Floor Wax Technology

Natural Waxes

• Carnauba wax was the original high-quality floor wax for most floorings. It is combined with a resin for a long-lasting finish that is buffed to an attractive sheen. Carnauba wax is harvested from a palm tree that is native to Brazil. It is available as a paste. The highest quality wax is light tan in color. Candelilla wax is also used in combination with other compounds in wood floorings. Candelilla comes from Euphorbia antisyphilitica, native to the American Southwest and Mexico. Another plant, Pedilanthus pavonis, native to Mexico, is also a source. (see Reference 4)

Synthetic Wax and Polymers

• Next, synthetic waxes were produced about 1960 and were combined with resins, polymers and plasticizers to produce a milky white liquid. This product gives a bright finish. Polymerized polyethylene products are one kind of synthetic wax. Different production techniques give waxes that vary considerably in their properties. Another synthetic wax is produced by polymerizing carbon monoxide under high pressure.

Metal Cross-Link Products

• Space-age polymers, such as acrylics, acrylic copolymers and urethanes are combined with a metal, most commonly zinc in the form of zinc ammonium carbonate. The zinc cross-links with the polymer in the floor finish to increase strength and durability. The product withstands cleaning with detergents and cleaners, but can easily be removed by using an ammonium compound.

Polythermic Products

• Shine is restored to applied finishes by using an electric buffer. Ordinary buffers spin at 175 RPMs. With advances in technology, high-speed buffers were developed that could rotate from 1000 to 2500 RPMs. Available floor finishes, such as the metal cross-link polishes, were degraded by the heat and friction generated by the new buffers. Polythermic finishes were created that could be burnished to a high gloss called the "wet look" with the high-speed buffers, and buffings lasted longer.