Step 1: Prep Your Materials and PPE
Before you even touch the floor:
- Review chemical labels and SDS: Stripping solutions are highly alkaline and can be dangerous if mishandled.
- Gear up with PPE: gloves, goggles, and stripping boots are essential.
- Mix chemicals properly: Always add stripper to cold water (not the other way around) to prevent foaming. Follow label instructions for dilution — this varies depending on how much finish buildup you’re removing.
Step 2: Clear and Secure the Area
- Remove furniture and fixtures
- Dust mop thoroughly
- Scrape up gum or sticky residue with care — don’t gouge the floor.
- Place wet floor signs around the entire work area.
Step 3: Apply Stripper
Start at the farthest point from your exit:
- Apply generously with a wet mop, working parallel to the baseboards.
- Use a figure 8 motion to spread it evenly.
- Let it dwell for at least 5 minutes to break down the finish.
- Work in small sections (15x20 feet) so the solution doesn’t dry on the floor.
Don’t Forget the Edges
- Spray baseboard stripper on coving and edges as needed.
- Scrub edges with a doodlebug pad or edge cleaner.
- Wipe down with clean water and towels after scrubbing.
Step 4: Scrub with a Floor Machine
- Attach strip pad and plug in your swing machine.
- Adjust handle so your hands rest at belly-button height.
- Scrub left to right in overlapping passes.
- Repeat 3–4 passes per area to fully strip all layers of finish.
Step 5: Remove Slurry
- Use a wet/dry vacuum to extract all stripped finish and slurry.
- If using a vacuum without a front squeegee, attach the floor tool to the wand.
Step 6: Detail Check
- Inspect the floor for any areas with residual finish.
- Use baseboard stripper or a scraper for touch-ups.
- Repeat edge scrubbing if necessary.
Step 7: Rinse and Neutralize
- Mix floor neutralizer into clean water as directed.
- Mop the floor generously with this solution.
- Vacuum up the rinse water thoroughly.
Step 8: Rinse Again
- Do a second rinse with clean water.
- Vacuum again, and change water if it gets dirty.
Step 9: Let It Dry Completely
- Do not rush this step.
- Applying floor finish to a wet or improperly rinsed floor can ruin the entire job.
Final Thoughts
A clean strip sets the stage for a flawless floor finish. Following these steps ensures your work is safe, professional, and long-lasting. Whether you're prepping VCT, LVT, or linoleum, sticking to the process is what separates the amateurs from the pros.
Want a printable checklist or training version of this guide? Let us know and we’ll send one over.
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