What Removes Scuff Marks From Epoxy Floors?

About Epoxy Floors

• Epoxy flooring is a type of plastic. Formulations vary, but generally the floor has distinct layers protected by a topcoat of hardener. Unlike epoxy-layered flooring, a topcoat of epoxy with hardener laid over concrete, terrazzo or wood, an epoxy floor by definition has multiple epoxy layers usually at least 2 millimeters in thickness, the Epoxy Specialists website reports. Poured as a liquid, this seamless floor owes its hardness and durability to a curing process. Once poured, the epoxy must dry and cure completely for 48 to 72 hours.

About Scuff Marks

• When black rubber rubs against epoxy or polyurethane surfaces, it deposits a streak of residue. On a high-gloss epoxy floor, black scuff marks are an eyesore. Like glue, they're resistant to the conventional sponge mop, soap and water approach.

Prevention

• Epoxy floors should be treated with a water-based sealer finish. The finish, also a hardener, can be clear or stained with color. It protects the epoxy resin layers against black marks and stains. Because the sealer finish can be buffed and reapplied like floor wax, it's cheaper and easier to repair than the underlying epoxy resin.

Cleaning Scuff Marks

• If you rub the skid mark with your finger, some of it peels off. Cleaning a floor covered with skid marks is problematic. Though abrasives such as baking soda and toothpaste work well, they can dull the sealant finish. A dry terry-cloth towel or a tennis ball, used like an eraser, effectively removes black scuff marks from epoxy. For multiple scuff marks, snip off a section of the tennis ball. Insert a broom handle and rub the tennis ball over the scuff marks like an eraser. Once removed, dust mop the epoxy floor and follow with a cloth or mop. Use a warm water solution with a gallon of water mixed with a half-cup of straight ammonia. Ammonia cleans without streaking as it doesn't leave a soapy residue.