ASTM_D_3564_-_95_2015.pdf

Designation:D356495(Reapproved 2015)Standard Practice forApplication of Floor Polishes to Maintain Vinyl CompositionTile or Flooring1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3564;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 vinyl composition tile or flooring.Floor polishes areapplied to vinyl composition tile 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 Vinyl composition tile or flooring consists of vinylresins(suitably plasticized and stabilized)fortified with com-position fibers,mineral fillers,and prime pigments.In somecases,all or part of the wearing surfaces may consist of unfilledvinyl resin that is clear or translucent.Metallic accents(chips,pigment,etc.)are frequently used to form the overall design.Ingeneral,the overall binder content is lower than that ofhomogeneous vinyl tile.For the purpose of this practice,vinylcomposition also includes vinyl asbestos tile.3.Initial Treatment,New Floors3.1 Do not scrub vinyl composition tile floors for about 4 to5 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 and applya polish as soon as it has been installed.Lightly mop with adilute floor cleaning solution(following the manufacturersdilution recommendations for damp mopping)to removesurface soil,and then apply one or two coats of a good gradeof emulsion polish.Care should be taken during these opera-tions not to flood the floor resulting in excess polish being“worked into”the seams or joints in the flooring.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 Do not use cleaners containing abrasives or aromaticor aliphatic petroleum distillates.Alkaline cleaners with a pHhigher than eleven at the use concentrations are not recom-mended.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 very mildscrubbing type of synthetic pad may be used to hasten cleaningaction.Avoid coarse grades of synthetic pads or steel wool toprevent 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 onvinyl composite tile and flooring should be used.These 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 Nov.1,2015.Published November 2015.Originallyapproved in 1977.Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D3564 95(2008).DOI:10.1520/D3564-95R15.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 polishes should be removable with strippers 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 Mop.This procedure isessential with surface embossed patterns to preve