What does floor stripping and waxing include?
Resilient floors such as VCT, vinyl and linoleum rely on layers of floor finish, often called wax, for protection and shine. Over time traffic wears that finish down, and routine cleaning can no longer bring it back. Stripping and waxing removes the worn layers and rebuilds the protective coating from scratch.
This is restorative work, done on a cycle. Between refinishes, floors stay in shape with routine floor scrubbing and burnishing, which cleans the finish without removing it.
We clear the area, apply stripper, scrub off the old finish, rinse and neutralize the floor, then apply sealer where needed and several thin coats of finish. A final burnish, where the finish allows, leaves a hard, glossy surface that is easier to maintain.
A fresh finish does more than look good. It protects the floor surface from scuffs and stains, makes daily cleaning faster, and helps entrances and corridors look well cared for.
- Furniture moved and replaced where agreed
- Old floor finish stripped from VCT, vinyl and linoleum
- Edges, corners and baseboards detailed by hand
- Floor rinsed and neutralized before recoating
- Sealer applied to porous or new floors
- Multiple thin coats of commercial floor finish
- Burnishing to a durable shine
- Scrub-and-recoat option for floors with sound base coats
What’s included
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Floor assessment We check floor type, finish condition and problem areas before quoting.
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Area preparation Furniture moved, entrances cordoned and wet-floor signs placed.
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Full strip Old finish, embedded soil and discolouration removed down to the floor.
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Rinse and neutralize Stripper residue rinsed away so new finish bonds properly.
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Seal and coat Sealer and several thin coats of finish applied with drying time between coats.
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Burnish High-speed burnishing hardens the finish and brings up the shine.
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Scrub and recoat A lighter option that refreshes the top coats between full strips.
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Closure scheduling Work booked during evenings, weekends, holidays or planned shutdowns.
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Furniture replaced Rooms returned to their original layout once the finish has cured.
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Supervisor sign-off Finished floors are inspected, and any defects are corrected within 48 hours.
Properties we serve
Schools & campuses
Classroom and hallway floors refinished over summer and winter breaks.
Healthcare & medical facilities
Clinic corridors and exam rooms refinished in planned phases.
Retail & shopping centres
Store floors stripped and recoated overnight, before opening.
Government & public buildings
Public halls and offices refinished around service hours.
Offices & corporate buildings
Kitchens, corridors and lunchrooms restored over weekends.
Strata & property management
Common-area hallways and amenity rooms refinished with resident notice.
How often should floors be stripped and waxed?
Refinish cycles depend on traffic, floor type and how well the floor is maintained between visits. High-traffic corridors, entrances and cafeterias may need a full strip once or twice a year, while quieter offices can often go longer.
A scrub-and-recoat refreshes the top layers between full strips with less downtime. Regular burnishing and scrubbing stretch both cycles further, which is why many facilities pair refinishing with ongoing floor care. We note refinish dates in your service log so the next cycle is planned in advance.
Because floors must stay closed while finish dries and cures, we schedule the work during closures: evenings, weekends, statutory holidays, school breaks or planned shutdowns. Large areas can be done in phases so part of the building stays open.
We refinish floors across Surrey and nearby cities such as Richmond and Coquitlam. Request a quote and we will send a written scope within one business day, or browse our commercial cleaning services.
How it works
Starting service is simple
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Free site walkthrough
Tell us about your facility. We visit, confirm the scope and send a written quote.
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Custom cleaning plan
Nightly, weekend or day porter schedules built around your operating hours.
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Inspected & reported
Supervisor inspections, daily logs and corrective action within 48 hours.
Safety, insurance and compliance
Floor strippers and finishes are strong chemicals, and wet floors are slippery. Our crews are WHMIS-trained, keep safety data sheets on site, ventilate work areas and cordon off floors until they are safe to walk on. Slurry is collected and disposed of according to site rules.
Supervisors inspect each refinished area for even coverage, missed edges and finish defects, and record results in a daily log. Any defect is corrected within 48 hours.
- $5,000,000 commercial general liability insurance
- Bonded, uniformed staff
- Active WorkSafeBC coverage
- WHMIS-trained team members
- Supervisor inspections and daily logs
Service areas
Serving Surrey and the Lower Mainland
We strip and refinish commercial floors in schools, clinics, offices and retail spaces across Surrey and the Lower Mainland.
FAQ
Floor stripping and waxing FAQs
What is the difference between stripping and waxing and floor scrubbing?
Stripping removes the old finish completely and new coats are applied. Scrubbing and burnishing clean the existing finish without removing it. Most floors need both: routine floor scrubbing and a periodic strip and refinish.
Which floors can be stripped and waxed?
Resilient floors such as VCT, sheet vinyl and linoleum are typical candidates. We confirm the floor type and manufacturer care guidance before recommending a finish. Hardwood, laminate and natural stone need different care and are not stripped the same way.
How long does the floor need to stay closed?
Finish needs time to dry between coats and to cure afterwards. We plan the work so the floor is ready for traffic when your building reopens, and confirm timing in your quote.
Do you move furniture?
Yes. We can move and replace desks, chairs and light furniture as part of the scope. Heavy or fixed equipment is discussed during the walkthrough. Rooms are returned to their original layout.
What is a scrub and recoat?
It is a lighter refinish. We deep scrub the top layers of finish and apply fresh coats without stripping to the base. It suits floors whose base coats are still in good condition.
Is the process safe for occupied buildings?
Yes, when it is planned properly. We schedule around occupancy, ventilate the area, cordon off wet floors and follow WHMIS procedures for every product.
Are your floor care crews insured?
Yes. We carry $5,000,000 commercial general liability insurance, are bonded and have active WorkSafeBC coverage. Supervisors inspect finished floors and keep daily logs.
How do I get a quote for stripping and waxing?
Call us or send a request. We visit to measure the area and check the floor, then send a written quote with the recommended process and a closure plan. We reply within one business day.
Schedule your next floor refinish
Tell us your floor area and closure dates, and we will plan a strip and wax around them.