Floor stripping removes the old finish from a commercial hard floor. Waxing, also called finishing, puts a new layer of finish back on once the old one has been removed. Together, these two steps make up one job, often called a strip and wax.
There’s also a lighter option: the scrub and recoat. Instead of removing all of the existing finish, this process prepares the surface and adds a fresh coat over what remains. A full strip and wax takes more time and work, so knowing the difference can help you decide what your floor actually needs.
In this guide, we’ll look at how stripping, waxing and scrubbing and recoating differ, the signs that a floor may need a full strip, what happens during commercial floor stripping and waxing, and how to keep people safe while the work is being done. We’ll also cover what to ask a floor-care provider before booking, so you can choose the right approach for your space.
What Does Each Floor-Care Option Actually Do?
The difference comes down to the condition of the existing finish and how much of it needs to be removed. A full strip removes old wax, buildup and residue from the floor before a fresh protective layer is applied. This gives the floor a new surface to work with rather than adding another layer over an existing finish that may already be worn or uneven.
A scrub and recoat takes a lighter approach by working with the finish that is still in place. When the existing finish is suitable for maintenance, cleaning and preparing the surface before adding another coat can help maintain it without going through a full strip and wax.
At Sublime Cleaning, we assess the condition of the floor before providing an estimate. This assessment considers factors such as existing wax buildup, visible wear, flooring type, floor area and foot traffic. The exact work can vary depending on the condition of the floor and the level of buildup.
Stripping, Waxing Or A Scrub And Recoat?
A scrub and recoat skips the full strip and lays a fresh coat over the finish that’s left. The three services aren’t interchangeable. A scrub and recoat is a less intensive maintenance procedure, while strip and wax is used when the existing finish needs more extensive restoration.
| What To Compare | Floor Stripping | Waxing (Finishing) | Scrub And Recoat |
| What It Does | Removes the existing finish | Applies new finish after stripping | Removes the top layer of finish, then adds a fresh coat |
| When It Happens | First half of a strip and wax | Second half of a strip and wax | As periodic or interim maintenance |
| Main Purpose | Removes older finish when more extensive restoration is needed | Builds a new protective finish after stripping | Maintains a finish that is still suitable for recoating |
| Time And Cost | More time and work when combined with finishing | Part of the full strip-and-wax process | Generally less time and work than a full strip and wax |
| Suggested Interval | At least once a year if periodic maintenance has not been done | Same visit as stripping | About every 6 months; quarterly in high-traffic areas |
The intervals in the last row should not be treated as a fixed rule. They come from Imperial Brady’s suggested commercial floor-care approach, and the company notes that traffic, desired appearance, budget and available resources can affect how often the work is needed. A floor that has been maintained with regular scrub-and-recoat work may be able to go longer between full strip-and-wax jobs.
For a Sublime Cleaning estimate, the assessment can be approached from the floor’s overall needs rather than applying a fixed schedule. The company’s floor-care page explains that the exact work varies according to the floor’s condition and level of buildup, so the service can be planned around what is actually present rather than simply following a calendar.
How Do You Know a Floor Needs a Full Strip?
A full strip may be needed when the existing finish has deteriorated or built up to the point that a scrub and recoat is no longer enough. Signs can include:
- Dirt, residue or buildup that has become embedded in the existing finish.
- A floor that still looks dirty or uneven after routine cleaning and maintenance.
- Areas where the finish has become heavily worn or has little finish remaining.
- Dull spots, ridges or other problems in the existing finish that another coat cannot correct.
These signs do not automatically mean a full strip is required. The condition of the existing finish and the floor itself should be assessed before deciding between stripping and recoating. If the floor has only lost some of its gloss and the existing finish is otherwise in suitable condition, a scrub and recoat may be worth considering instead.
What Happens During Commercial Floor Stripping And Waxing?
A strip and wax runs in two halves. First, the stripper takes off all of the old finish. [VERIFY At Sublime Cleaning, our strip-and-wax service starts by removing the old wax from the floor. This clears away the existing finish so the floor can be properly cleaned rather than simply adding another layer over what is already there.
Once the old wax has been removed, we deep-clean the floor to clear away the dirt, residue and buildup that have accumulated over time. This prepares the surface for the next stage of the service.
The final step is applying a fresh coat of finish. This gives the floor a renewed protective surface and helps restore a cleaner, more consistent appearance.
The exact work can vary depending on the condition of the floor and the level of buildup. We assess the floor before providing an estimate so the service can be planned around what the surface actually needs. Learn more about our strip and wax floor service before booking.
How do you keep people safe while the floor is wet?
When we carry out floor stripping and waxing, the work area needs to be managed carefully while the floor is being stripped, cleaned and finished. Wet floor surfaces can create a slip hazard, so people should not walk through the area while the work is in progress or before the floor is ready for regular use.
General strip-and-wax safety guidance recommends using visible barriers such as caution signs and caution tape, along with floor mats or absorbent strips around the work area.
At Sublime Cleaning, we use environmentally friendly products and resources as part of our cleaning approach. The specific product instructions and safety information still need to be followed for safe handling.
For a commercial property, this matters because floor work often takes place in spaces that other people still need to use. When you book our floor stripping and waxing service, we can assess the floor and discuss how the work needs to be planned for your space.
Booking Floor Stripping and Waxing with Sublime Cleaning
Before we recommend floor stripping and waxing, we assess the condition of the floor and the existing finish. This helps us understand what the surface needs and whether a full strip and wax is appropriate for the space.
We provide floor stripping and waxing services across Mississauga and the wider GTA for commercial buildings, offices, retail spaces, residential properties and other spaces.
If you already use our commercial cleaning services in Mississauga, we can also discuss your floor-care needs as part of your existing cleaning arrangements.
We are locally owned and operated, not a franchise, and our services are fully insured and bonded. We use modern equipment and environmentally friendly resources, with flexible service arrangements based on the needs of your property.
Call (905) 488-4019 for a free estimate and let’s discuss what your floor needs.