Karndean, Amtico & LVT Restore and Repair

Karndean, Amtico, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks) are vinyl flooring products made primarily from calcium carbonate (limestone), polyvinyl chloride and pigments.

It is usually structured with five layers – two PVC backing layers, one high definition photographic layer, one clear PVC embossed wear layer and a top polyurethane (PU) protective coating

It all depends on how long the flooring has been down and how often it's been deep cleaned.

Grime builds up gradually and you may not notice this as you see it every day.

Most types of hard flooring only require a deep clean, but if it's been down for 5 years or more, it will benefit from a full strip and reseal.

The dullness experienced with this type of flooring comes from years of wear to the top (PU) protective coat.

Stripping the top layer (PU layer) removes the original protective coating back to the original floor finish and in turn removes the mild scratches causing the dull, worn appearance.

A new polymer (PU) coating is then applied (usually two coats) to protect and enhance the beauty of the flooring.

The new coating provides a hard wearing top coat which will last for years.

Deep cleaning involves applying a mild PH neutral  cleaning solution alongside a heavy duty rotary / scrubbing machine.

The dirt is released and then removed leaving your floors - spotless.

We speed dry the flooring and it will be completely dry by the time we complete the job.

The dullness experienced with many types of hard flooring comes from years of wear to the top, protective coat.

Stripping the top layer (PU layer) removes the original protective coating, back to the original floor finish.

The stripping solution is quite aggressive so we mask up all skirting boards and kitchen kick boards to protect them from potential damage.

A new water based polymer (PU) coating is then applied (usually two coats) in either gloss or satin finish, and will protect and enhance the beauty of the flooring.

The new coating provides a hard wearing top coat which will last for many years.

This is a very cost effective process to protect and rejuvenate your flooring.

Karndean and Amtico are one of the most robust types of flooring on the market. However, due to wear and tear, heavy foot traffic and possibly the use of the wrong cleaning products can all lead to the floor looking worn and dull.

Usually, a professional deep clean will remove the build up of grime, dirt and old cleaning solution residue.
If the floor has been down for some time - 5 years plus, the protective polymer top layer will be damaged and will need replacing (resealing).

Both Amtico and Karndean refer to their products as either a polish or floor dressing.

A floor sealant is a barrier between foot traffic and the flooring itself and is made of polymers. Polymers are essentially a form of plastic, so when the seal is applied, it adds a robust barrier to the floor. This polymer is water based and gives a hard wearing top coat.

The polymer, often referred to as a polish or dressing by the manufacturers, is in fact a polymer seal which forms a tough barrier to help protect the flooring.

There are many different types of seal. Both Amtico and Karndean supply their own products. However there are also products on the market that contain what are called "High Solids". This sealer contains small, microscopic particles of aluminium that reduce the rate of wear and increase the barriers resistance, often referred to as "metallised floor polish" These products are usually referred to to as a "High Solids" floor sealer. We use these products due to their long lasting durability and are also used on high traffic commercial floors that will last for many years.

The sealers we use (gloss or satin) are designed to suit all areas including heavy traffic areas, with a tough, long lasting finish and gives an excellent wet cleaning resistance.  Ideally suited for damp mopping or automatic machine cleaning systems for maintenance and are recommended for both residential and commercial settings.

DO I NEED MY FLOORING RESEALED?
Not necessarily. If you just have an issue with your floor looking dull it may just need machine cleaning. This can be ascertained with a visit to you home or business. We'll carry out a free test patch to determine the best course of action.
If your floor looks worn with scuff marks and scratching, it may be necessary to have the old sealant stripped back and new layers applied.

Most jobs can be carried out in one day. These range from just a small hallway to an entire ground floor area. We will discuss the logistics with you and work out a plan of action.

Where Amtico or Karndean has been installed to a large commercial area, it could take longer than this. Also staff access to certain areas within the premises will need to be considered. We will work with you for the best solution to give minimum disruption to your business as possible.

If you are just having your floor cleaned it is best to remove small items. Furniture such as TV’s and suites can be moved around while the cleaning is carried out.

If you are having your Amtico or Karndean floor resealed, it is essential that all furniture is removed while this is carried out.
Furniture cannot be moved or dragged across a newly sealed floor as it will damage the sealant and also hinders the application of the new floor seal. The seal must be applied evenly to the whole room at the same time to prevent tide marks (joins in the seal).

If we are deep cleaning only, you can use it straight away as it will be completely dry when we're finished.

If you are having your Amtico or Karndean floor cleaned and resealed you will be able to to use your floor approximately 3 hours after the final coat of sealer has been applied. Drying times are temperature and humidity dependant and we can advise better on the day.

If you have had your floor resealed, it is important that any furniture is carried and placed on the floor with care as it will take several days for the seal to fully harden. Dragging furniture will damage the new sealer and create scuff marks.

• Never use general household cleaning products as they are very likely to create irreversible damage or yellowing patches on your floor.

• Dust mop frequently to remove dry soils and particles, this will prevent scratches and general dulling. 

• Use a flat microfiber mop for damp mopping, not the traditional cotton string mop that leaves streaks.

• Always use PH neutral floor cleaning products.