Armstrong Flooring Maintenance Instructions for Static Dissipative Tile (SDT)

Contents

Following a regular and well-planned maintenance program will ensure a beautiful floor and increase its service life.

Click here for more insight into creating a Flooring Maintenance Plan for Your Facility.

NOTE: If electrical certification of an installation is required, do not perform any maintenance procedures or connect the grounding strips until after the certification has been completed.

Helpful Tips

Aggressive strippers such as mop-on/mop-off, no scrub and no-rinse strippers should never be used on Static Dissipative Tile as they may affect the product’s electrical performance.
Do not strip the floor within the first 30 days after installation as it may affect the electrical performance properties of the tile.
Always use proper safety signage while working, especially during wet maintenance.
Use walk-off mats at every entrance to help control grit and soil; clean walk-off mats regularly. We recommend mats without latex or rubber backing since these backings can cause permanent discoloration.
Protect the floor with plywood or Kraft paper during construction and while moving equipment and furniture.
Select proper non-staining furniture rests and casters; the contact area should be smooth, flat, and firmly on the floor at all times.
After removing loose dirt and debris, use a damp mop and a properly diluted cleaner for daily maintenance. Do not use an excessive amount of liquid.
When using disinfectants, always follow manufacturer’s instructions for use to avoid slippery conditions and possible discoloration.
Protect your floor by avoiding the use of brown and black pads, or stiff-bristled, highly abrasive brushes.

Armstrong Flooring Static Dissipative Tile (SDT) requires polish for protection, ease of maintenance, appearance retention and optimum electrostatic discharge performance.
USE ONLY Armstrong Flooring S-392 SDT Floor Polish. Using other polishes or sealers may interfere with the electrical properties and/or the appearance of this flooring.

Initial Maintenance

Immediately After Installation

Newly installed flooring should not be exposed to rolling load traffic for at least 72 hours after installation to allow the adhesive to dry.
Do not wet wash or machine scrub for at least five days after installation. Do not strip the floor for at least 30 days. Excess moisture can interfere with the adhesive.
When performing wet maintenance, always use proper signage and prohibit traffic until the floor is completely dry.
Remove any adhesive residue with a clean, white cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.
Sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floor to remove loose dust, dirt, and debris.
Damp mop the floor with a properly diluted cleaner, like Armstrong Flooring S-485 Commercial Floor Cleaner.
Apply at least three coats of Armstrong Flooring S-392 SDT Floor Polish, to temporarily protect the floor until regular maintenance procedures can begin.

Preparation for Commercial Traffic

Scrub the floor using a rotary machine or auto scrubber (300 rpm or less) with a properly diluted cleaner and a scrubbing pad (3M™ blue or equal) or equivalent brush. If the floor is badly soiled and/or scratched, strip it using the same procedure but substituting a properly diluted stripping solution. Do not strip the floor within the first 30 days after installation.

NOTE: Aggressive strippers such as mop-on/mop-off, no scrub and no-rinse strippers should NEVER be used on Static Dissipative Tile as they may affect the product’s electrical performance.

Thoroughly scrub the floor, passing slowly in each direction.
Rinse the floor with fresh, clean water and allow the floor to dry.
Apply 3 to 5 coats of Armstrong Flooring S-392 SDT Floor Polish. Allow at least 60 minutes drying time between applications. Do not allow traffic on the floor for 6 to 8 hours after final coat of polish (overnight if possible). Do not perform any additional wet maintenance procedures until last coat of polish has cured a minimum of 72 hours.

Daily & Periodic Maintenance

Sweep & Damp Mop in Areas with Light Soiling

Sweep, dust mop or vacuum the floor to remove loose dust, dirt, and debris.
Damp mop the floor with a properly diluted cleaner, like S-485 Commercial Floor Cleaner, on a regular or daily basis.

Machine Scrub for Heavy Soiling and Corrective Cleaning

When necessary, after sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming, scrub the floor using a rotary machine or auto scrubber (300 rpm or less) with a properly diluted cleaner and the appropriate pad.Use a 3M™ red pad, or equivalent, for a light scrub
Use a 3M™ blue pad, or equivalent, for a deep scrub
Thoroughly scrub the floor, passing slowly in each direction.
Rinse the floor with fresh, clean water and allow the floor to dry.
Heavy-traffic areas may require extra coats of S-392 on a more frequent basis. If needed, additional coats of floor polish should be applied at this time. The floor may also be spray buffed to restore gloss and peak electrical performance. Spray a diluted solution of S-392 (1 part S-392 to 2 parts water) onto the floor. Before the liquid can dry, buff it with a floor machine capable of 175 to 1100 rpm, equipped with a buffing pad or brush (3M™ white pad or equal or equivalent brush).

Restorative Maintenance – Stripping Existing Floor Polish

NOTE: Do not strip the floor within the first 30 days after installation. Aggressive strippers such as mop-on/mop-off, no scrub and no-rinse strippers should NEVER be used on Static Dissipative Tile as they may affect the product’s electrical performance.
Mix stripping solution to the appropriate dilution, depending on floor finish buildup.
Cordon off areas to be stripped and apply liberal amounts of solution uniformly on floor with mop.
Let stripping solution soak for the appropriate amount of time recommended by the stripper manufacturer.
Keep areas to be stripped wet. Rewet if necessary.
Machine scrub the floor (300 rpm or less), passing slowly in each direction, with a 3M blue pad or equivalent to break up the polish film. Do not allow stripping solution to dry on the floor
Remove dirty stripping solution with a wet vacuum or mop.
Rinse the floor with fresh, clean water and allow the floor to dry.
Apply 3 to 5 coats of Armstrong Flooring S-392 SDT Floor Polish. Allow at least 60 minutes drying time between applications. Do not allow traffic on the floor for 6 to 8 hours after final coat of polish (overnight if possible). Do not perform any additional wet maintenance procedures until last coat of polish has cured a minimum of 72 hours.

Maintenance Equipment & Accessories

We recommend using the following accessories and equipment as part of a regular and well-planned maintenance program to ensure a beautiful floor and increase its service life.

• Wet mops (microfiber, cotton, synthetic blend)
• Dry mops (microfiber, rayon, polyester, acrylic)
• Polish applicators (optional)

Floor Protection

Guidelines for Floor Protection Devices

The contact area should be smooth, slightly rounded and large enough to distribute the load evenly without damaging the floor.
Floor contact devices should be manufactured from non-staining materials.
Felt glides are recommended on smooth, hard surface. They must be kept clean and properly maintained.
Nylon glides are recommended on heavily embossed or textured surfaces.
When using rolling casters, we recommend double wheel options. To avoid damage under the casters, use a non-staining chair mat.
Furniture, appliances, and equipment should be leveled so that all flooring protection devices rest fully and firmly on the floor.

Updated on November 21, 2023