How to Finish a New VCT Floor for the First Time

Newly installed Vinyl Composition Tile, or VCT, requires proper preparation before its first floor finish coating. One common mistake is assuming the factory coating must be stripped before the finish is applied. In most cases, that is not necessary. More importantly, stripping a new VCT floor too soon can do more harm than good.

Why You Should Not Strip Freshly Installed VCT

Freshly laid VCT needs time for the tile adhesive to set. If the floor is scrubbed or stripped too soon, the adhesive may not cure properly. That can lead to tile curling, premature release, or other installation issues that result in costly repairs before the floor is even put into regular service.

The goal is to properly clean and prepare the tile so the first coats of finish bond well and create a durable, attractive floor.

How to Prepare New VCT for Its First Finish Coating

Follow this procedure before applying the first coats of floor finish.

• Wait two to three weeks. Allow the newly installed VCT to sit for two to three weeks so the floor adhesive can set.
• Top scrub the floor. Use Hillyard Assurance® diluted at 4 oz. per gallon of water, or Arsenal Recoat Prep diluted at 2 oz. per gallon.
• Work in manageable sections. Mop the solution onto the floor in areas of about 100 to 150 square feet at a time.
• Scrub the floor. Use a blue or green scrub pad under a 175 RPM floor machine. We recommend the Trident FMD20 Orbital Floor Machine for this task.
• Pick up the solution. Remove the scrubbing solution with a wet vacuum.
• Rinse the floor. Rinse with Hillyard Nutra-Rinse® diluted at 2 oz. per gallon, then follow with a clean, damp, water-only mop rinse.
• Let the floor dry. Once the floor is dry, it is ready for coating.

For an Even Quicker Procedure

An automatic scrubber can help reduce labor in larger areas. Equip the auto scrubber with a blue or green scrub pad, fill it with Assurance or Recoat Prep solution, scrub the floor, then follow with a clean water rinse using the scrubber. This keeps the process efficient while still preparing the new VCT for finish.

Hillyard Can Help

Getting a new VCT floor right the first time protects the installation and helps create a better foundation for long-term floor care. Hillyard experts across the United States can help you choose the right procedure, products, equipment, and finish system for your facility. Use the form on this page to contact us about your new VCT floor or any other cleaning challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to strip newly installed VCT before applying finish?

No. Stripping new VCT is a common misconception. A top scrub procedure is the recommended approach after the adhesive has had time to set.

How long should I wait before preparing newly installed VCT?

Wait two to three weeks before scrubbing and finishing the floor. This gives the adhesive time to set properly.

What pad should I use to prepare new VCT?

Use a blue or green scrub pad for the top scrub procedure.