Vinyl Composition

• Vinyl flooring is manufactured in layers attached to a felt backing using heat and pressure. A layer of foam forms the layer above the felt and gives the resilience underfoot. The next layer is the color and design element. The top layer is a clear, plastic coating that protects the color layer and gives the floor a shiny appearance. The clear, plastic layer is what becomes dull and requires a sealer to fill minor scratches and restore shine.
  
  

New Vinyl Floors

• One of the major selling points of new vinyl flooring is the "no wax" feature. The element that makes the floor "no wax" is the clear, plastic layer, which is the finish coat, applied during the manufacture of vinyl. In homes that have light traffic on the vinyl flooring, the clear, plastic finish may remain shiny for a longer period of time than on flooring subjected to a lot of wear. All vinyl floors benefit from a protective coat of vinyl sealer. The application of a coat of sealer applied to new floors establishes the protection of the clear, plastic layer from the beginning. A sealer recommended specifically for vinyl can be applied in a light, thin coat to a clean floor. Avoid the use of products that are a combination of a cleaner and wax on a new vinyl floor. Over time, these products will build up and dull the floor.
  
  Avoid using harsh cleaners on new vinyl floors; use only cleaners recommended for "no wax" vinyl. To remove any trace of the cleaner that can dull the floor, rinse the floor with clear water.
  
  

Older Vinyl Floors

• Over the years, older vinyl floors become dull from the buildup of cleaners and waxes on the flooring's clear top layer. To restore the shine to older vinyl floors, use a stripper formulated for vinyl floors.
  
  Read the instructions on the use of the stripper before using the product. Some strippers are diluted in water, and others may be used full strength. Give the stripper time to penetrate the buildup on the floor before removing it with a mop and clean water. Stubborn areas may require a second application of the stripper and scrubbing with a brush or a plastic pot scrubber. Afterward, rinse the floor thoroughly with plenty of clear water and allow it to dry.
  
  A clean mop may be used to apply a thin coat of sealer to the floor. Using too much sealer will result in streaking. Applying a second thin coat of sealer provides more protection for the vinyl floor.
  
  Vinyl polish is applied to a sealed floor, usually two to three coats on older floors. Allow the polish to dry between coats. Polish may be reapplied as needed when the floor begins to lose its shine.