooding the floor.4.4 Allow the cleaner solution to remain on the floorundisturbed for a few minutes but not long enough for it to dry.4.5 Scrub until all dirt and soil is loosened from the floor.Power machines fitted with a scrub brush or a mild scrubbingtype of synthetic pad may be used to hasten cleaning action.Avoid coarse grades of synthetic pads to prevent tile damage.4.6 After scrubbing,take up the cleaner solution using amop or wet vacuum.4.7 Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean,cool water but donot flood the floor during this operation.The purpose is toremove all traces of cleaner and soil so that the performance ofany subsequent coating is not adversely affected.Take up therinse water.4.8 Allow the floor to dry before applying floor polish.5.Polish Application5.1 Only floor polishes that are recommended for use onmultilayer composite tile or flooring should be used.The floor1This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.05 on Specifications.Current edition approved March 1,2008.Published April 2008.Originallyapproved in 1989.Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D4386 95(2002).DOI:10.1520/D4386-95R08.2Commonly referred to as“no wax flooring”or“minimum maintenanceflooring.”Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 polishes should be removable with cleaners recommended foruse on the same flooring.5.2 Apply the polish evenly in a thin,uniform coat with anapplicator or mop.If new mops or applicators are used,theyshould be cleaned by soaking in warm water until the size isremoved,rinsed,and squeezed damp dry prior to use.5.2.1 Procedure for Application by MopThis procedure isessential with surface embossed patterns to p