Floor Burnishing Techniques

Preparation

• Prepare the floor's surface before burnishing it. Clean the floor surface using hot water and neutral floor cleaner. Follow the floor cleaner manufacturer's instructions when using floor cleaning products. Using too much floor cleaner can result in streaks on the floor or the burnisher not performing at its best. Mop the floor surface thoroughly and allow it to dry before burnishing it.

Burnishing Pads

• Select the most appropriate burnishing pad for the surface of the floor. Each type of burnishing pad can result in lustrous shine for different types of floor. For unsealed or worn floors, a softer pad will shine without scratching the floor’s surface. Always follow the burnishing floor machine’s manufacturer suggestions for best results. Manufacturers often recommend a specific brand and type of burnishing pad for each type of floor.

Spray Buff

• Although burnishing can be done without using cleaning or polishing products, burnishing products are available to help protect the floor's surface and enhance the shine. Spray buff, which is a light wax, can be used to add a protective layer to the floor and leave a high-gloss finish. Spray buff is applied in a thin layer to the floor’s clean, dry surface. The burnishing floor machine then burnishes the area the spray buff is applied. Whether chemicals are used or not, moving the machine slowly across the floor’s surface will result in better shine.

Maintenance

• Routine maintenance of floor surfaces will improve the results of burnishing floors. Maintenance includes routine mopping, using protective products for each floor type and waxing the floor as needed. Burnishing unprepared floors results in not achieving the best results, shortening the life high-gloss finish and also shortening the life of the burnishing pad.