Applying Wax Can Protect Your Concrete Floor
Many concrete contractors recommend applying a wax or floor finish to a concrete floor after it is sealed. Applying a few coats of wax on top of a sealer can protect the sealer from wear and protect the floor from scuffs, scratches, and grit. It is easy to buff out scratches from a coat of floor finish and then apply more if needed.
Floor finishes are generally water-based acrylic copolymers that are designed to withstand normal foot traffic. For a concrete floor in a commercial setting, a higher-grade solvent-based floor wax should be used to protect the floor from scuffs and black heel marks. These waxes are also slip-resistant when properly maintained.
Floor finish products can be purchased from a janitorial supply company or a concrete stain manufacturer. Check with the manufacturer of your sealer to make sure the wax is compatible for use over these products. Some sealers, such as chemical-resistant urethanes, should not be used with a wax or floor finish.
Most acrylic-based floor finishes can be applied with a looped-end rayon mop such as a micro-fiber mop. Do not use a cotton mop because it can leave streak marks and lint. A solvent-based floor wax should be applied with a heavy-duty floor machine with brush or buffing attachments.
A wax finish should not scratch with normal daily use, but it can wear over time. A higher-grade finish, such as a commercial-grade wax, can last longer. A stained concrete floor is usually coated with several layers of finish. It should last indefinitely if it is regularly maintained. The finish should not be allowed to wear down to the sealer because a sealer is harder to buff out and reapply than a floor finish.
At Elite Concrete Systems, we apply three or four coats of Zep High Traffic Floor Polish to concrete floors after sealing. It dries to a beautiful shine and can easily be reapplied by the homeowner after installation is completed.