Glenda Childs,
Toowoomba
Vinyl
A: When it comes to vinyl flooring, there are several major subgroups that are all generally referred to as vinyl. It evolved from linoleum and is typically a mixture of cork powder or other wood dust, pigments and binding agents that are pressed into sheets. They are then covered with a transparent wear-resistant layer to seal the vinyl underneath and give the tiles a finished look that varies from matte to glasslike shine.
Vinyl has always been popular, because it boasts excellent qualities - it's durable and affordable, looks appealing and is fairly easy to maintain. Of course, one of the greatest things about vinyl flooring is that it comes in great deal of colors and patterns and ultimately, there is no look that cannot be mimicked by vinyl flooring.
Q: What exactly is linoleum?
A: Linoleum,
commonly
abbreviated just 'lino' is a flooring material that was first patented in 1863.
Its name comes from the main ingredient it's made from, solidified linseed oil
that is boiled and mixed with molten resins, powdered cork, wood dust, fine
limestone and other raw materials. Finally, the mixture is formed into sheets
by applying heat and pressure. Genuine linoleum is extremely long wearing floor
coating that gets stronger with age, because the linseed oil gets harder as it
oxidizes slowly over time.
Q: Do vinyl and linoleum floors need polishing?
A: Without polishing, vinyl and linoleum floors
appear dull and matted and become progressively susceptible to getting dirty,
stained and damaged. Some of the advantages of proper polishing is the floor surface
becomes shiny and protected against wear and tear and stains. Generally, polish
vinyl and linoleum floors need more regular maintenance. You will know it's
time to have you floors polished once they start looking dull and matted even
after proper cleaning.
Q: How do I care for the polish on my vinyl/linoleum floors?
A: The
polish is the uppermost layer of your vinyl or linoleum flooring that prevents
dirt and liquids from penetrating and staining the floor. It should be
reapplied regularly, ideally twice a year, especially in areas with high foot
traffic. This involves stripping the previous polish using manufacturer's
approved products and applying a new layer. In most cases dry buffing to
achieve maximum shine, surface gloss and durability. While the latter technique
is not always necessary, it's the only option when it comes to dealing with
permanent stain, burns and deep scratches. Finally, a freshly stripped floor
requires that a minimum of three layers of polish for acceptable gloss and
surface protection.
To find out more about sheet vinyl, vinyl tiles, or other vinyl flooring click here!
