Ongoing Maintenance Procedures for Conductive 
and Static Dissipative ESD Vinyl Tile and Sheet Flooring

StaticWorx solid vinyl tile (SVT) is manufactured using automated processes. One of these automated processes is called “polishing.” Polishing is performed using an abrasive material similar to the rubbing compounds used to prepare the painted finish on automobiles. Since this process is performed in-line at the factory, it is common for the tile finish (gloss level) within a batch to vary slightly. In-factory polishing is not performed to provide a final finish; it is performed to seal and protect the surface of the newly manufactured tiles.

Keep in mind, any variation in shine does not mean that there is a deviation in color; it merely means that the tiles have been abraded and polished to lesser or greater degrees depending on the point at which they went through the factory polishing process (figure 1).

All new installations of solid vinyl tile need to be buffed per StaticWorx Initial Post-Installation Floor Maintenance guidelines in order to attain a consistent gloss level across the entire floor; this is particularly true with darker gray and blue-colored floor tiles. This procedure will both remove the factory finish and level off natural microscopic pores and valleys in the surface of the tile in order to achieve visual uniformity (figure 2).

Maintaining Your AmeriWorx Vinyl Floor

The amount and type of traffic — foot, forklift, pallet jacks, light, heavy, etc. — will determine the maintenance frequency and requirements of your StaticWorx vinyl floor. Maintenance of StaticWorx ESD vinyl tiles requires vacuuming/sweeping, washing, rinsing and buffing.

Preventive Maintenance (PM) Requirements

In a typical EMS environment, StaticWorx tile cannot be damaged by lack of maintenance. However, tile can become deeply soiled if contaminants become embedded due to long-term abrasion without a routine cleaning program. Heavy soiling as well as staining can be removed (figure 3).

The photos in figure 3 illustrate a custodian’s ability to remove contamination from AmeriWorx solid vinyl tile even with heavy stains, scratches and variations in appearance.

The photos show:

1) High-traffic corridor in an electronics manufacturing facility; improperly maintained for several years.

2) Applying a standard, moderately aggressive degreasing agent. Buff with maroon pad, dry mop, rinse; allow to dry.

3) Buffing with StaticWorx Formula 20.20 surfacing emulsion using a natural pad. Once dry, apply spray buff compound with white pad for an added sheen (optional).

4) Floor’s appearance is much improved within a matter of hours.

You can use a more abrasive cleaning pad to remove resin/material from the surface of the tile then buff a glossy shine on the newly exposed tile surface.

The tile’s original surface and gloss can be renewed at any time by following the StaticWorx Initial Post-Installation Floor Maintenance guidelines and implementing an ongoing multi-step maintenance program.

In a typical EMS environment, StaticWorx tile cannot be damaged by lack of maintenance. However, tile can become deeply soiled if contaminants become embedded due to long-term abrasion without a routine cleaning program. Heavy soiling as well as staining can be removed (figure 3).

The photos in figure 3 illustrate a custodian’s ability to remove contamination from AmeriWorx solid vinyl tile even with heavy stains, scratches and variations in appearance.

The photos show:

1) High-traffic corridor in an electronics manufacturing facility; improperly maintained for several years.

2) Applying a standard, moderately aggressive degreasing agent. Buff with maroon pad, dry mop, rinse; allow to dry.

3) Buffing with StaticWorx Formula 20.20 surfacing emulsion using a natural pad. Once dry, apply spray buff compound with white pad for an added sheen (optional).

4) Floor’s appearance is much improved within a matter of hours.

You can use a more abrasive cleaning pad to remove resin/material from the surface of the tile then buff a glossy shine on the newly exposed tile surface.

The tile’s original surface and gloss can be renewed at any time by following the StaticWorx Initial Post-Installation Floor Maintenance guidelines and implementing an ongoing multi-step maintenance program.

A Typical Maintenance Schedule​

DAILY MAINTENANCE

WEEKLY MAINTENANCE

MONTHLY/QUARTERLY/YEARLY MAINTENANCE

Perform the StaticWorx initial post-installation floor maintenance procedure, substituting the gray buffing pad with a more-aggressive maroon pad. Repeating steps 3-5 may be necessary in areas where tile is very heavily-soiled (prior to moving on to step 6).

Note about waxes and polishes: All ESD floor tile manufacturers state that solid ESD vinyl tile never requires waxes, polishes or finishes of any kind. This is true. The conductive properties are inside the tile itself; they are not derived from floor polishes and finishes.

However, there may be other reasons to consider the use of buffing compounds and finishes. AmeriWorx solid conductive vinyl tile can be maintained with only a neutral pH cleaner and mop. Depending on the level of shine and reflectivity desired, you may decide to dry buff or use a spray emulsion then buff to provide an enhanced appearance.

Please contact StaticWorx before initiating a maintenance process or using any dissipative coatings or polishes of any kind.

Tips

Other Maintenance Concerns

It is important to note that any cleaning solutions and residue must be thoroughly removed from the surface to ensure that electrical performance is obtained.

Note: Oil mops, oil sprays or oil containing sweeping compounds are not recommended for use on any ESD Vinyl tiles.

FLOOR PROTECTION: Floors must be protected against excessive static loads and abrasion during the movement of heavy machines, equipment etc. The removal of small metal domes from machine legs is always recommended. Plastic casters and glides of adequate size should also be used to protect the floor surface. Be sure to protect your floor using felt paper or reinstalling proper casters.

THROW RUGS: Some types of throw rugs are backed with latex that may stain resilient floors. Make certain that the rug supplier provides assurances that the rugs have a non-staining backing.

WARNING: The extremely high forces exerted by stiletto or high-heeled traffic (dynamic loads of 3,000 psi or more) may create visible indentations on resilient flooring. StaticWorx will not accept claims for damage caused by stiletto or high-heeled traffic.

Videos

Background image is an installation of AmeriWorx ESD solid vinyl tile. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue with the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: “AmeriWorx ESD Vinyl Tile: Post-Installation Maintenance"
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Background image is a completed installation of AmeriWorx ESD solid vinyl tile in a large facility. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue with the StaticWorx logo. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: “AmeriWorx ESD Vinyl Tile: Ongoing Maintenance"
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Background graphic is a still from the StaticWorx GroundSafe ESD Flooring – Your Trusted Partner explainer animation. In the foreground at the bottom are two boxes. The top is a bright blue with the StaticWorx logo and "GroundSafe ESD Flooring" underneath in white. The second is a dark blue-gray and includes the text in white: “GroundWorx ESD Flooring – Your Trusted Partner”
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StaticWorx high-performance static-control floors protect electronic components, explosives, and high-speed computers from damage caused by static electricity. ESD flooring is part of a system. Choices should always be based on objective, researched evidence. When you partner with us, we look at all possible items that may need to integrate with the floor, and, focusing on your goals and objectives, help you find the right floor for your application.

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Email: [email protected]

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“I’m so glad we were able to find an attractive solution that didn’t leave us with some run-of-the-mill ugly disaster.”

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Get in Touch

East Coast: 617-923-2000
Email: [email protected]

subscribe to newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and occasional updates.

The FAA has updated its standard for facilities and electronic equipment. StaticWorx meets all requirements for ESD flooring.

Unless otherwise stated, standards referenced are the most up-to-date versions.

Get in Touch

East Coast: 617-923-2000
Email: [email protected]

“I’m so glad we were able to find an attractive solution that didn’t leave us with some run-of-the-mill ugly disaster.”

Share This

subscribe to newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and occasional updates.

The FAA has updated its standard for facilities and electronic equipment. StaticWorx meets all requirements for ESD flooring.

Unless otherwise stated, standards referenced are the most up-to-date versions.

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