Maintenance and Cleaning of Fluid Applied

Epoxy, Polyurethane and Cement based Floors

Thank you for choosing one of our ranges of polymeric floors for your building. Fluid applied floors have
many advantages over other flooring systems. They are seamless and therefore harbour less dirt and
bacteria. They can be formed into a cove to continue the flooring vertically keeping dirt and cleaning fluid
away from wall coatings.

They can be smooth or rough, matt or gloss and be extremely resistant to chemicals. They can even be
sound and impact absorbing.

Cleaning and maintenance is easy as long as simple guidelines are followed. This is a brief outline of the
maintenance required to keep your floor in the best condition possible and therefor extend its working
life. For more detailed information please in the first instance contact your installer.

Maintenance of your floor

The level and type of soiling will determine the frequency of vacuuming or sweeping. Grit and sand are
the main enemy of any floor coating as these can abrade the surface and lead to an increased
susceptibility to soiling. Grit and dust MUST be vacuumed or swept up on a daily basis, more frequently
for heavily soiled and trafficked areas.

We recommend that a dirt trap is incorporated into the floor where high foot traffic is envisioned from
outside, particularly in commercial environments. This will not only extend the life of your floor but also
cut maintenance costs.

Wet Cleaning

Wet soiling on the surface should be removed as soon as possible with a damp cloth and foot traffic
excluded until the floor is completely dry. To maintain the appearance and performance of your new floor
we strongly recommend that the floor is cleaned on a daily basis with the use of a suitable cleaning
machine, with clean warm water only. On heavily soiled or foot trafficked areas this should be carried out
twice a day.

The information contained in this technical data sheet is based on our previous experience and knowledge. It is not possible to consider every single case. Please
seek technical advice for specific projects. We guarantee our product is manufactured to the specifications as stated herein. Beyond that no warranty is made,
expressed or implied. We do not assume responsibility for work not carried out by us. We recommend that on-site-trials be conducted. Our “General Terms and
Conditions” apply. This data sheet supersedes all previous data sheets.

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 Soap based cleaning agents should be avoided. They can result in the build-up of a sticky residue on the
surface which will in it’s self-lead to increased maintenance and have a detrimental effect on the
appearance of your new floor and fundamentally reduce slip resistance. Always test your floor cleaning
product on the least visible area to check for any reaction. If you are in an area of high lime-scale
particular attention should be paid to the surface. On any floor covering lime- scale can build up after
repeated wet cleaning. If this becomes apparent the floor should be cleaned with a suitable acidic floor
cleaner.

There are many different cleaning agents on the market aimed at specific types of problems. For instance
if a high incidence of soiling from grease or fatty acids is expected an alkaline cleaning solution is
recommended. Whereas in a hospital an alcohol based solution for its antibacterial qualities may be
required.

Method

• No wet cleaning should be carried out until the coating has reached first cure, normally 7 days at
20° C
• Between 7 days and 28 days light wet cleaning should be carried out if necessary with a damp cloth
only.
• After 28 days wet cleaning should be carried out once or twice a day depending on foot traffic and
level of soiling with clean warm water only.
• If heavy soiling is present and cannot be removed with water then a floor cleaning agent should be
used at exactly the recommended dosage. Cleaning agents have been tested to work as described.
If added at the wrong ratio they may be too aggressive. It is a common misconception that if a
heavily soiled area is to be cleaned additional cleaning agent is required. Unless the manufacturer
states this, not only will it be counterproductive, it could also damage your new floor.
• Add the clean warm water or cleaning agent to the floor scrubbing machine. A red pad is normally
suitable but this should be tested on a small area prior to working on the floor.
• Once the floor has been scrubbed remove ALL water and if used the entire cleaning agent with a
wet vacuum. The cleaning agent should be removed by rinsing with clean water and vacuumed
again.

CAUTION!

To avoid the danger of people slipping the cleaned area MUST not be opened to foot traffic until
completely dry. Leaving water on the surface of any floor is not only hazardous but can lead to water
marks on your floor especially in areas prone to lime scale. Ultimately this will reduce the performance
and life span of your floor.

The information contained in this technical data sheet is based on our previous experience and knowledge. It is not possible to consider every single case. Please
seek technical advice for specific projects. We guarantee our product is manufactured to the specifications as stated herein. Beyond that no warranty is made,
expressed or implied. We do not assume responsibility for work not carried out by us. We recommend that on-site-trials be conducted. Our “General Terms and
Conditions” apply. This data sheet supersedes all previous data sheets.

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 Polish Option

We don’t advise the use of floor polishes until your floor reaches the point where regular cleaning is not
giving the desired result and appearance. Please note once a polish has been applied it is extremely
difficult to remove.

There are many types of polish on the market from gloss to matt. We recommend you test a small area to
check that the appearance given by the polish is the required look. High gloss polish will give a shine to
your floor that may not be aesthetically pleasing. Matt polish gives a satin gloss finish that may in extreme
cases look uneven. Always test a small area.

It should also be noted that once a floor polish is applied it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to over
coat your floor with either epoxy or polyurethane. If it is your desire to recoat your floor at intervals to
keep an “as new” appearance floor dispersion polishes should NOT be applied.

To maintain slip resistance you must ensure that any sealers applied have the correct R rating.

Method

• Clean the floor thoroughly as described above and leave to dry completely.
• Exclude the public and all personnel from the area while cleaning is carried out and until the floor
is completely dry.
• Apply an even thin coat of sealer with a lamb’s wool pad or suitable application method
recommended by the manufacturer.
• Leave the sealer to dry as per manufacturer’s recommendations, usually about 30 minutes and
repeat the process again as per manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Leave the floor to dry completely before use.
• This process should be repeated several times a year in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
• Maintenance of a sealed floor is the same as an unsealed floor but the cleaning agent should be
compatible with the sealer. If in doubt speak to the sealer manufacturer.
• There are many sealers on the market. A sealer should be chosen that is compatible with your floor
covering material and gives or maintains the required slip resistance. If in doubt speak to your
contractor or the manufacturer of the sealer.

The information contained in this technical data sheet is based on our previous experience and knowledge. It is not possible to consider every single case. Please
seek technical advice for specific projects. We guarantee our product is manufactured to the specifications as stated herein. Beyond that no warranty is made,
expressed or implied. We do not assume responsibility for work not carried out by us. We recommend that on-site-trials be conducted. Our “General Terms and
Conditions” apply. This data sheet supersedes all previous data sheets.

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 Slip Resistance

• There are many misconceptions that have developed through and around the industry of “slip
resistance” and the point of this document is not to address those. Your floor will have, like all
floors, a measure of slip resistance. To maintain that slip resistance it is essential that this
maintenance regime is strictly adhered to.
• On some floor surfaces the failure to remove grit, dirt and dust will scratch the surface and
increase slip resistance but on most it will reduce the performance. The build-up of dirt will
obviously reduce slip resistance but this also includes shoe rubber and leather. Failure to remove
these may lead not only to a poor aesthetic appearance but also to an undesirable feel under foot.
• Like any surface continual heavy foot traffic will wear down the coating. The benefit of a fluid
applied floor is that it can be quickly and relatively cheaply over coated.
• On a heavily trafficked area it will be necessary to recoat at regular intervals to maintain
appearance and performance. As with any other type of floor careful and considerate maintenance
is required.

For details of maintenance products available please consult your installer.

If these simple guidelines are followed you will experience many years of enjoyable use of your floor. It is
paramount that you do not use your floor too early after laying. Many problems down the line are as a
result of too early use. Please ensure that you always follow the guidelines in the relevant technical data
sheets.

Giving the floor time to cure will reap many benefits down the line. If you require any further information
please speak to your contractor who will be happy to answer any questions.

We hope you enjoy your floor for many years to come.

Achtis Group

The information contained in this technical data sheet is based on our previous experience and knowledge. It is not possible to consider every single case. Please
seek technical advice for specific projects. We guarantee our product is manufactured to the specifications as stated herein. Beyond that no warranty is made,
expressed or implied. We do not assume responsibility for work not carried out by us. We recommend that on-site-trials be conducted. Our “General Terms and
Conditions” apply. This data sheet supersedes all previous data sheets.

Maintenance - 4