ASTM D3564-22

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3564 − 95 (Reapproved 2015) D3564 − 22
Standard Practice for
Application of Floor Polishes to Maintain Vinyl Composition
Tile or Flooring
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3564; 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
1.1 This practice covers the application of floor polishes to maintain vinyl composition tile or flooring. Floor polishes are applied
to vinyl composition tile 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.mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Significance and Use
2.1 Vinyl composition tile or flooring consists of vinyl resins (suitably plasticized and stabilized) fortified with composition fibers,
mineral fillers, and prime pigments. In some cases, all or part of the wearing surfaces may consist of unfilled vinyl resin that is
clear or translucent. Metallic accents (chips, pigment, etc.) are frequently used to form the overall design. In general, the overall
binder content is lower than that of homogeneous vinyl tile. For the purpose of this practice, vinyl composition also includes vinyl
asbestos tile.
3. Initial Treatment, New Floors
3.1 Do not scrub vinyl composition tile floors for about 4 to 5 days after the floor has been installed. This waiting period allows
sufficient time for the adhesive to set properly. However, it is good practice to clean the floor lightly and apply a polish as soon
as it has been installed. Lightly mop with a dilute floor cleaningcleaner solution (following the manufacturer’s dilution
recommendations for damp mopping) to remove surface soil, and then apply one or two coats of a good grade of emulsion floor
polish. Care should be taken during these operations not to flood the floor resulting in excess polish being “worked into” the seams
or joints in the flooring.
3.2 Sweep the floor frequently to keep it free of foreign matter, dust, and dirt.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D21 on Polishes and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D21.05 on Specifications.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015Jan. 1, 2022. Published November 2015February 2022. Originally approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 20082015
as D3564 – 95(2008).(2015). DOI: 10.1520/D3564-95R15.10.1520/D3564-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3564 − 22
3.2.1 For this purpose, treated mops or dust cloths may be used provided they are treated in such a manner that no deposits of
treatment compound are left on the floor.
4. Thorough Cleaning
4.1 After the 4 to 5 day waiting period on new floors or as needed on previously installed floors, scrub thoroughly to remove all
dirt, surface soil, temporary floor polish coats, etc.
4.2 Use a suitable floor cleaner diluted with warm water 100 to 120°F (37.8 to 48.9°C) solution in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
4.2.1 Do not use cleaners cleaner solutions containing abrasives or aromatic or aliphatic petroleum distillates. Alkaline cleaners
cleaner solutions with a pH higher than eleven at the use concentrations are not recommended.
4.3 Apply the cleaner solution without flooding the floor.
4.4 Allow the cleaner solution to remain on the floor undisturbed for a few minutes but not long enough for it to dry.
4.5 Scrub until all dirt and soil is loosened from the floor. Power machines fitted with a scrub brush or a very mild scrubbing type
of synthetic pad may be used to hasten the cleaning action. Avoid coarse grades of synthetic pads or steel wool to prevent tile
damage.
4.6 After scrubbing, take up the cleaner solution using a mop or wet vacuum.
4.7 Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean, cool water but do not flood the floor during this operation. The purpose is to remove
all traces of the cleaner solution and soil so that the performance of any subsequent coating is not adversely affected. Take up the
rinse water.
4.8 Allow the floor to dry before applying floor polish.
5. Polish Application
5.1 Only floor polishes that are recommended for use on vinyl composite tile and flooring should be used. These floor polishes
should be removable with strippers recommended for use on the same flooring.
5.2 Apply the polish evenly in a thin, uniform coat with an applicator or mop. If new mops or applicators are used, they should
be cleaned by soaking in warm water until the sizing is removed, rinsed, and squeezed damp dry prior to use.
5.2.1 Procedure for Application by Mop. This procedure is essential with surface embossed patterns to prevent polish
accumulation in the depressed areas—Dip the mop into the polish and squeeze out remove the excess with a squeeze-type wringer.
Apply to the floor by moving the mop in a side-to-side or figure eight motion across the surface of the floor. Turn the mop
frequently to present fresh surfaces of the mop to the floor. Before the mop “works dry” redip it into the polish, squeeze out the
excess, and repeat the operation until the entire floor is coated. Avoid excessively heavy coats of polish.
However, do not attempt to spread the coating too thinly as streaking or nonuniform gloss may be encountered.
5.3 Allow the polish to dry. Drying usually takes 20 to 30 min, but the time will depend upon the air and floor temperature, relative
humidity, and air flow.
5.4 Apply
...