How to Apply a Dissipative Floor Finish: Step-by-Step Guide for Protecting Your ESD Work Environment

In environments where static discharge can cause damage, it’s essential to use protective measures like applying a dissipative floor finish. This finish is the perfect solution for companies using vinyl, VCT, linoleum, ESD tiles, or epoxy floors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply ACL’s Staticide dissipative floor finish to protect your workspace from static damage.

Step 1: Prepare the Floor

Before applying the new floor finish, it’s crucial to strip the current finish. This can be done using a mop or an auto scrubber with a black abrasive pad. Being thorough in this step is important, as applying the new finish over any old residue can prevent proper adhesion and performance. Make sure the floor is completely free of the previous finish before moving forward.

Step 2: Rinse the Floor

Once the old finish is stripped, it’s time to rinse the floor. Use clean water, a mop, and a bucket. To prevent contamination, use separate clean pails and mops for the stripping process, rinsing, and the new floor finish. Rinse the floor a second time to ensure all stripper residue has been removed.

Step 3: Dry the Floor

Allow the floor to dry completely. While natural drying is ideal, forced air can be used in areas with heavy foot traffic. Once the floor is dry, run your hand across it to check for any remaining residue. If any is detected, rinse the floor again. Ensuring the surface is residue-free is key to achieving a smooth application of the new finish.

Step 4: Apply the First Coat

With the floor dry and free of residue, you’re ready to apply the first coat of the Staticide dissipative floor finish. Use a clean pail or plastic liner and a fresh mop to avoid contamination. Start by outlining the edges of the area and work your way from left to right across the floor. The first coat should be applied thinly, as lighter coats tend to perform better than heavy ones.

Step 5: Apply the Second Coat

After waiting 45 to 60 minutes for the first coat to dry, apply the second coat. This coat should be slightly thicker than the first to ensure full coverage. Begin from the bottom right of the floor and work upward in the opposite direction of the first coat, from right to left. This opposite pattern improves coverage consistency. Once the second coat is applied, allow six to eight hours for drying, but letting the floor dry overnight yields the best results.

General Tips for Best Results

• Avoid contamination: Always use separate, clean pails and mops for each step (stripping, rinsing, and finishing), or use plastic liners.
• Drying: Whenever possible, allow the floor to dry naturally rather than using forced air.
• Do not mix finishes: Never mix ESD floor finishes with other types of floor finishes.

Maintenance Tips

To maintain the effectiveness of your newly finished floor:

• Sweep the floor daily with an untreated dry mop to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Clean the floor weekly, either by light mopping or using a machine for deeper cleaning.
• Reapply a full-strength topcoat every four to six weeks after cleaning to keep the dissipative properties intact.
• Regularly take surface resistance readings to monitor the floor’s performance.

By following these steps and incorporating regular maintenance, you can protect your work environment from static discharge and ensure the longevity of your floor’s static-dissipative properties.