🧼 The Difference Between Stripping, Waxing, Buffing, and Burnishing

Professional Floor Care Explained by Priority One Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining clean, professional-looking floors, many people hear terms like stripping, waxing, buffing, and burnishing — but few truly understand the difference. While these services all work together, each plays a unique role in protecting and enhancing your floors.

At Priority One Maintenance, we provide expert floor care services across Edmonton, Beaumont, Nisku, Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Fort Saskatchewan, helping businesses keep their floors safe, durable, and polished year-round.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what each process does and why it matters.

🧪 Floor Stripping – Removing Old Finish

Stripping is the most intensive part of floor maintenance. This process removes old layers of wax, dirt buildup, and contaminants from the floor surface.

Over time, wax becomes scratched, yellowed, and embedded with grime. Simply applying new wax over old buildup leads to dull, uneven results. Stripping resets the floor back to its clean base so a fresh finish can be applied properly.

✅ Removes old wax and heavy soil✅ Prepares the floor for new finish✅ Essential for long-term floor health

Stripping is usually done every 6–12 months depending on traffic levels.

✨ Floor Waxing – Protection & Shine

Once a floor has been stripped, waxing (also called sealing or finishing) applies a protective coating that gives the floor its shine and durability.

Wax protects against:

• Scratches and scuffs

• Stains and moisture

• Daily wear and tear

This is where your floor gets its professional glossy or satin appearance. Priority One Maintenance selects the best wax type based on your flooring and environment, including high-solids and polyurethane-enhanced finishes.

🔄 Buffing – Maintaining the Finish

Buffing is a lighter maintenance process that smooths the top layer of wax to restore shine between full services.

It helps:

• Remove minor scuffs

• Maintain gloss

• Extend time between stripping and waxing

Buffing is ideal for regular upkeep in offices, retail spaces, and commercial buildings.

⚡ Burnishing – High-Gloss Restoration

Burnishing is a more advanced version of buffing using high-speed equipment. It hardens and polishes the wax layer, creating a mirror-like shine.

Burnishing:

• Deepens gloss

• Increases durability

• Makes floors more resistant to dirt

This is perfect for showrooms, schools, and high-traffic commercial spaces that want a premium look.

🏢 Which Service Does Your Floor Need?

Every floor is different. At Priority One Maintenance, we assess:

• Floor type (VCT, tile, concrete)

• Traffic level

• Current condition

• Desired shine level

We then create a customized floor care plan that maximizes protection, appearance, and lifespan.

💪 Edmonton’s Trusted Floor Care Experts

If your floors look dull, scratched, or uneven, it may be time for professional care. From full stripping and waxing to ongoing buffing and burnishing, Priority One Maintenance ensures your floors stay safe, clean, and professional.

👉 Contact Priority One Maintenance today for expert floor care in Edmonton, Beaumont, Nisku, Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Fort Saskatchewan.

Click Me To Book Now!