The Hidden Dangers of Acrylic Wax
Acrylic wax might seem like an appealing solution for covering up smudges, scratches, and scuff marks on hardwood floors, but it’s important to understand that it doesn't offer the same durability or protective benefits as professional hardwood finishes like polyurethane. In fact, over time, the use of acrylic wax can lead to significant issues that not only diminish the beauty of your floors but also compromise their safety and cleanliness.
Each time you apply acrylic wax, it adds a new layer on top of the existing one. While this might initially provide a glossy finish, frequent reapplication can lead to a thick, uneven buildup. As the wax penetrates the wood grain, it creates a coating that not only alters the natural beauty of the wood but can also become an eyesore over time. This buildup becomes increasingly difficult to remove as it embeds deeper into the wood fibers, making professional intervention necessary.
But that’s not all. As these layers accumulate, they often result in yellowing of the floor, a condition that becomes more pronounced with each new coat of wax. Additionally, dirt and other particles can become trapped between the layers, leading to floors that are impossible to keep clean, no matter how often you sweep or mop.
Another critical issue is the potential for creating a dangerously slippery surface. This is especially concerning in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways. A wax-coated floor may seem manageable under normal conditions, but when wet, it can become a serious slip hazard, increasing the risk of accidents.
We Can Remove The Wax In Hours
FAQs and Benefits of Hardwood Acrylic Wax Removal
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Do You Clean Hardwood Floors?Yes, we offer professional cleaning services for a wide range of flooring types, including hardwood floors, luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood floors, vinyl composition tile, and laminate floors. Whatever type of floor you have, we can help keep it looking its best with our expert cleaning solutions.
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What Is a Clean & Buff ?Clean and Buff – A Refresh for Your Floors Our Clean and Buff service is ideal for floors in good to fair condition that just need a thorough, deep cleaning. After the deep cleaning, we mechanically buff the floors to bring out their natural sheen, leaving them refreshed and revitalized. This service is perfect for maintaining your floors and keeping them looking their best without the need for more extensive refinishing.
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What Is A Screen & Recoat Service?Screen and Recoat – Sandless Refinishing A Screen and Recoat is a sandless refinishing process that lightly scuffs the top layer of polyurethane, removing surface blemishes and light scratches. However, it does not remove deep gouges or alter the color of the wood. This service is perfect for floors that don’t require full sanding, but have lost their sheen and no longer look as vibrant as they once did. It’s a cost-effective option to refresh the appearance of your floors without the need for extensive refinishing.
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What Is The Difference Between A Screen & Recoat and a Sand & Refinish?For floors that are in poor condition or for clients looking to change the color of their floors, we recommend a Sand and Refinish. This process bring the floors down to the bare wood, stripping away the polyurethane and existing stain. Unlike a Screen and Recoat, sanding is more time-consuming, generates more dust, and is about three to four times the cost. However, it offers a completely fresh surface and allows for a new stain color, providing a total transformation of your floors. If you’re looking to rejuvenate your floors or change their color entirely, sanding and refinishing is the best option for long-lasting results.
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I Do Not Want To Sand & Refinish My Floors. What Else Can I Do?Screen and Recoat – Refresh Your Floors If your floors are in good to fair condition with light surface scratches, a Screen and Recoat can be a great solution. This process typically improves the appearance of your floors by 80% or more, giving them a fresh, revived look. Unlike the more intensive sanding process, a Screen and Recoat is much more economical and can usually be completed in just one day. It’s the ideal option when full sanding isn't necessary or desired but you still want to restore the beauty of your hardwood floors.
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What is your Wax Removal Service?Acrylic Wax Buildup – Why Removal is Necessary Over time, acrylic wax on your floors will start to show smudges, scratches, and dirt buildup, which diminishes the sheen and leaves your floors looking dull and unattractive. Once this happens, the wax must be chemically removed to restore your floor's beauty. The removal process involves emulsifying the wax, which turns it into a sticky and messy substance. This requires the use of specialized tools and equipment, and because of the labor-intensive nature of the job, it can be time-consuming. However, it’s an essential step to bring your floors back to life.
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Do you refinish stairs and railing?Staircase Sanding, Refinishing, and Repairs Yes, we offer professional sanding and refinishing services for staircases, bringing them back to life with a fresh, smooth finish. In addition to refinishing, we can also make necessary repairs, such as replacing damaged or worn-out stair treads to ensure both beauty and safety. If your stairs need a complete transformation or simple repairs, we’re here to help with reliable and quality service.
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What if I need subfloor repair?Subfloor Repairs If your project requires subfloor repairs, we can assist with that as well. Damaged subflooring can affect the integrity of your floors, and it’s important to address any issues before refinishing or installing new flooring. Our team is experienced in replacing damaged subfloor sections to ensure a solid, even foundation for your floors. Once repairs are complete, we proceed with the refinishing or installation process to give you the best possible results. If you’re unsure whether your subfloor needs repair, we can evaluate the condition during our initial assessment.
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Do you replace water damaged planks?Water-Damaged Plank Replacement Yes, we do replace water-damaged planks. Water can cause significant damage to hardwood floors, leading to discoloration, warping, or even mold. If your floors have planks affected by water, we can carefully remove and replace them with new ones.
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Enhanced AppearanceOur professional care restores the natural beauty of your floors, making them shine and look as good as the day they were installed.
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LongevityRegular maintenance extends the life of your hardwood floors, preventing costly repairs and replacements in the future
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ProtectionWe use high-quality products and techniques to protect your floors from damage, ensuring they withstand everyday use.
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Value PreservationWell-maintained floors contribute to the overall value of your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell.
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ExpertiseOur professionals have the knowledge and experience to address any issues your floors may have, providing solutions that ensure the best possible results.
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Minimal DisruptionWe know your time is valuable. That’s why our Clean and Buff service is completed in just one day, allowing you to walk on your floors immediately afterward. No lengthy disruptions to your daily routine—just quick, effective results.
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Restore and RevitalizeOver time, dust, dirt, grime, and abrasive particles can become embedded in your floors, leading to scratches and wear. Our service removes these harmful elements, bringing your floors back to their original, pristine condition. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter and fresher your space feels.
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Simplified MaintenanceWe don’t just clean your floors; we make it easier for you to keep them looking great. After our service, maintenance becomes a breeze with the clear instructions we provide, helping you preserve that like-new shine with minimal effort.
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Advanced CareOur specialists use state-of-the-art equipment and specially formulated solutions to ensure a deep, thorough clean. We tailor our approach to protect and enhance your specific type of flooring, giving you peace of mind that your floors are in expert hands.
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Long-Term DurabilityBy removing dirt and residues that can cause damage over time, our Clean and Buff service helps extend the lifespan of your floors. This proactive care prevents the need for more costly repairs down the road, saving you money in the long run.
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Why Removing Acrylic Wax is EssentialAnother critical issue is the potential for creating a dangerously slippery surface. This is especially concerning in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways. A wax-coated floor may seem manageable under normal conditions, but when wet, it can become a serious slip hazard, increasing the risk of accidents.
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Restores the True Beauty of Your FloorsWax buildup conceals the natural elegance of your hardwood floors. By removing these layers, you reveal the wood's original appearance, showcasing its rich tones and natural grain without the unsightly yellowing and uneven texture caused by wax.
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Enhances Safety in Your HomeSlippery floors are a major concern, especially in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas. Removing the wax eliminates this hazard, providing a safer environment for your family and guests. This is particularly important in households with children, elderly family members, or pets, where the risk of falls is greater.
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Achieves a More Hygienic and Cleaner SurfaceThe embedded dirt and debris trapped in the wax layers make it nearly impossible to achieve truly clean floors. Once the wax is removed, your floors will not only look better but will also be easier to clean and maintain on a daily basis. Without the interference of wax, you can maintain a sanitary living space with less effort.
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Long-Term Protection for Your InvestmentHardwood floors are a significant investment in your home. To protect that investment, it's essential to use the right finish. After removing the wax, you can apply a high-quality, durable finish like polyurethane. Unlike wax, polyurethane provides superior protection against wear and tear, ensuring that your floors remain beautiful and resilient for years with minimal maintenance.
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Preserves Your Floors’ Natural BeautyOur Screen and Recoat service effectively removes light scuffs, scratches, and dirt, bringing back the luster of your floors without the need for a full sanding.
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Protects and EnhancesWe apply two coats of high-quality, water-based polyurethane, creating a durable protective barrier that not only enhances your floors’ appearance but also seals them against stains and moisture.
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Cost-Effective MaintenanceThis service is significantly less expensive than a full sanding or floor replacement, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. It’s a smart investment that prolongs the life of your floors.
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Less Mess, Less StressUnlike a full sanding and refinishing process, our Screen and Recoat service produces minimal dust and allows you to get back to your normal routine much faster. It’s a less invasive option that still delivers great results.
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Preventive CareBy opting for a Screen and Recoat now, you’re practicing preventive maintenance that delays the need for more intensive treatments down the road. This saves you time, money, and the stress of more extensive work later on.
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What You Can ExpectStep 1: Initial Cleaning We start by dust mopping or vacuuming your floors to remove any particles. This ensures we achieve the best results by starting with a clean surface. Step 2: Screening Next, we use a specific screening disc to lightly abrade the surface of your floors. This step removes minor scratches and helps create a strong bond for the newly applied polyurethane. Step 3: Deep Cleaning We then vacuum your hardwood floors using our commercial HEPA vacuum system to remove any remaining dust and debris. After vacuuming, we flat mop your floors dry and then use our spray solution to ensure all particles are removed. Step 4: First Coat Application We apply the first coat of polyurethane and allow it to dry for 3 hours. Step 5: Client Walk-Through At this point, we like to do a walk-through with you. Please wear socks only during this step to avoid any damage or contamination. Final Step: Second Coat Application Finally, we apply the second coat of polyurethane and allow it to dry for 4 hours. This process ensures your floors look their best and have a durable finish.
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What You Can ExpectStep 1 We will dust mop or vacuum your floors to remove any particles on your floors, to ensure we achieve the best results. Step 2 Screen your floors with a specific screening disc to remove minor scratches. This will also help create a strong bond for the newly applied polyurethane. Step 3 Vacuum your hardwood floors with our commercial HEPA vacuum system. Flat mop your hardwood floors dry and then with our spray solution to assist with the removal of any particles. Step 4 Apply first coat of polyurethane and allow 3 hours of drying time. Step 5 We like to do a walk-through with the client at this point. Socks only! Final Step Apply a second coat of polyurethane and allow 4 hours of dry time
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Understanding Your OptionsWhen it comes to maintaining the beauty of engineered hardwood floors, homeowners often find themselves facing a tough decision. Sanding and refinishing engineered hardwood can be risky due to the thin veneer layer, replacement is costly and disruptive, and living with scratches and blemishes just isn't appealing. At ProScout Floor Cleaning and Refinishing, we understand these challenges and offer a practical, cost-effective alternative: our screen and recoat process.
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Replacement: The Only 100% SolutionFirst, it’s important to acknowledge that if you're looking for a flawless finish with all scratches and blemishes completely removed, replacing your engineered hardwood floors is the only way to achieve that result. Replacing the flooring guarantees that every visible imperfection is eliminated, giving you a brand-new, pristine surface.
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The Smart Alternative: Our Screen and Recoat ProcessWhile replacement is the ultimate solution, it’s not always the most practical or economical option. This is where our screen and recoat process comes into play. This method is specifically designed to improve the appearance of your floors by refreshing the surface, addressing visible imperfections, and restoring some of the original luster. It's a cost-effective solution that can save you thousands of dollars compared to full floor replacement.
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Realistic ExpectationHowever, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. Our screen and recoat process will not completely eliminate scratches or blemishes. Instead, it significantly reduces their visibility by blending them with the rest of the floor. The result is a much more uniform and visually appealing surface, but it’s important to note that the scratches will still be there, just less noticeable. This approach also helps reduce the risks associated with unsealed wood, such as moisture damage and further deterioration.
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Cost-Effective Alternative to ReplacementRefinishing your hardwood floors is a far more cost-effective option than replacing them. Rather than incurring the high costs of new flooring materials, labor, and installation, refinishing revitalizes your existing floors at a fraction of the price. This process delivers the look and feel of brand-new floors without the heavy financial burden.
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Customization to Fit Your StyleRefinishing also gives you the opportunity to update the stain color to match your current style or the latest trends. Whether you want a darker, richer tone or a lighter, more contemporary finish, refinishing lets you customize your floors without the need for replacement.
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Enhancing Emotional Well-BeingThere’s something incredibly satisfying about walking into a room and seeing floors that shine with warmth and beauty. Refinishing brings a sense of renewal, not just to your floors, but to your entire space. It creates an environment that feels clean, inviting, and well-cared-for, which can have a positive impact on your mood and well-being.
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Increased Home ValueRefinished hardwood floors are an asset when it comes to selling your home. Potential buyers recognize the value of well-maintained floors and often see them as a sign of overall care and attention to detail. By refinishing your floors, you’re not only saving money now, but you’re also increasing the future resale value of your property.
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Sustainable and Environmentally FriendlyRefinishing is also an environmentally responsible choice. Instead of contributing to landfill waste by removing old floors, you’re extending the life of your existing materials. This sustainable approach benefits the environment and aligns with the growing desire to make eco-friendly choices in home improvement.
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Immediate AccessMove furniture, rugs, and even pets back in immediately after we finish. No waiting for days, no boarding pets—your home is ready the moment we leave.
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Pet-FriendlyUV curing eliminates the worry of keeping pets off freshly finished floors. With instant curing, your furry friends can roam freely without risk.
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Cost Efficiency Over TimeThe ultra-durable finish lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups or refinishing in the future, ultimately saving you money.
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Superior ResistanceUV-cured floors are highly resistant to scratches, scuffs, stains, and chemicals, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets.
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Health BenefitsUV curing drastically reduces VOC emissions compared to traditional finishes, creating a safer and healthier environment for your family and pets.
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Addressing ConcernsWe can discuss any additional areas of concern you may have, ensuring we tailor our service to your specific needs.
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Clear Service AreaWe’ll make sure the service area is free of furniture, rugs, and other items to facilitate a thorough cleaning.
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Protection MeasuresWe will secure and protect any curtains or blind ropes that may be touching the floor.
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Preparation StepsWe’ll remove floor vents and secure any internet cables, boxes, or wires left on the floor to prevent accidents.
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Ready for ServiceWe will ensure that the cleaning area is fully prepared before bringing in our equipment.
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Pet SafetyPlease secure all pets upon our arrival, as they often want to play when we start working.
At ProScout Floor Cleaning and Refinishing, we understand the intricacies of hardwood floor care. Our team is equipped with the specialized tools and knowledge needed to safely and effectively remove acrylic wax buildup from your floors. We’re committed to restoring your floors to their original beauty, making them not only look better but also safer and easier to maintain.
Don’t let acrylic wax dull the beauty of your hardwood floors or compromise the safety of your home. Contact ProScout Floor Cleaning and Refinishing today to learn how we can help you reclaim the natural elegance of your floors and provide them with the protection they deserve.