Floor waxing and polishing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What floor waxing and polishing is

Floor waxing and polishing strips old finish if it has built up or failed, then applies a new wax or sealer and buffs it to shine. It restores the look of resilient vinyl, linoleum and some other floors that the maker allows to be waxed, and gives a protective layer that takes the wear from foot traffic.

Signs you need it

  • The floor looks dull and scuffed in the traffic lanes even after regular mopping
  • Old wax has yellowed, flaked or built up in the corners and along the edges
  • Water no longer beads on the surface and the floor looks dry or patchy
  • Scuff marks from chairs and shoes will not come out with cleaning alone
  • The finish has worn through in the high-traffic spots and shows the base layer

What the pro does

  • Test the existing finish with a small spot to see whether it strips cleanly or needs a stronger remover
  • Strip the old finish with a stripper suited to the floor, and rinse thoroughly to remove the residue
  • Let the floor dry fully and check that the base is clean and even before applying anything new
  • Apply thin coats of wax or sealer with a microfiber applicator, working in straight passes
  • Allow each coat to dry before the next, usually with fans running in the room
  • Buff the finish with a floor machine or pad to bring up the shine

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Total floor area and how many rooms and transitions the job covers
  • Floor material, since vinyl, linoleum and hardwood use different wax and sealer products
  • Number of coats needed, which depends on how worn the finish is
  • Whether stripping is required or only a maintenance coat is applied
  • Whether the floor needs a buffing machine and pads that are sized for the room
  • Ventilation and time needed for each coat to dry before the room can be used

What a written quote should spell out

  • The rooms covered and the floor types, plus whether the edges and corners are treated
  • Whether stripping is included or only a maintenance coat is applied
  • The number of coats and the product type used, such as a wax or a polymer sealer
  • The drying time and how long the room must be kept clear before foot traffic returns
  • Whether buffing and a final polish are included

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you test the old finish before stripping, and tell me if the floor can be stripped safely
  • What product do you use on vinyl, linoleum or hardwood, and does it suit my floor
  • How many coats do you apply, and how long does each coat take to dry
  • How long should I keep people and furniture off the floor after you finish
  • Do you use a machine to buff, and will it leave swirl marks
  • How often should the floor be re-coated to keep the protection in place

Red flags

  • A crew that wants to strip a sealed hardwood floor without a test, which can damage the wood
  • Thick coats of wax applied in one pass, which trap dirt and look cloudy
  • No ventilation plan for the stripper and sealer fumes in an enclosed room
  • A quote that does not say whether stripping is included

What you can do yourself

You can sweep and mop the floor regularly and clean up spills before they dry on the wax. Call a professional for stripping built-up finish, for buffing large areas, and for any hardwood floor where the sealer type is unclear.

Licenses and permits

Floor waxing and polishing is not commonly licensed. Check with your state or local licensing agency for business registration that applies to the company, and check the product safety information before any work in a home with children or pets.

Floor waxing and polishing questions

How long does a fresh wax coat last?

It depends on traffic and cleaning. Many floors need a maintenance coat on a regular schedule, and a full strip only when the old finish has built up or failed.

Can I put wax on a hardwood floor?

Only if the floor is finished with a product that accepts it. Some hardwood sealers need a different topcoat, so check the finish before anyone applies wax.

Will the floor be slippery after waxing?

A properly buffed floor is usually safe once it is fully dry. Ask the crew how to care for the finish and which cleaners to avoid to keep it slip-resistant.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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