Do You Need to Seal Unsanded Polymer Grout. Among those layers is the top transparent wear layer (that ranges from 4-40 mils of thickness) that may or may not be coated with a factory finish that is marketed as no-wax or maintenance-free. This is not difficult to do if you use the right products. Like any flooring, there is a proper way to install and maintain your new vinyl flooring for the longest life possible. You shouldnt use a sealer that will require stripping and waxing of the surface. So for anyone whos thinking of trying, heres our guide to how to seal a vinyl tile floor to explain how its done. She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity. Luxury Vinyl includes the following floor types: LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks), and Sheet Vinyl. (Read This First! Sweep with a broom, clean with a microfiber cloth and then vacuum the gaps between the tiles. It will put a nice sheen on the floor, while making it easy to maintain all without any stripping or waxing. Please note: with any product you use on your floors, we recommend testing it on a small area of your floor (out of plain sight) to make sure that the product concentration is not too harsh for your LVT tile. Everyones Talking About Luxury Vinyl Is Regular Vinyl Still a Thing? It already comes with a protective top layer, which is applied at the factory. Some LVT tiles are embossed with a texture to simulate wood or stone surfaces. If you are sealing a newly laid floor, you can skip this step, but if you a sealing or resealing an existing floor, you will need to remove any wax or polish that remains on the surface of the tiles. However, it will be time well spent, and doing a proper job of it will help protect your floor and keep it in optimum condition for longer. You can use a vinyl floor seam sealing kit. These vinyl floor applications are unique because they mimic wood, stone, terrazzo, concrete, and are available in hundreds of other varying patterns.. The seams in between the tiles need to be sealed to avoid the growth of mold. Once you are ready to apply the sealant, use a straightedge to guide you. Federal Code: CAGE#: 7MMG7 DUNS #: 009922562, NAICS Codes: 325612, 333318, 423850, 423840, 424690, Video How To Care For Luxury Vinyl Tile. Even though the, SIGN UP FOR SPECIAL OFFERS AND INSTALLATION TIPS. As this happens, you can re-apply the caulk. All right reserved. If you have an open seam, dont procrastinate. The results will be promising. Once you understand how and why you want to seal your floor, you can then get started with the work. If you like wood plank-like flooring, but dont want the hardwood cost, you can use luxury vinyl plank. We offer: Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Copyright 2022 DIYMelon | About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service, Three reasons why do vinyl floors need to be sealed. Here are a few easy steps you can follow to prep vinyl floors for sealing: The very first thing you need to do is to clean the floor. As weve mentioned, many vinyl tile floors are designed to be laid without the need for sealing the tiles simply fit together and are held in place by adhesive. How to Seal a Vinyl Tile Floor? Apply some adhesive beneath the tile and push the tile down into place. If you still see any gaps, push a bit of sealant down with the putty knife and scrape off any excess. Leave to dry and the jobs done! With that said, the protective layer of the tile will eventually wear down. Sealing the seams can minimize the growth and gathering of debris, dirt, and mold. Alternatively, you may also want to reseal a floor that was sealed previously to restore the protective properties of the sealant. All Rights Reserved. Customers call our office everyday with questions about cleaning, sealing and making their LVT floors safer against slip and fall accidents. (Explained), Can Bar Keepers Friend Be Used on Grout? Remember, the faster you fix the problem, the less likely it will have of escalating into a larger problem overall. Phoenix Web Design by JC Creative, 1415 5th Street North St. Ensure there is no dust, no dirt, or mold left on the seams. Required fields are marked *. If you have a smooth slippery surface, and want more traction, using VinylDiamond is a solution to consider. We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Sealing the seams prevents the growth of any type of debris. Therefore, you will not need to replace or renovate the floor for quite a long duration. The sealer you use must specifically be designed for vinyl tiles. Mold, debris, and dirt can quickly get into the seams and make your floor look dirty. Its all about finding the right products for the floor surface you are walking on. Caulking prepares the seams to be filled with sealants. This will prevent any adhesive from oozing out and marking the tile when you push it down into place. (All You Need to Know), Can You Clean Marble Floors with Vinegar? Without a proper floor sealant as a topcoat, water can seep through the seams and have a detrimental effect on the adhesives, subfloor, or the floorings core. If you chose an LVT tile with a very smooth surface, then yes, it can be slippery. However, sealed floors will last longer, and sealing a floor will make it more resistant to wear and damage. Your email address will not be published. Caulk or vinyl flooring seam sealing kits can be used to the vinyl floors. We recommend using a water-based, urethane sealer, particularly for residential applications, where a little maintenance is required. Sealing the seams of the floors makes it look clean and smooth. If you are thinking about getting vinyl flooring, you might want to get the maximum lifespan. This creates a virtually seamless floor and prevents the seams from opening through wear. Try to seam the pieces of the vinyl flooring in a low traffic area. When seams are handled in the proper way, youll have a floor that looks great and lasts a long time without any problems. Its a layer of urethane. The next day, clean the area with a rag or mop moistened with soapy water. Caulking helps fill the bigger gaps and prevents them from getting bigger. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to care for luxury vinyl tile. Here are a couple of tips and tricks that will help you get the job done: If a tile is damaged or peeling back, take action early. The best part about vinyl flooring is that it is affordable and sleek-looking. When you have applied the sealant to the whole surface of the floor, leave it to dry for 10 hours or overnight, as recommended in the instructions for the product you are using. Eventually, youll need to protect it, or replace it when it is worn down. Nowadays, vinyl tiles are an extremely popular material to use for floor surfaces. But, before you plan on doing that, sealing the concrete floor would be a great thing. This higher percentage of vinyl allows the manufacturer to put much higher quality prints on the tile. However, you shouldnt put finishes like wax or acrylic on LVT, that require stripping down the road. The designs are very realistic, and you get the high-quality appearance at a much lower cost than the real hardwood or stone material itself. You can also peel back the tile slightly to scrape off any loose adhesive from beneath the tile, although you dont need to scrape off all the old adhesive. If the tiles are on a wall, you can seal the whole thing at the same time as well. These clear sealers come in a variety of finishes, so you can cater your choice to the tiles you have and the process you prefer. In order to match patterns at the seams, it may require an additional amount of vinyl flooring at the time of purchase. Using floor-mats to trap dirt and sand at building entrances can minimize the impact of exterior debris present on shoe soles and wheels. If we missed anything, please feel free to contact us for those answers. The only option is then to replace. ), Can You Use Windex on Hardwood Floors? Vinyl Liner vs. Fiberglass vs. FREE SHIPPING to Continental U.S. on pre-paid web orders over $500! Vinyl floorings can develop gaps between the tiles due to weather changes, humidity, and sometimes improper installation. Want new flooring? Can I put polyurethane over vinyl plank flooring? When the sealant is dry, wipe the surface of the floor again with your microfiber cloth and reapply another coat of sealant as in Step #3. To make things easier, we created this quick and easy set of answers on how you can care for your LVT surfaces. Typically with Vinyl tile, if youre sealing the seams, youll be sealing the whole tile at the same time. LVT is also typically thicker than standard VCT, so it feels more luxurious under foot. It depends on the surface itself. Its very important to be careful with the type of stripper you use on LVT. Something like GlossClean Neutral Cleaner. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As with LVT, the vinyl plank surface will eventually need to be replaced or rejuvenated. Once this is done, use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the seams to make sure nothing remains between the tiles. So, its better to seal the concrete floor. Then you need to think about rejuvenating that or replacing it. Concrete Pool: Which is Better? However, you shouldnt put finishes like wax or acrylic on LVT, that require stripping down the road. This ensures that the sealant is blending correctly with the edge of the flooring. You can also use them on the furniture as well. Commercial and residential customers love our huge selection of carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl tile/planks, laminate flooring, and sheet vinyl flooring. And if you want something thats more waterproof, you can get luxury vinyl sheet, which has less seams. Youll need to apply pressure in the middle so the excess sealant comes out. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Vinyl Tiles Over a Wood Floor? Concrete floors have specific elements, and this is why it is considered a great flooring material. At CoverTec, we recommend avoiding anything that will damage that protective layer, whether thats: Its important to not use any harsh chemicals on luxury vinyl flooring whether alkaline or acidic. Applying felt pad protectors to the feet and bases of your furniture is the best and most permanent way to protect vinyl floors from everyday wear and tear and scratches. Accumulation of debris and dirt is never desirable. Check out our products to learn more. When it came Are you in the market for vinyl flooring? Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. Vinyl floors will last for a long time if maintained properly. (Prepare & Painting Tips). Therefore, whether it comes with a factory finish or not, UDT recommends coating it with EPIC High-Performance Floor Finish to enhance its beauty and protect LVT. Contact us, visit our showroom, orcall today at303.788.0113. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Prepare Concrete Floor For Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tiles? She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, and she enjoys writing home and DIY articles and blogs for clients in a variety of related industries. luxury vinyl tile/planks, laminate flooring, and sheet vinyl flooring. If your tiles are stiff and hard to peel back, you can use a hairdryer to warm them up and make them more pliable. She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. (Quick Answers), Can You Use Vinegar on Black Clothes? Be sure to provide extra attention to the corners and seams. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Can You Paint Vinyl Flooring? Your email address will not be published. If youre going to strip a sealer off Vinyl tile, use a stripper that doesnt require machines. Double-check for any remaining debris before proceeding. When vinyl flooring is laid, the best way to conceal seams is by treating them with a seam coater. So, to prevent this, you can use painters tape to protect the corner of the walls. Before sealing the tiles, try to ensure that the tiles have been placed correctly. Random Width Planks What You Need To Know. Although, concrete floors do not give good finishing due to their lackluster dullness. Instead, use something like our FloorStrip HP Floor Stripper. A vinyl floor sealing kit can be used to seal the vinyl flooring. Eventually, youll need to protect it, or replace it when it is worn down. Can Squirrels Eat Sunflower Seeds? Engineered Hardwood or Luxury Vinyl Planks Which Should You Choose? So, vinyl flooring on the top is not a bad idea. Using a suitable cloth like a lambswool finishing pad apply the vinyl sealer evenly over the surface of the floor. You need to pay special attention to the seams because you dont want any dust or debris to remain when you apply the sealant. Or you could use caulk. Those stripping chemicals and stripping pads will damage the following layers of LVT: Once the print layer has been damaged it impossible to recover ( get back to good). For maximum protection, you can seal the whole floor. This product would cover both the tile and the seam, and it can be machine maintained by scrubbing and burnishing. Were here to help. As sealants, you can use different types of caulk. However, if the sealing gets damaged for any reason, its necessary to re-seal them. This increases the lifespan of your vinyl flooring to a great extent. EPIC High-Performance Floor Finish, a water-based urethane, serves as an ideal solution for all of your vinyl floor care needs. (8 Types), How to Install Vinyl Tile Flooring? (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Remove Peel and Stick Tile? we recommend our. You can use a wet vac or a damp mop to remove the residue on the tile surface. Our passion is your project. Once the tiles are fixed firmly in place and the adhesive is dry, remove the weights and the masking tape and use a straightedge to help you apply the sealant as in #2 above. How to Remove Grout Haze From a Slate Floor, How to Prepare a Floor for Peel & Stick Tile, Family Handyman: Repair and Reglue Sheet Vinyl Floors, Dengarden: How to Lay Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tile Flooring, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. However, if you are thinking about avoiding all these hassles, you can simply seal the seams of the tiles. Sealing the concrete floor will protect the tiles from getting adhered to easily. Here are a few reasons why do vinyl floors need to be sealed: Vinyl flooring has a higher chance of getting damaged due to exposure to moisture. Essentially, LVT is a type of a vinyl tile that has a higher percentage of the vinyl resin in it much higher than a standard vinyl composite tile (VCT). As the gaps between the seams are filled with sealants, you can cover almost all types of uneven surfaces. All Rights Reserved. For example, if you have imitation stone vinyl tiles, applying sealant with a sheen will cause the tiles to appear more plastic and less authentic. Will Cricut Vinyl Stick to Wood? If any tiles are loose, scrape away any old adhesive on the bottom with a putty knife, apply some sealant and use a block of wood to press down on the seam. Vinyl tiles can loosen or separate because they were not installed properly or if they are old or become damaged. It is also possible that you need to seal individual tiles as a way of repairing them when they are damaged or start peeling up. If you see any residue coming off of the floor, feel free to use a striping solution on the floor again. Sealing the seams of the tiles will help the flooring stay clean and keep it protected. You should verify which kind you have before proceeding. Essentially, LVT is a type of a vinyl tile that has a higher percentage of the vinyl resin in it much higher than a standard vinyl composite tile (VCT). A shoddy or sloppy sealer application will result in a substandard seal. Either of those extreme solutions would damage the protective top layer, and possibly the printed pattern of the tile. Can I Vent A Bathroom Fan Through The Wall. We recommend using pH neutral cleaners. Various types of mold and debris can grow between the tiles. So, if youre looking for a stone-like floor finish, LVT is a good alternative floor tile with a lower cost. (Quick Answers). These tends to be less slippery. The important thing to remember is that you must rinse the surface with clean water and extract that rinsing water as much as possible. This way, you end up with tiles that look like stone, wood or other types of hard floor material. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! (Answered), Can You Use Chalk Paint on Veneer? With time, caulk can disintegrate as the flooring comes in contact with moisture. It was time to spruce up my kitchens vinyl floor, so I covered it in grey peel-and-stick plastic planks and then applied a glossy, impenetrable barrier of polyurethane to create an alluring effect. Leave it to dry overnight. Its a micro thin coating or capping that you can put on LVT to provide greater traction in both wet and dry conditions. Here comes the tricky thing. Are you looking for a better way to care for luxury vinyl? For best results, you can seal the entire floor at once. As the floor is less exposed to moisture, the durability of your flooring gets higher. Heres how: Clean the tiles you need to repair thoroughly, making sure there is no dirt, dust or grime encrusted in the seam. Before placing the tiles, its better to clean the debris and mold. CoverTec is a US manufacturer and distributor of floor coatings, floor cleaners and waterproofing products. Or you could simply attach a nozzle to your sealant. But, if you do not seal the floor, be sure to use a pH cleaner and then rinse it lightly. (Quick Answers), Can You Use Windex on Tile? When applying sealant to seams or whole floors, you can protect furniture, walls and other items you dont want to damage by applying masking tape before you start working. The standard width of a roll of vinyl flooring is 12 feet. Does vinyl plank flooring need to be sealed? If you want to increase the slip resistance of the luxury vinyl plank, consider using a nano coating product. It depends on the pattern of your flooring. If you are preparing to install peel-and-stick tiles, you should not need to use a sealant once they are laid down. If youre looking to increase the surface sheen, we recommend our VinylGuard. Depending on the size of your room, chances are youll have a seam somewhere in your room after you install your new vinyl floors. Youll need to follow the instructions on the bottle of the product youre using, but generally speaking, this will involve mixing the product with warm water wiping the floor with a mop. Can you put a sealer over vinyl flooring? (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Remove Vinyl Floor Tiles From Concrete? (Explained), What Size Conduit for 200 Amp Service? These can lead to the growth of many dangerous bacteria, leading to many serious diseases. Use painters tape to avoid unwanted contact with your walls and furniture. (Step-by-Step Tutorial). Doing so can also go a long way toward preventing future gaps. Carpet vs. Vinyl Flooring: Which is Better for You? But heres Once upon a time, residential flooring didnt offer as many flooring choices as it does today. Alternatively, if you only have a small scratch, nick or gap in the tile, the sealer can be used to repair these imperfections. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), How to Install Tile Over Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring? However, the wear layer will gradually wear away with time from the passage of feet and the movement of furniture. When it comes to piecing together vinyl flooring, there is no right or wrong answer. Something like our VinylGuard Floor Sealer. Its easy to get swept away by the growth in the Copyright 2018 PRO! Once the extra sealant comes out, run your finger along with the sealant. Using EPIC, you can protect and seal your vinyl flooring, creating a water-resistant surface. However, you may find over time the edges of the seam coming loose. You simply mop it on, let it do its job, then you mop it off. (Read This First!). Before sealing the flooring, the ideal type of sealant needs to be chosen. Flooring Brokers. Your article explains how to seal a vinyl tile floor, but it makes no mention of what type of sealant to use. For the residue, you can use a vacuum cleaner. As a result, the tiles protective layer will eventually wear out. Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: Which Is Better? Leaving it behind can mean inadvertently sealing it into the seams. If your tiles begin to peel up or become loose, you can repair them by using adhesive to fix the tiles back in place and then sealing them again. And if you want something thats more waterproof, you can get luxury vinyl sheet, which has less seams. For higher traffic areas in commercial buildings, hospitals, malls, etc. If you like wood plank-like flooring, but dont want the hardwood cost, you can use luxury vinyl plank. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'kylonpowell_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kylonpowell_com-banner-1-0')};Even if you coat them with a glossy sealer, the shine can draw attention to the fact that they are vinyl and not real stone. That should get your work done. Plus, because LVT is highly textured, it can be more difficult than VCT to clean and maintain. Performance of all types of luxury vinyl flooring is determined by its materials. While using the sealer, if it gets onto your newly painted wall or leaves residues on your expensive furniture, it can be an issue. Place a strip of masking tape along the top edge of the tile. Due to its rigid core (composed of a 70% stone powder + 30% PVC core), SPC-formulated planks and tiles are especially popular in commercial settings, though less flexible underfoot. You may need to repeat the procedure several times if the layer of wax or polish is particularly thick. What Size Ground for 30, 40, and 50 Amp Breakers? Something like our VinylGuard Floor Sealer. Cut a hole in the nozzle, so the sealant can be applied. On furniture, its a smart practice to use chair glides and slides to reduce scratching while they are moved around. Something like, We recommend using a water-based, urethane sealer, particularly for residential applications, where a little maintenance is required. As stated above, you should be using neutral cleaners to clean off stubborn stains and break down dirt on the surface. You may choose to seal your vinyl floor when you lay it new, or you may choose to seal it later when wear begins to show. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For residential applications like basements, kitchens, recreation areas, etc., you should use a water-based urethane. Something like our, For higher traffic areas in commercial buildings, hospitals, malls, etc. Then you can think about replacing it. If you see debris of any kind, be sure to remove it. Cloud, MN 56303, Phone: 320.258.2266Toll-Free: 800.722.2998, 2022 EPIC. In case you want to use caulk, be sure to choose the right type of caulk. Apply firm pressure, which will squeeze out the trapped air. The information contained on whatisvinyl.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Stop treading carefully around LVT tile in your business or home. Once youre done preparing the sealant, put the sealant on the edge of the tiles and in between the seams. As you can see, sealing a vinyl tile floor is not difficult it just takes a bit of time and effort. Another decision you face is whether to seal the whole floor or just the seams. The stripping chemicals or the pads used to strip with will damage the LVT floor or the print. Caulk can be used as a vinyl flooring seam sealer. Depending on the kind of peel-and-stick vinyl tile seam sealer you purchased, you may need to mix it with water or simply squirt it onto the seam lines. In such a case, water-based urethanes are an option, or using a nano-type protective coating. If you have questions about whether vinyl floors need to be sealed or not, then you are at the right place. We also recommend you take steps to prevent scratching of the surface. In most cases, no. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'kylonpowell_com-box-2','ezslot_10',101,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kylonpowell_com-box-2-0')};Most hardware stores and online retailers carry vinyl flooring seam sealant. If you prefer an eco-friendly cleaner, our Emerald Enzyme Cleaner is a microbial solution thats perfect for vinyl floors. Even after striping the floor of the residue of old wax then you might need to use a scraping tool. Here are a few steps you can follow to seal your vinyl flooring: Start by cleaning the tiles properly. Luxury vinyl flooring comes with an extra protective layer on the surface. Vinyl vs. Laminate vs. Hardwood Flooring: Which is Better? You can use a broom to sweep the floor and remove the mold. we recommend our VinylDiamond Surface Protector. When installing tiles or sheets, you will notice a seam in between the two tiles. Check the manufacturer's instructions to get precise details about how to apply it. As stated above, even though LVT has a protective layer on top, you need to be careful about the chemicals you expose it to. Something like our, Toyota Dealership Needed to Reduce Slip and Fall Risk CoverTec Helped Their Contractor Improve Slip Resistance, How Do You Stop Pavers From Being Slippery, Press Release CoverTec Expands Flooring Products into Canada, How To Care For Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring Cleaning & Maintenance For LVT Floors. The management at a major Toyota dealership needed to restore the anti-slip finish to 15,000, Almost every day, I get this question from customers calling our office. (Quick Answers), Can You Clean Laminate Floors with Vinegar? Since sealed floors will last longer, applying sealant will also save you money in the long run since your floors wont need replacing as often. As you are trying to protect the floor from moisture, make sure that the caulk is water-resistant. Vinyl plank floors require sealing for proper maintenance. The longer you leave it, the worse it will become, which may make the repair job more difficult. In fact, it helps LVT require much less maintenance than a standard VCT tile. Its a heavy-duty sealer that can be maintained using buffers and burnishes, and doesnt require a stripping and waxing to be applied on the surface.