ASTM D4386-95(2016)

Standard Practice for Application of Floor Polishes to Maintain Multilayer Composite Tile or Flooring

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 Multilayer composite tile or flooring may consist of a decorative pattern layer and a transparent wear layer. Some floors may also include a stress absorbing foam layer or a backing layer of other type.  
2.2 Included in the composition are vinyl resins, suitably plasticized and stabilized, with or without fortifying fibers, mineral fillers and prime pigments. Metallic accents (chips, pigments, etc.) are frequently used to form the overall design. The transparent wear coating is usually polyurethane, acrylic or vinyl. Although the transparent wear layer provides an extra measure of protection, the surface is subject to the same wear and tear as other types of floors.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the application of floor polishes to maintain multilayer composite tile or flooring.2 Floor polishes are applied to multilayer composite floors for protection and beautification of the floor surface. Cleaning, polish application, removal, and maintenance procedures are important functions in this process.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2016
• ICS: 71.100.99 - Other products of the chemical industry
• ICS: 97.080 - Cleaning appliances
• Technical Committee: D21 - Polishes
• Drafting Committee: D21.05 - Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4386-95(2008) - Standard Practice for Application of Floor Polishes to Maintain Multilayer Composite Tile or Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016

Overview

ASTM D4386-95(2016): Standard Practice for Application of Floor Polishes to Maintain Multilayer Composite Tile or Flooring is a widely recognized international standard developed by ASTM International. This standard provides guidance on the proper cleaning, application, maintenance, and removal of floor polishes to protect and enhance multilayer composite tile or flooring. These types of flooring may include a decorative pattern layer, a transparent wear layer (commonly polyurethane, acrylic, or vinyl), and sometimes additional foam or backing layers for added performance.

The key focus of this standard is to ensure that floor polishes suitable for multilayer composite floors-frequently known as "no wax flooring" or "minimum maintenance flooring"-are applied and maintained effectively. This practice not only extends the life of the flooring but also preserves its appearance and performance under regular use.

Key Topics

• Preparation and Initial Cleaning: Newly installed composite floors should be cleaned lightly to remove surface oils, then allowed to cure undisturbed for 4 to 5 days before thorough cleaning or polish application.

• Cleaning Procedures:

  • Frequent sweeping or dry mopping using treated cloths to remove dust and debris.
  • Periodic damp mopping with manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions, avoiding excess water to protect the adhesive and flooring layers.

• Thorough Cleaning:

  • Use diluted floor cleaners with warm water as specified by the manufacturer.
  • Scrub using appropriate brushes or synthetic pads and remove all residues before polish application.
  • Avoid coarse pads that may damage the transparent wear layer.

• Polish Application:

  • Only use polishes recommended by the flooring manufacturer or compatible products.
  • Apply polish in thin, uniform coats using clean mops or applicators.
  • Allow each coat to dry completely (typically 20–30 minutes) before applying additional coats.
  • Additional buffing may enhance gloss and protection.

• Maintenance:

  • Routine dry mopping and periodic damp mopping for surface cleanliness.
  • Spot cleaning of heavily trafficked or soiled areas.
  • Recoating as needed, focusing on high-wear zones, to maintain protective finish without excessive build-up.

• Polish Removal and Stripping:

  • When polish build-up occurs, use manufacturer-approved stripping solutions and synthetic pads for removal.
  • Thorough rinsing and drying are essential before reapplying fresh floor polish.

• Safety Considerations:

  • Users must establish and observe safety practices suitable to their operations and comply with local regulations.

Applications

The procedures described in ASTM D4386-95(2016) are essential for:

• Facility Management: Ensuring the longevity and aesthetics of multilayer composite flooring in commercial, institutional, and residential spaces.
• Janitorial Services: Standardizing best practices for cleaning staff to minimize floor damage and maximize polish performance.
• Manufacturers and Installers: Providing maintenance recommendations to clients for optimal floor performance.
• Flooring Maintenance Programs: Developing preventive maintenance schedules based on standard guidelines for cleaning and polish care.

Related Standards

Professionals referencing ASTM D4386-95(2016) may also find value in the following standards:

• ASTM D2047 - Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces
• ASTM D1792 - Test Method for Long-Term Wear and Appearance Change Evaluation of Vinyl Floor Polishes
• ASTM F710 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring

These related documents provide further guidance on polish performance characteristics, safety, and substrate preparation to complement the procedures outlined in ASTM D4386-95(2016).

Keywords: multilayer composite flooring, floor polish, floor maintenance, composite tile, ASTM D4386, resilient flooring care, polish application, cleaning standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4386 − 95 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Practice for
Application of Floor Polishes to Maintain Multilayer
Composite Tile or Flooring
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4386; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope However, it is good practice to clean the floor lightly as soon
asithasbeeninstalled.Lightlymopwithadilutefloorcleaning
1.1 This practice covers the application of floor polishes to
2 solution to remove surface oil (following the cleaner manufac-
maintain multilayer composite tile or flooring. Floor polishes
turer’s dilution recommendations for damp mopping). Care
are applied to multilayer composite floors for protection and
should be taken during these operations not to flood the floor.
beautification of the floor surface. Cleaning, polish application,
removal, and maintenance procedures are important functions 3.2 Sweep the floor frequently to keep it free of foreign
in this process. matter, dust, and dirt.
3.2.1 For this purpose, treated mops or dust cloths may be
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
used provided they are treated in such a manner that no
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
deposits of treatment compound are left on the floor.
information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Thorough Cleaning
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 After the 4 to 5 day waiting period on new floors or as
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
needed on previously installed floors, scrub thoroughly to
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
remove all dirt, surface soil, temporary floor polish coats, etc.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 Useasuitablefloorcleanerdilutedwithwarmwater100
2. Significance and Use to 120°F (37.8 to 48.9°C) in accordance with the manufactur-
er’s instructions.
2.1 Multilayer composite tile or flooring may consist of a
4.2.1 For proper preparation of multilayer composite tile or
decorative pattern layer and a transparent wear layer. Some
flooringuseasuitablecleanerfollowingdilutioninstructionsas
floors may also include a stress absorbing foam layer or a
recommended by the manufacturer.
backing layer of other type.
4.3 Apply the cleaner solution without flooding the floor.
2.2 Included in the composition are vinyl resins, suitably
plasticized and stabilized, with or without fortifying fibers, 4.4 Allow the cleaner solution to remain on the floor
mineral fillers and prime pigments. Metallic accents (chips,
undisturbed for a few minutes but not long enough for it to dry.
pigments, etc.) are frequently used to form the overall design.
4.5 Scrub until all dirt and soil is loosened from the floor.
The transparent wear coating is usually polyurethane, acrylic
Power machines fitted with a scrub brush or a mild scrubbing
or vinyl.Although the transparent wear layer provides an extra
type of synthetic pad may be used to hasten cleaning action.
measure of protection, the surface is subject to the same wear
Avoid coarse grades of synthetic pads to prevent tile damage.
and tear as other types of floors.
4.6 After scrubbing, take up the cleaner solution using a
3. Initial Treatment, New Floors mop or wet vacuum.
4.7 Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean, cool water but do
3.1 Do not scrub multilayer composite tile floors for about 4
not flood the floor during this operation. The purpose is to
to 5 days after the floor has been installed. This waiting period
remove all traces of cleaner and soil so that the performance of
allows sufficient time for the adhesive to set properly.
any subsequent coating is not adversely affected. Take up the
rinse water.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes
4.8 Allow the floor to dry before applying floor polish.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.05 on Specifications.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2016. Published October 2016. Originally
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D4386 – 95 (2008). 5. Polish Application
DOI: 10.1520/D4386-95R16.
5.1 Only floor polishes that are recommended for use on
Commonly referred to as “no wax flooring” or “minimum maintenance
flooring.” multilayer composite tile or flooring should be used. The floor
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4386 − 95 (2016)
polishes should be removable with cleaners recommended for referred to as a light-duty cleaning and not as polish-stripping.
use on the same flooring. If a few stubborn black marks remain after this operation; they
can usually be removed on a spot basis with a dry No. 00 steel
5.2 Apply the polish evenly in a thin, uniform coat with an
wool or a fine synthetic pad. Alternatively, spray buff tech-
applicator or mop. If new mops or applicators are used, they
niques utilizing a power machine, a suitable synthetic pad, and
should be cleaned by soaking in warm water until the size is
a suitable spray buff cleaning product may be performed to
removed, rinsed, and squeezed damp dry prior to use.
maintain the floor.
5.2.1 Procedure for Application by Mop—This procedure is
6.4.1 Apply one or two thin coats of floor polish as the need
essential with surface embossed patterns to prevent polish
arises using the same technique as
...