How to Remove Polyurethane on a Marble Floor Without Strong Chemicals
How to Remove Polyurethane on Marble Without Strong Chemicals
In certain environments, such as schools, nursing homes, office buildings, food prep areas, and other areas, the harsh chemicals and odors associated with marble floor strippers must be avoided. In these situations, a low odor or non-odor floor stripper can be used to remove polyurethane coatings from marble.
Fred Hueston, Chief Technical Director of Surface Care Pros and Owner of Stone Forensics explains, “Space-age technology has arrived and there are some new products on the market available for removing these coatings and some have no odor at all. These chemicals are usually sold as safe strippers or non-methylene chloride strippers. Most are available at hardware stores and home centers.”
Examples of low or no-odor strippers include strippers that are pH-neutral, bio-based, or citrus-based.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions for Use
It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any type of stripper on marble floors. Failure to follow instructions can result in ineffective stripping. If any buildup remains, it can result in inadequate adhesion of new coatings. Later, this extra buildup can be extremely difficult to remove.
Hueston warns, “Unlike methylene chloride strippers, the dwell time required to remove the polyurethane is much longer for low or no-odor strippers.”
Test the Stripper First
Before any widespread application, be sure to test the stripper on a small, inconspicuous area of the marble. Testing can demonstrate how effectively the chemical composition of the coating reacts to the stripper. If there are problems, it will be much easier to make adjustments in a small area than doing the entire floor at once. After satisfactory results are achieved, you can repeat your procedure across the entire floor.
Follow Instructions on the Safety Data Sheet
Low or no-odor strippers may seems harmless, but there may still be risks involved with use. Read and follow the instructions on the safety data sheet for the product, such as wearing gloves and protective eyewear and working in a well-ventilated area. Follow the instructions for proper storage and disposal, as well. Failure to follow instructions can cause health problems and destruction to the environment.
Learn More
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