How to Strip & Wax
Commercial Floors
The complete process from bare tile to mirror-like shine. 7 steps, every product you need, and the pro tips that make the difference.
The 7-Step Process
Follow these steps in order. Each one builds on the last — skip one and the final result suffers.
Prep the Area
Clear the space and protect surroundings before any chemicals hit the floor.
Pro Tip
Work in sections of 200-400 sq ft at a time. Trying to strip too large an area means the stripper dries before you can scrub it.
Floor Pad Color Guide
Pads are color-coded by aggression level — darker = more aggressive. Using the wrong pad can damage your floor or waste your time.
Stripping — removes old finish and heavy buildup
Heavy scrubbing and wet stripping
Heavy-duty scrubbing and spray cleaning
Buffing and light scrubbing — daily maintenance
Polishing and burnishing to high gloss
High-speed burnishing for ultra-high gloss
Floor Finish Comparison
Higher solids content = fewer coats needed, deeper gloss, and longer durability. Choose based on your traffic level and budget.
Floor Wax 16%
SKU: 20001
Budget-friendly, standard traffic
View ProductFloor Wax 23%
SKU: 20201
Best value, most facilities
View ProductPremium Finish 29%
SKU: 21101
High-traffic, showroom-quality
View ProductShould You Use a Floor Sealer?
Applying 1-2 coats of Floor Sealer before your finish coats fills pores in the tile, creates a better bond, and makes your finish last significantly longer. Highly recommended for new or freshly stripped floors.
Maintenance Schedules by Facility
How often should you strip and recoat? It depends on your foot traffic.
Office Buildings
Schools
Healthcare
Retail Stores
Warehouses
Churches & Event Halls
5 Mistakes That Ruin a Strip & Wax Job
Letting stripper dry
Work in small sections and keep the floor wet.
Skipping the neutralizer
Alkaline residue eats through new finish from below.
Applying finish too thick
3 thin coats always beats 1 thick coat.
Not enough dry time
Wait 30-45 min between coats. Rushing causes bubbles.
Using a dirty mop
Use a dedicated finish mop. Contamination = streaks.
Everything You Need in One Place
Strippers, finishes, floor pads, machines, and more — all at wholesale prices with free local delivery.