What a Scrub & Recoat Is

A scrub and recoat is the routine maintenance that keeps a vinyl composition tile (VCT) floor looking its best. Instead of stripping the floor all the way down to bare tile, we machine-scrub off only the top one or two worn, scuffed, or soiled layers of finish, then apply fresh coats of protective floor finish over the sound base coats that remain. The result is a clean, level, glossy floor with far less labor and disruption than a full strip-and-wax.

When We Recommend It

• The floor looks dull or hazy, but the finish underneath is still in good shape.
• There is light to moderate scuffing, traffic-lane wear, or surface soil.
• It has been roughly 3–6 months since the last scrub and recoat (sooner for high-traffic sites).
• You want to extend the life of the finish and delay the next full strip-and-wax.

If the finish is heavily worn, yellowed, or built up unevenly, we’ll recommend a full strip-and-wax instead and explain why.

Our Process at a Glance

1. Prep & Protect the Area

We walk the space with you to confirm scope and timing around your business hours, move or protect light furniture and floor items, and section off the work area with wet-floor signs so foot traffic stays clear.

2. Dust Mop & Remove Debris

We dust mop the entire floor to remove all loose dirt and grit. Grit left behind acts like sandpaper under the pad and can scratch the finish, so this step is never skipped.

3. Scrub Off the Worn Finish

Using an auto-scrubber or floor machine fitted with the correct pad, we lift off the top one or two layers of finish — not down to the tile — and detail the edges and corners by hand.

4. Rinse, Pick Up & Dry

We vacuum up the slurry, rinse with clean water, and let the floor dry completely. Fresh finish won’t bond to a damp or residue-coated floor.

5. Apply Fresh Finish

We apply one to two thin, even coats of commercial floor finish, allowing proper dry time between coats, then keep the area closed until the finish has set.

6. Inspect & Hand Off

We do a final inspection for any missed spots or uneven gloss, replace your furniture, and walk the finished floor with you — plus a recommended date for the next service.

Safety & Site Care

• Wet-floor signs stay up until the finish is safe to walk on.
• We keep the area ventilated and route foot traffic safely around the work zone.
• Your property, fixtures, and baseboards are protected throughout.
• Scheduling is arranged around your hours — after-hours and weekend service available.

Keeping the Finish Looking New

Between services, regular dust mopping and damp mopping with a neutral cleaner protect the finish. For most commercial spaces we recommend a scrub and recoat every 3–6 months depending on traffic, with a full strip-and-wax about once a year.