Floor Waxing in Rhode Island
Fresh finish applied in even coats for a durable, easy-to-maintain shine on commercial floors.
What floor waxing does for a commercial floor
Waxing, which is applying fresh floor finish, is what gives a vinyl or tile floor its shine and, more importantly, protects it. The finish takes the scuffs and scratches instead of the tile, and it makes the floor far easier to keep clean day to day. A well-finished floor, like the glossy exam-room floor on this page, reflects the lights above it and signals care to everyone who walks in.
In Rhode Island the finish does hard seasonal work. From November to March, salt and sand ride in on every boot and scour at the surface, and the corridors and entrances that get the most traffic lose their shine first. Fresh coats applied before winter set in give the floor a sacrificial layer, and a recoat afterwards restores what the season took.
When a floor is ready for new finish
- The shine has faded in the walking lanes while the edges still look good.
- The floor has just been stripped and is bare, so it must be refinished.
- A new floor has been installed and needs a protective coat.
- Light scratches and scuffs are visible when sun hits the floor at an angle.
- You want the building to look its best before an event, a visit or an opening.
How we apply floor finish
- Clean the floor thoroughlyDirt left under the finish is sealed in, so the floor has to be spotless first.
- Apply thin, even coatsSeveral light coats with an applicator give a more durable, even result than one heavy layer.
- Let each coat dryEach layer cures before the next goes on, and we keep traffic off the floor meanwhile.
- Check the resultWe look at the finish under the room's lighting, fix any missed spots, and tell you when it is safe to walk on.
What affects the cost of floor waxing
- Floor area. Total square footage to be coated.
- Number of coats. More coats mean more drying time and materials.
- Starting condition. A floor that needs stripping first is a larger job than a simple recoat. See floor stripping.
- Drying time and scheduling. Work in busy buildings is planned around when areas can be closed off.
- Finish choice. Different finishes have different durability and cost.
Why choose D'best for floor waxing
A wax job is only as good as the prep underneath it and the patience between coats. We bring 25 years of experience to both, and we are happy to show you the finished floors on this site, which are from our own jobs, so you can judge the work before you call.
Floor waxing in your area
We wax floors for businesses in Providence, Warwick and throughout Rhode Island. Call (860) 578-7591 Monday to Saturday.
Floor waxing questions
Is floor wax the same thing as floor finish?
In commercial work, yes in practice. Most products now are polymer floor finishes, but the job is still called waxing. Either way it is a protective coating that gives the floor its shine.
How soon can people walk on a freshly waxed floor?
Not straight away. Each coat needs to dry, and the finish keeps hardening after it feels dry to the touch. We tell you how long to stay off the floor and when it is safe for normal traffic, and we put out signage while it dries.
How often should a commercial floor be recoated?
It depends on traffic. Entrances and corridors wear first and may need a recoat much sooner than a quiet back office. A regular recoat of the busy lanes keeps the floor from needing a full strip as often.
Can you wax any kind of floor?
Floor finish is meant for resilient hard floors such as vinyl composition tile. Other floors, such as carpet or some types of stone and wood, need different care. If you are unsure, describe the floor and we will tell you.
How do I keep a waxed floor looking good between visits?
Sweep or dust-mop often to keep grit off it, use a neutral cleaner rather than harsh chemicals, and use entrance mats in winter. Grit and salt are what scratch finish the fastest.
Give your floors the shine they should have
Call us or send a request and tell us what kind of floor you have.