Many property owners confuse these two steps or think of them as a single operation. In reality, each plays a distinct role in restoring your floors.
Stripping: Starting Fresh
Stripping involves completely removing the old, deteriorated finish. Using specially formulated products and professional equipment (floor buffers, abrasive pads), our technicians eliminate all traces of worn wax, varnish, or sealant. We also remove embedded dirt, product residue, and surface micro-scratches. The result is a perfectly bare floor, free of all previous layers, ready to receive new protection.
Waxing: A New Lease on Life
Once stripping is complete, it's time for waxing (or applying a new finish). Multiple layers of high-quality product are carefully applied. Each coat is spread evenly and allowed to dry before the next is added. This fresh protection restores the floor's shine, guards against future wear, and makes daily maintenance significantly easier. Depending on the flooring type, this may be called waxing, sealing, or finishing.
Our expertise covers a wide range of flooring materials. Each surface has its own characteristics, and our technicians adapt their methods and products accordingly.
- Hardwood: sanding, refinishing, or waxing depending on condition and desired finish
- Marble and Natural Stone: deep cleaning, polishing, and sealing
- Ceramic and Tile: grout cleaning, deep scrubbing, and protective sealant application
- Vinyl, PVC, and Linoleum: stripping old wax layers and applying new finish
- Concrete and Cement: cleaning, polishing, and sealing for a smooth, glossy look
- Terrazzo: specialized treatment to restore the natural brilliance of the aggregate
You might be tempted to tackle stripping and waxing yourself. But the risks are significant, and the results rarely meet expectations. Here's why working with a specialized team makes all the difference.
Professional-Grade Products and Equipment
Consumer-grade products aren't designed for complete stripping. They can leave residues, fail to remove old layers properly, or be too aggressive for your flooring. Our equipment—variable-speed floor machines, surface-appropriate pads, wet vacuums—delivers uniform, lasting results that are impossible to achieve with standard tools.
Recognized Technical Expertise
Every floor type has its own requirements. An oak hardwood floor isn't treated like vinyl. Limestone reacts differently than polished concrete. Our technicians, with over 10 years of experience, understand these nuances and adapt their approach accordingly. They also know how to assess your floor's condition to determine the right number of coating layers and proper drying times.
Hassle-Free Service
We understand that your space is used daily. That's why we work methodically and efficiently. Our teams carefully move furniture and accessories, protect adjacent areas, and restore everything to its place after the job is complete. You'll find your space impeccable—except for the renewed brilliance of your floors.
A professional floor restoration follows a precise protocol designed to ensure optimal, lasting results. Here are the key steps:
- Inspection and Assessment: evaluating floor condition, identifying flooring type, selecting appropriate products.
- Area Preparation: moving furniture, protecting adjacent areas, masking baseboards if needed.
- Stripping: applying stripping solution, allowing dwell time, mechanically removing old finish with floor machine.
- Rinsing and Neutralization: thoroughly removing all stripping product residues to prepare the surface.
- Applying Finish Coats: applying multiple layers of wax or sealant evenly, with drying time between each coat.
- Final Drying and Restoration: complete drying period, repositioning furniture with protective pads.
Certain signs indicate it's time for professional floor restoration. Consider scheduling a service if you notice any of the following:
- Your floor has lost its shine despite regular cleaning
- Footprints or scuff marks remain visible even after mopping
- The surface feels slightly rough to the touch
- Discolored or faded patches appear in certain areas
- Cleaning products no longer seem to adhere properly
- Visible surface scratches have appeared
For commercial environments (offices, retail spaces, building lobbies), intervention every 12 to 24 months is generally recommended. For private residences, every 3 to 5 years is usually sufficient, depending on foot traffic intensity.
We take pride in delivering flawless service. Our commitments are simple but essential:
- Trained and Trustworthy Teams: all our technicians receive in-house training and are selected for their reliability.
- Superior Quality Biodegradable Products: we prioritize eco-friendly cleaning products without compromising effectiveness.
- Cutting-Edge Methods: our cleaning systems use minimal chemicals thanks to high-performance equipment.
- Free and Transparent Quote: we provide detailed estimates with no surprises.
What's the difference between waxing and hardwood floor finishing?
Traditional waxing applies a liquid wax that penetrates and protects the wood. Hardwood finishing (or "sanding and finishing") typically uses polyurethane varnish that forms a hard, durable surface film. For hardwood, polyurethane finishing is often preferred for its longevity. For vinyl or linoleum, we refer to waxing or applying an acrylic finish.
How long does a stripping and waxing service take?
The duration varies based on floor area and condition. For an average-sized home, expect a full day for stripping and coating application, plus an additional 12 to 24 hours of drying time before normal foot traffic can resume.
Do I need to completely empty the room before the service?
Ideally, yes. The fewer obstacles in the room, the more efficient and effective the service. If complete removal isn't possible, our technicians can move heavy furniture and reposition it with protective pads once the work is complete.
Today's professional stripping solutions are much less odorous than those used years ago. They're formulated to be effective while minimizing discomfort. Ventilating the area during and after the service is still recommended.
How long does a new finish last?
With proper maintenance (gentle sweeping, mopping with neutral cleaners), a professional finish can last several years. Actual durability depends on floor type, traffic levels, and the consistency of daily care.
Absolutely. We work in private residences, building lobbies, offices, retail spaces, and public facilities. For large areas, we establish schedules that minimize disruption to daily operations.
Floor Cleaning in Montreal
The Montreal Cleaners maids is specially trained on most advanced equipment and use biodegradable efficient floor cleaning products. Hard floors represent the first impression your visitors have of your business because they often appear in the entrance and high traffic areas. Therefore, your business appearance is of paramount importance and key to your business success. The Montreal Cleaners will help you further enhance your professional image and provide a clean and safe environment for you, your employees and customers.
Waxing and sealing in Montreal
Waxing and sealing protect and buff your floors with high-quality, professional waxing products. Commercial and Residential Floor cleaning services including:
- Vinyl or Resilient Flooring Facts
- Office Floor Cleaning & Maintenance
- Vinyl and Linoleum Floor Covering Care and Cleaning
- Care for Wood Floors
- Hardwood Floors
- Laminate Floors
- Carpet Cleaning
- Rug Cleaning
- Floor Cleaning
- Tile Cleaning
- Floor Polishing & Waxing
- Hard surface floors
- Wood floors
- Grout Cleaning
- Polishing & Buffing