Anyone searching for Vinyl Tiles already has a fair idea of how popular a floor-tiling solution is for the kitchens and bathrooms of most homeowners nowadays. It has many iterations which come with self-sticking properties. Vinyl tiles also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns which fit well with the aesthetic tastes of various individuals. People can simply opt for Viny clean and seal in Hawthorn which makes the material so sought after. Even then, managing the overall installation and maintenance of Vinyl floors requires some degree of awareness which the blog seeks to guide.
What is a Luxury Vinyl Tile?
Leveraging today’s technology, multi-layered vinyl tiles are being manufactured which mimic the appearance of natural stone tiles and even wooden planks.
Each of the layers ingrained in the tiles offers a separate layer of protection or functionality.
These layers usually include the following :-
· Wear Layer: The thickness of this layer depends on the product itself. The more thicker the layer, the more it can protect from scratches and damage.
· Design Layer: This layer is created using high-definition printing and embossing techniques to give the tile its aesthetic appeal.
· Core Layer: This layer gives the tile its rigidity and structure. It can be designed to be either flexible or rigid. The rigid version of LVP is often referred to as EVP or Engineered Vinyl Plank.
Different materials are mixed to form the core layer of high-end rigid luxury vinyl to give them added durability and comfort.
What is a Vinyl Floor Sealer?
Vinyl floor sealers, also known as Vinyl composite tile sealer or VCT is a common associate of luxury Vinyl flooring. It is a solution that creates a protective barrier between the Vinyl tiles. Not only does the sealer cover the entire top layer of the tiles but also binds them to one another.
The way the vinyl tilling process is carried out, there are bound to be seams between the intersections of the tiles. These gaps can easily collect dirt, debris, and moisture. As a result, the tile becomes unsanitary over time and can start to loosen and peel upwards.
Applying the Vinyl tile sealer protects the surface from stains, dirt, and damage. Thus making the process of applying vinyl floor sealer to the tile flooring a crucial step in its installation to give it enhanced protection and durability.
Why Apply Vinyl Floor Sealer?
Most people opt for Vinyl tile flooring as it is the most economical option. They present an inexpensive way to cover the floor. However, this serves as an even better reason to do a good job of protecting the tiles. Not applying a Vinyl floor sealer would inevitably lead to having to replace and retile the entire floor all over again. This can be avoided by making sure it is done right the first time.
Seam sealants for Vinyl flooring can be found both online and in most hardware stores. The process of applying the sealant may not be complex but like most home development jobs it too can be time-consuming and tedious. Rather than compromising on the way the sealant is applied, it is better to have a professional take care of the details.
How is the Vinyl Floor prepped for Sealing?
Simply applying the sealer won’t be enough. The surface needs to be prepped to ensure the bonding between the sealant and the tile is a success.
Any large repository of dirt, dust, or debris is removed by sweeping the floor. Then a microfiber cloth is used to remove the remaining bits of dirt which is otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Finally, a vacuum will suck out the remaining dust particles that may have gotten stuck between the planks.
How is Vinyl Seam Sealer Applied?
This phase of the Vinyl floor installation process is usually delegated to a professional who would usually coat a floor furnishing pad weaved with lambswool with a recommended Vinyl sealer. The sealant is applied in a back-and-forth motion until it has fully covered the surface of the tiles. It is important to ensure that the surface has been sealed smoothly and without any air bubbles.
This process is repeated for each floor tile and left to dry overnight. After the first layer of coating has dried completely, it is swept with a microfiber cloth to remove any residual dirt. The second coat is applied in the same manner and the third coat as well if necessary.
Conclusion
Luxury Vinyl Flooring affords a lot of benefits but has its own set of disadvantages as well. Even though Vinyl tiles are waterproof, durable, scratch-resistant, and child friendly - they still require a lot of prep, are not a zero-VOC product, and can be subject to installation errors. In comparison, it would be much more cost-effective to go for Sandstone grout repair in Kew or explore many other tile alternatives before finalizing a choice.
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