Special Machines and products for giving old Marmoleum and linoleum a new finish coat

IDEAL ECOLOGICAL THOUGHT

RENOVATION OF LINOLEUM IS A WIN-WIN

Is linoleum passé? The very thought has been outdated for many years now. After all, this flooring fits in perfectly with the current ecological mindset and is enjoying a new lease of life. The composition of linoleum speaks volumes, apart from the vast progress in its design. And so, at the same time more and more people are trying not to remove the (old) floor, but at least to give it a new life.

Linoleum is made from natural and renewable raw materials, such as limestone, resin, jute, linseed oil, and other ecological products which are fully biologically degradable after use. The production process is also highly ecological, so the product has very little impact on our surrounds. If we can also renovate this low-maintenance product instead of discarding it, that’s the best possible scenario.

Renovation plus points

The fact that there are many other plus points makes a nice bonus. Not only is renovation merely about half the cost, but also there are several strong benefits on site. The biggest benefit is the time saving, as rooms are ready for use again very soon after renovation. Moreover, you don’t have to take account of collateral damage to the buildings or walls.

With renovation you do have to remember that you should follow a set step plan. The first step is to scrape and strip all dirt and old protective layers, and, after that, you can tackle scratches and other flaws. You then apply a primer and a finish. At the end of all that, you mustn’t forget to give clients some maintenance tips which are appropriate for the expected future use of the linoleum floor.

The finish in practice

Various finishes can be applied to the renovated linoleum floor. One very popular finish at present is a UV coating. This means a PU coating is applied, which, after drying, is cured with a UV installation (once a primer has been applied to guarantee adhesion). This method is popular because the room is soon dry and therefore ready for use again, whilst the inconvenience is minimal.

It’s quite obvious when this method is preferred: If the inconvenience has to be limited and you want to use the room quickly again, you opt for a UV coating. Think here, for instance, of a shop or a care home. Moreover, this method is also attractive if there is a need to tackle damage from scratches. Since this UV system corresponds the most to the treatment given in the factory, it also gives you the best guarantee of a good end result.

Another quite popular choice is to work with a 2K PU. This coating has proved its qualities over many years and remains popular, certainly for projects. In contrast to UV coating, this process deploys air-drying. Allow one full week for complete drying time, but don’t forget that you can walk gently on the floor within 48 hours. Here, too, you need to apply a primer first to guarantee the adhesion.

Maintenance for a renovated linoleum floor

We’ve already considered advising clients about maintenance. Linoleum might be an exceptionally low-maintenance product, but don’t forget to give the necessary tips. Occasional vacuum cleaning will suffice in most cases, but periodic maintenance with the appropriate maintenance products is no luxury. Linoleum might enjoy a long lifespan, but a minimum of care is still necessary. What we should also certainly mention is that abrasive detergents must be avoided at all costs. Indeed, such products could damage the top layer of the linoleum (and ruin your renovation).

Sources: Info Floorcare.be and Interieurdesigner.be

A specialist

Bona

First of all, we need to draw a distinction between new (unfinished) linoleum and old linoleum. The former has to be protected to facilitate maintenance, whilst the latter has to be regenerated. The popularity of linoleum lies in its relation the ‘ecological’, since it is made from natural materials. Since linoleum is a porous floor, it is necessary first of all to apply a pore filler such as Bona Lino Prime, followed by a coating. The choice of the coating should be geared to how the surface will be used (Bona Super Sport Pure HD for sport linoleum), Bona Pure for health-related surfaces, and Bona Pure HD for trade surfaces. For regeneration you can apply a coat of paint before the seal.