[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

All this is about the right solvent for the right marks.

As I have previously mentioned laminate will primarily be melamine formaldehyde MF , which is used because of it chemical resistance and relatively good water ersistance.

It is a thermosetting resin which in simple terms means it chemically reacts during curing(cross links) which is where its resistance is coming from.

There is no laquer , which would typically be polyurethane .

I agree that WD 40 would make the floor slippery if not washed off , it is afterall a lubricant.

Acetone should be relatively safe on this type of substrate although white spirit is always worth a try.

As with all solvents if they are goilng to work ,  they will quickly and there is no need to slop lots on.

I would use a microsplitter  or detergent stripper first which will probably remove a lot of the marks and then spot with solvent.

Hope this is reasonably clear

Cheers

Doug

[Ian Gourlay]

Just to clarify, I have same problem on a vinyl floor.

Tried Solvents and Soulution and Alltec Ranges, plus various other cleaners.

Have not tried WD40.

However I a becoming more certain that I need to take it up as it could be coming from beneth.

[Doug Holloway]

Ian,

Are they black marks or yellowy brown.

With vinyl floors the marks are often caused by plasticiser migration and cannot be removed.

PVC is also open to degradation particularly caused by heat.

Also be careful using solvents on vinyl as you may soften if over done,.

Cheers

Doug

[garyj]

The first thing that needs to be established is to find out if the floor had any existing layers of polish on it. As its an office floor you can presume it has, I think it unlikely that it would be left bare with no protection. If the marks aren't shifting easily it does sound like they may have another layer of polish ( or layers) on top, in which case the only thing to do is strip right back and reapply 2 or 3 coats. Be careful using a green scourer, when the floor dries you might end up with unsightly scratches all over the floor.
As has been pointed out, these marks usually come up with a damp cloth or rub off using your finger, again I think there is polish on top. It does sound like a strip off and re-polish job, it will bring the floor back to as new and as you've only just taken on the contract they'll think your fantastic and you'll be able to properly and easily maintain it over the next 6-12 months when it will need doing again.

[Park Cleaning Services]

hi guys,
quick update for you!

i have been back and tried several of your suggestions, the only one that worked was using a green scourer and gently rubbing marks away.  has to wet scourer though, as without water it started to scratch flooring.

floor has come up a treat!

Thanks once again for all your suggestions.


Kind Regards....Ian

[Ian Gourlay]

Doug,

They are like colorwash Black  Cloudy looking effect.


To be honest Ive given up on them The only way forward is to take stuff up and buy a load of tiles providing all is OK underneath no damp  and we have not sprung a leak.