Floor Care Tech Talk - Crystallization vs. Oxalic Acid Polishing
Crystallization (also known as re-crystallization or vitrification) is a method of creating a gloss on calcium bearing stone floors such as marble, limestone, and travertine. Crystallization has been in use since the 1960’s with varying levels of success and is still a controversial topic among stone care professionals. Many claim successful use with no damage to stone while others claim damage to the stone occurs either immediately or over a period of years. Below is a discussion of what crystallization is and how it differs in process from that of using oxalic acid to chemically polish stone floors.
What is marble:
For our purpose here we will simplify our language and use the term marble to refer to all calcium bearing stones and cementitious terrazzo flooring materials. The chemical content of these stones is primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the same compound that makes up seashells, pearls, eggshells, and common household antacid tablets.
What is crystallization:
Crystallization is a process in which a steel wool pad is used in combination with a weighted floor machine and acid solution to bring a polish to stone floors. The most common ingredients of crystallization chemicals are acid, magnesium fluorosilicate, aluminum fluorosilicate, zinc fluorosilicate, and water. Some crystallization products may also contain waxes. The chemical reaction illustrated below shows the process taking place during crystallization. Note that magnesium fluorosilicate (MgSiF6) is used in this example but most chemistries will contain a mixture of fluorosilicates. The basic reaction principals are the same no matter which fluorosilicate chemistry is used.

In this reaction the magnesium salts are primarily left on the surface of the stone and removed during the next cleaning of the surface, and the calcium fluorosilicate (CaSiF6) is bonded to the underlying stone and is now the layer we walk on.
The surface of the stone has now been chemically altered and there is no way to reverse the process. Note that this new surface of the stone is not a coating but is now part of the stone itself. The only way to remove a crystallized layer is through mechanical action such as diamond honing. Chemical strippers commonly used to remove acrylics will not remove crystallization.
The resulting layer of calcium fluorosilicate formed on the surface of the stone is harder, more glossy, and more stain resistant than the original stone surface. This is the principal behind crystallization.
How does crystallization differ from what is done in the factory or with a polishing compound containing oxalic acid:
Most marble has been polished in the factories using various grades of abrasives followed by a final step using an abrasive in combination with oxalic acid (H2C2O4). In an effort to replicate this factory finish most marble polishes contain an abrasive to remove fine scratches and oxalic acid to replicate the factory process. Unlike crystallization, steel wool is not required when using an oxalic acid polish. Most often polishes are used with a red or natural floor pad under a 175rpm floor machine. Floors with deeper scratches or other damage, typically must be diamond honed prior to using marble polishing products. During marble polishing, the reaction taking place is shown below.

Again the resulting surface is more glossy original stone surface. The difference is that the reaction taking place using oxalic acid does not chemically alter the surface of the stone. The calcium oxalate (CaC2O4) formed in the reaction is washed away with the slurry from the process leaving behind a smoothed and polished stone surface that has not been chemically altered.
Note that the above does not mean that oxalic acid will not etch stone surfaces. Oxalic acid (and any acid) dropped on a marble surface will etch. Factory polishing and marble restoration are performed under controlled circumstances to reach desired results.
How does this affect the use of Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector on a floor?
Due to the chemical change to the flooring surface crystallized layers must be removed prior to applying Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector. Trizact™ Diamond HX Discs are sufficient to remove the crystallized layer and prepare the floor for application.
Floors that have been polished using an oxalic acid product have not been chemically altered and therefore do not need to have a layer removed prior to application. However, for best results it is still recommended that Trizact™ Diamond HX Discs be used to remove all scratching, bumpiness, and other blemishes on the flooring surface.
To learn more download the full PDF release.
Floor Care Tech Talk - Distinctness of Image (DOI) is a measure of how crisp and sharply a reflected image appears. Learn about how DOI is measured, how it differs from gloss measurements, and its importance when evaluating floor finishes.
The most common description of the appearance of a flooring surface is gloss. However, using only gloss to describe a floor describes only a portion of how it will appear. Two floors may have an equal gloss but a very different appearance. To fully describe a floor, we need to consider more than just gloss.
What is gloss and how is it measured:
Gloss is a term used to describe the “shine” or light reflection of a flooring surface. Typical gloss meters measure gloss by projecting a beam of light onto the floor and measuring the amount of that light reflected back at the same angle within a /- 0.9 degree range. Because gloss readings are taken using a range, there will be variations of appearance between samples that give the same gloss reading. We could refine that range and get a better description. That measurement is called Peak Specular Reflectance.
What is Peak Specular Reflectance (RSpec):
RSpec is measured in the same way as gloss but uses a very tight range of /- 0.15 degrees. Two surfaces may have the same gloss reading but a greatly different RSpec. The higher the RSpec reading the more perfectly light is reflected. This reading gives a better indication of the floor appearance but can be further refined.
What is Distinctness of Image (DOI):
Distinctness of Image (DOI) is a measure of how crisp and sharply a reflected image appears. For example the ability to see a bright spot reflected in a floor as compared to being able to clearly see the outline of a light bulb or being able to read text in a reflected sign.
Distinctness of image is an indication of the perfection of a reflection and lack of haze or orange peel in a surface. The picture used at the top of this Tech Talk is an example of a floor with a very high Distinctness of Image. In effect, a high DOI measurement tells us that light is perfectly reflected and only small amounts of light are reflected in angles close to perfect (which would cause a fuzzy image). Due to advances in portable meters, DOI is now being used in the field to measure the quality of floor coatings.
How does DOI affect the use of 3M™ Trizact™ Diamond HX Discs and Scotchgard™ Floor Protectors?
One of the major benefits of using 3M™ Trizact™ Diamond HX Discs prior to the application of a floor coating is a dramatic increase in DOI. Because Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector is applied thin, it does not “orange peel” and is able to maintain the smoothness and DOI of the Trizact™ Diamond HX Disc prepared flooring, while enhancing the gloss. Floors that have similar traditional gloss readings will have a better perceived appearance with the increased DOI provided by use of 3M™ Trizact™ Diamond HX Discs than those without. The following two images are provided to demonstrate the enhanced appearance of surfaces with similar gloss and different DOI values.
To learn more download the full PDF release.
Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector has been certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) as providing "high traction".
Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector was recently submitted to NFSI for testing to be certified as providing “high-traction”. NFSI product certification is intended to provide product manufacturers the means to have their products independently evaluated for wet slip resistance.
NFSI evaluation consisted of the following process:
- Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector was installed in a real world (Test Site) application and maintained for 30 days
- After the 30 day test period, Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector was tested in accordance with ANSI B101.1 (Test Method for Measuring Wet SCOF of Common Hard-Surface Floor Materials).
The NFSI evaluation of Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector determined the wet static coefficient of friction (SCOF) was greater than 0.60. Based on the SCOF value, Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector has been certified by NFSI as providing ”high-traction”
A wet SCOF of greater than 0.60 was chosen by NFSI as the criteria for ”high traction” because according to NFSI, floor surfaces maintaining this level of slip resistance when wet have proven to reduce slip-and-fall claims by between 50% and 90%. ANSI B101.1 specifies three traction ranges according to the measured wet SCOF: High Traction, Moderate Traction, and Minimal Available Traction. The three ranges are summarized in the table below taken from the ANSI/NFSI B101.1-2009 Standard.
Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector is now listed on the NFSI website as a certified product. The certification is good for three years and can be recertified at that time. During this period, the NFSI certification logo may be used on any literature, presentations, etc. involving Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector. More information on the NFSI certification process and use of the NFSI certification logo can be found on their website at www.nfsi.org.
To learn more download the full PDF release.
3M Introduces 3M™ Trizact™ Diamond HX Discs
Innovative 3M Material Enables High Gloss, Low Cost Stone Floor
LAS VEGAS – World of Concrete, Booth # O30847 – January 17-21, 2011 – At the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas today, 3M unveiled the 3M™ Trizact™ Diamond HX Discs, an enhancement to the new line of 3M™ Scotchgard™ Hard Floor Protection Systems. The new 3M Trizact Diamond HX Discs are designed for use with the Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector and allow maintenance operations to turn dull and scratched floors into beautiful, shiny floors.
The Trizact Diamond HX Discs consist of precisely patterned, composite abrasive structures distributed uniformly on a flexible backing. As these structures wear, fresh, sharp diamond abrasive is continually exposed, resulting in uniform, consistent and fast cutting action through the life of the product. Based on proprietary 3M technology, the Trizact Diamond HX Discs work with existing floor cleaning equipment. Material costs for refurbishing stone floors using 3M™ Trizact™ Diamond HX with Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector are less than $0.40 per square foot versus up to $7.00 per square foot for traditional grinding and polishing procedures. Suitable stone floor surfaces include, but are not limited to marble, terrazzo and polished concrete. ---.
“This product is part of our continued innovation to enhance our new line of Scotchgard Hard Floor Protection Systems,” said Ed Michels, marketing development manager with 3M Building and Commercial Services Division. “We offer customers advanced solutions that deliver less maintenance and a significant return on their investment.”
Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector system provides lasting strength and shine with less maintenance than traditional finishes. In just two coats, Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector produces a clean, glossy floor that is less susceptible to scuffs, black marks, stains and scratches. This high-performance product lasts for up to a year with minimal maintenance. That means customers spend less of their operations budget on labor and floor-finishing chemicals, without sacrificing glossy, attractive floors. In addition to the cost and labor savings, the product is also environmentally preferable* in its reduction of water and chemical use.
The Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector is an addition to the Scotchgard Hard Floor Protection System portfolio. From VCT to concrete, the Scotchgard Hard Floor Protection System delivers significant value and return on investment. This family of products offers innovative solutions for virtually any floor type, soil level, traffic pattern and desired appearance.
For more information about 3M’s Trizact Diamond HX Discs and its family of Scotchgard Hard Floor Protection Systems visit 3M’s booth # O30847, located in the outdoor Silver Lot, during the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas from January 17-21, 2011.
About 3M
A
recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of
innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength
is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in
combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in
sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more
than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
3M and Scotchgard are trademarks of 3M Company.
*Environmentally Preferable Products are defined in the Instructions for Implementing Executive Order 13423, titled “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” as products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, product, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service.
Contact:
Natasha Woods
LaBreche
(612) 392-7612
nwoods@labreche.com
or
Colleen Harris
3M Public Relations
(651) 733-1566
http://www.3m.com/PressContact
From:
3M Public Relations and Corporate Communications
3M Center, Building 225-1S-15
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
New Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector From 3M Helps Reduce Floor Maintenance Costs by up to 55 Percent
Floor finish lasts for up to one year
ST. PAUL, Minn. – May 4, 2010 – 3M today introduced Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector, a high-performance floor protector that delivers glossy, durable floors that require less labor to maintain. Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector helps reduce labor and material costs associated with traditional acrylic floor finishes by up to 45 percent in the first year, and up to 55 percent per year in subsequent years, resulting in significant return on investment. The product is ideal for moderate- to high-traffic areas within medical facilities and commercial and education buildings.
Compared to traditional acrylic floor finishes that require four to eight coats on initial application, Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector requires only two coats to produce a clean, shiny floor that is less susceptible to scuffs, black marks, stains and scratches than conventional finishes. This product contains nano-sized, inorganic particles that, upon curing, produce a surface that is up to six times more abrasion-resistant than acrylic finishes.
Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector lasts for up to one year with minimal maintenance requirements, reducing floor downtime. Following application, the finish dries in 10 to 30 minutes, allowing the area to be functional sooner. The finish resists water, stains and dirt, so finished floors are easily cleaned by dusting and wet mopping or scrubbing, which leaves behind a clean, smooth floor with a beautiful shine. Burnishing is required only once or twice per month depending on traffic levels, as opposed to multiple times per week with traditional acrylic finishes. When it’s time to reapply, no stripping or deep scrubbing is required—the floor can simply be cleaned and recoated.
“With the reduced maintenance requirements of Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector, you spend less of your operations budget on labor and floor-finishing chemicals without having to sacrifice clean floors,” said Ed Michels, marketing development manager with 3M Building and Commercial Services Division. “In addition to the cost and labor savings, the product is also environmentally preferable* in its reduction of water and chemical use.”
Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector can be used on multiple substrates, including vinyl, vinyl composition, rubber, linoleum and asphalt tile floors. It is convenient to use and easily applied by staff or local certified applicators through the use of a unique backpack applicator, the 3M Easy Shine Applicator. It does not require pouring or mixing chemicals, allowing for a safer application with less mess.
The Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector is an addition to the Scotchgard™ Hard Floor Protection System portfolio. From VCT to concrete, the Scotchgard™ Hard Floor Protection System delivers significant value and return on investment. This family of products offers innovative solutions for virtually any floor type, soil level, traffic pattern and desired appearance. To schedule a no-obligation demonstration* or for more information, please call (866) 654-3679 or visit www.3M.com/floorfinish. *Certain restrictions apply
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
3M and Scotchgard are trademarks of 3M Company.
*Environmentally Preferable Products are defined in the Instructions for Implementing Executive Order 13423, titled “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” as products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, product, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service.
Contact:
Libby Hager
LaBreche
612-767-7633
lhager@labreche.com
or
Colleen Harris
3M Public Relations
866-654-3679
http://www.3m.com/PressContact
From:
3M Public Relations and Corporate Communications
3M Center, Building 225-1S-15
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector Named a 2010 Most Innovative Product
ST. PAUL, Minn. – April 26, 2010 – The Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector from 3M has been named a winner of the 2010 Most Innovative Products (MIP) Award Program. The product, a high-performance floor surface hardener and protector, was selected as the Editor’s Choice honoree in the General Product category. The MIP Award Program is held annually at the World of Concrete trade show.
The MIP Award Program showcases many of the new products exhibited at World of Concrete. Attendees and editors of publications such as Concrete Construction, Masonry Construction and The Concrete Producer review and select the award winners based on the innovation they bring to the industry.
“We’re delighted that the unique qualities of the Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector have been recognized with a Most Innovative Products award,” said Ed Michels, marketing development manager with 3M Building and Commercial Services Division. “In addition to the time and cost savings the Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector provides, the editors also recognized the benefits of its unique delivery system, the 3M Easy Shine Applicator, which helps minimize waste and increase productivity.”
The Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector delivers a highly durable finish with less labor, and a significantly higher return on investment. By reducing the maintenance and chemical requirements associated with traditional acrylic floor finishes, the Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector can reduce maintenance costs by as much as 60 percent. In just two coats, the special formulation produces a clean, shiny surface that protects concrete, marble, terrazzo and other porous-stone surfaces from scuffs, stains and scratches. The surface lasts for up to one year with minimal maintenance.
The Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector is easily applied by staff or local certified applicators through the use of a unique backpack applicator, the 3M Easy Shine Applicator. The product is contained in a sealed pouch, which eliminates pouring and mixing of chemicals and results in a safer application with less mess. The product dries in 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the area to be functional sooner than traditional finishes.
The Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector, which was introduced in mid-2009, is part of the Scotchgard Hard Floor Protection System portfolio. From VCT to concrete, the Scotchgard™ Hard Floor Protection System delivers significant value and return on investment. This family of products offers innovative solutions for virtually any floor type, soil level, traffic pattern and desired appearance. To schedule a no-obligation demonstration* or for more information, please call (866) 649-1973 or visit www.3M.com/floorfinish.
*Certain restrictions apply
About 3M A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
3M and Scotchgard are trademarks of 3M Company.
Contact:
Libby Hager
LaBreche
(612) 767-7633
lhager@labreche.com
or
Colleen Harris
3M Public Relations
(651) 733-1566
www.3m.com/PressContact
From:
3M Public Relations and Corporate Communications
3M Center, Building 225-1S-15
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
For use on vinyl, VCT, rubber, linoleum and asphalt tile floors. Can be maintained with standard speed, high speed or ultra high speed equipment and pads.
Initial Application:- Strip all old finish from floor using a 3M™ floor stripping chemical and 3M™ stripping pad. Rinse and allow floor to dry thoroughly.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus (do not burnish floors containing asbestos).
- Dust the floor using the 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Apply a thin, uniform coat of Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator System. It is important not to overwork the material when applying. Allow 15 to 30 minutes of drying time. After 5 minutes of dry time, a fan blower can be used to assist with drying.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
- Dust the floor using the 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Apply a second thin, uniform coat of Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator System. Allow 15 to 30 minutes of drying time.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
Note:
- Avoid standing water on the finished floor for 48 hours after application
- Coverage is typically 3000 sq. ft./gallon.
- Do not use any products containing 2-butoxyethanol (butyl) or citrus (d-limonene) as this will damage the coating surface.
Ongoing Maintenance:
- Dust mop with 3M™ Doodleduster cloth or 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Damp mop or auto scrub as necessary using a 3M™ Neutral Cleaner and 3M™ Topline Autoscrubber Pad #5000.
- When appearance of floor begins to dull, burnish using the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus (typically two times per month).
- Recoat traffic areas or entire floor as necessary with Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator System. Be sure the floor is clean and free of marks before recoating typically one to two times per year).
Precautionary Summary:
Refer to product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS: 26-9131-9) for specific health hazard, first aid and precautionary information.
Directions for use: For use on concrete, marble, terrazzo and other porous stone surfaces. Can be maintained with standard speed, high speed or ultra high speed equipment and pads.
Initial Application:- Strip all old finish from floor using a 3M™ floor stripping chemical and 3M™ stripping pad.
- If the floor is uncoated, clean thoroughly using a black scrubbing pad and thoroughly rinse floor with water.
- Allow floor to dry thoroughly.
- Mask off any surfaces that are not intended to be coated. i.e.: metal, glass, painted surfaces, fabric.
- Burnish the bare floor using a Scotch-Brite™ Sienna Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
- Follow the Scotch-Brite™ Sienna Diamond Floor Pad Plus by burnishing with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
- Dust mop with 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Agitate the Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector and install bag into 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator backpack.
- Using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator and pad, apply 1 uniform, very thin coat of Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector. Allow 10-30 minutes of drying time.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus
- Dust mop with 3M™ Easy Trap Duster
- Using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator and pad, apply a second uniform, very thin coat of Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector. Allow 10-30 minutes of drying time.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
Note:
- Test in an inconspicuous area to verify appropriate application.
- Minimum application temperature is 50°F.
- Coverage is approximately 2000- 3000 sq. ft./gallon.
- Do NOT use any cleaner that contains citrus (d-limonene) or 2-butoxyethanol (butyl cellusolve)
Cleaning:
- Dust mop with 3M™ Doodleduster cloth or 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Damp mop using 3M™ Neutral Cleaner and a flat mop or string mop.
- Auto scrub as necessary using a 3M™ Neutral Cleaner and 3M™ TopLine Autoscrubber Pad 5000 on the auto scrubber.
Burnishing:
- When the appearance of the floor begins to dull, burnish the floor using the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
Recoating:
- Scrub traffic areas or the entire floor as required using 3M™ Neutral Cleaner with 3M™ Blue Cleaner Pad 5300 and follow with a water rinse.
- Dust floor with 3M™ Doodleduster Cloth or 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Recoat the scrubbed area with 1 coat of Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
Removal:
- Scrub traffic areas or the entire floor as required using 3M™ Neutral Cleaner with Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad.
Precautionary Summary:
Refer to product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS: 26-5490-3) for specific health hazard, first aid and precautionary information.
Thank you for your interest! We will contact you soon to schedule a demo.
Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Floor Finish
Directions for use: For use on resilient flooring such as vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, asphalt tile, concrete, terrazzo, marble, ceramic and stone. No burnishing required. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Initial Application:
- Prior to application, floor should be stripped of previous finishes or deep scrubbed and thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and debris
- Use 3M™ 471 Tape to mask areas where you do not want finish and dust floor with 3M™ Easy Trap Duster
- Remove barrier clip and burst seal between parts A and B on Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Floor Finish two-part dispenser bag, pull seal completely open, shake
- Allow bag to sit for about 30 minutes
- Apply Scotchgard™ Base Finish more heavily than conventional floor finishes; however, avoid puddling and pooling. On contoured, sloped or highly porous and rough surfaces, Scotchgard™ Base Finish should be applied in lighter coats, using two coats if needed to form a smooth finish
- Scotchgard™ Base Finish should dry in about 30 minutes
- Replace flat 3MTM Easy Shine pad holder with round Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Applicator Pad Holder and a rinsed Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Applicator Pad
- Completely wet Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Applicator Pad with finish
- Dispense a thick, milky coat of Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Floor Finish along your first wall; pull finish from wall to wall without stopping and maintain a 6" wet edge in front of Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Applicator Pad
- Finish room by pulling any excess resin onto plastic liner taped at exit
- Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Floor Finish will be ready for traffic and furniture after 6-8 hours and will lose any feeling of tightness after 24 hours
Daily Maintenance:
- Dust with 3M™ Easy Trap Duster
- Damp Mop with 3M™ Easy Scrub and 3MTM Neutral Cleaner, Twist ’n Fill™ #3 or #33
18-24 Month Maintenance:
- Scrub using 3M™ Surface Prep Pad and 3MTM Neutral Cleaner, Twist ’n Fill™ #3 or #33
- Rinse thoroughly
- Allow to dry completely
- Reapply Scotchgard™ Ultra Durable Floor Finish (note, application of Scotchgard™ Base Finish not required)
Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector
Directions for use: For use on concrete, marble, terrazzo and other porous stone surfaces. Can be maintained with standard speed, high speed or ultra high speed equipment and pads.
Initial Application:
- Strip all old finish from floor using a 3M™ floor stripping chemical and 3M™ stripping pad.
- If the floor is uncoated, clean thoroughly using a black scrubbing pad and thoroughly rinse floor with water.
- Allow floor to dry thoroughly.
- Mask off any surfaces that are not intended to be coated. i.e.: metal, glass, painted surfaces, fabric.
- Burnish the bare floor using a Scotch-Brite™ Sienna Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
- Follow the Scotch-Brite™ Sienna Diamond Floor Pad Plus by burnishing with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus on the bare concrete surface.
- Dust mop with 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Agitate the Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector and install bag into 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator backpack.
- Using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator and pad, apply 1 uniform, very thin coat of Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector. Allow 10-30 minutes of drying time.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus
- Dust mop with 3M™ Easy Trap Duster
- Using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator and pad, apply a second uniform, very thin coat of Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector. Allow 10-30 minutes of drying time.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
Note:
- Test in an inconspicuous area to verify appropriate application.
- Minimum application temperature is 50°F.
- Coverage is approximately 2000- 3000 sq. ft./gallon.
- Do NOT use any cleaner that contains citrus (d-limonene) or 2-butoxyethanol (butyl cellusolve)
Cleaning:
- Dust mop with 3M™ Doodleduster or 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Damp mop using 3M™ Neutral Cleaner and a flat mop or string mop.
- Auto scrub as necessary using a 3M™ Neutral Cleaner and 3M™ TopLine Autoscrubber Pad 5000 on the auto scrubber.
Burnishing:
- When the appearance of the floor begins to dull, burnish the floor using the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
Recoating:
- Scrub traffic areas or the entire floor as required using 3M™ Neutral Cleaner with 3M™ Blue Cleaner Pad 5300 and follow with a water rinse.
- Dust floor with 3M™ Doodleduster Cloth or 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Recoat the scrubbed area with 1 coat of Scotchgard™ Stone Floor Protector.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
Removal:
- Scrub traffic areas or the entire floor as required using 3M™ Neutral Cleaner with Scotch-Brite™ Surface Preparation Pad.
Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector
Directions for use: For use on vinyl, VCT, rubber, linoleum and asphalt tile floors. Can be maintained with standard speed, high speed or ultra high speed equipment and pads.
Initial Application:
- Strip all old finish from floor using a 3M™ floor stripping chemical and 3M™ stripping pad. Rinse and allow floor to dry thoroughly.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus (do not burnish floors containing asbestos).
- Dust the floor using the 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Apply a thin, uniform coat of Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator System. It is important not to overwork the material when applying. Allow 15 to 30 minutes of drying time. After 5 minutes of dry time, a fan blower can be used to assist with drying.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
- Dust the floor using the 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Apply a second thin, uniform coat of Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator System. Allow 15 to 30 minutes of drying time.
- Burnish the floor with the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus.
Note:
- Avoid standing water on the finished floor for 48 hours after application
- Coverage is typically 3000 sq. ft./gallon.
- Do not use any products containing 2-butoxyethanol (butyl) or citrus (d-limonene) as this will damage the coating surface.
Ongoing Maintenance:
- Dust mop with 3M™ Doodleduster or 3M™ Easy Trap Duster.
- Damp mop or auto scrub as necessary using a 3M™ Neutral Cleaner and 3M™ Topline Autoscrubber Pad #5000.
- When appearance of floor begins to dull, burnish using the Scotch-Brite™ Purple Diamond Floor Pad Plus (typically two times per month).
- Recoat traffic areas or entire floor as necessary with Scotchgard™ Vinyl Floor Protector using the 3M™ Easy Shine Applicator System. Be sure the floor is clean and free of marks before recoating typically one to two times per year).
This Savings Calculator is intended to help compare current floor finish costs associated with typical acrylic finishes and Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector. This calculator is not intended to replace the customer's careful evaluation of Scotchgard Stone Floor Protector for the customer's intended application. Actual results may vary. Values are based on ISSA standards, 3M standards and customer input. 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential resulting from or in any way related to the information contained in this calculator.
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Commercial and Industrial Floor Cleaning Supplies
3M provides a variety of janitorial cleaning supplies and floor finish maintenance products that are designed to work with many of the new Scotchgard™ Hard Floor Protection Systems.

