Wood Floor Care The ECOFAST UV Way | Innovative Technology
Wood Floor Care the ECOFAST UV Way: Complete Guide And Review
Wooden floors are the pride and charm of many homes and businesses. Their classic beauty and durable nature make them a preferred choice for countless spaces – from residential spaces where the wooden floor adds warmth and an inviting feel, to upscale restaurants where it complements the chic décor. Proper care and maintenance are paramount to keep these floors looking pristine and prolonging their life. In busy commercial environments, where foot traffic is constant, the wear and tear can lead to a dull, scratched surface.
Enter ECOFAST UV – a feature-packed solution for maintaining and rejuvenating your wooden floors. Whether it’s for your living room, office or commercial space, this product promises to restore the splendour of wooden floors, ensuring they remain the centrepiece of your space. Here, we’ll focus on how ECOFAST UV can transform the care and longevity of your wooden flooring.
ECOFAST UV Review: What Is It?
ECOFAST UV is a water-based UV curing lacquer designed specifically for wooden floors. What sets it apart is its unique formulation that combines the robustness of polyurethane with the flexibility of acrylic, providing a balance of strength and adaptability. This product does two things: protects floors and enhances their natural beauty.
This is also a single-component product. That means there’s no need to fuss with multiple parts or complex mix ratios with hardeners or catalytic activators. It’s simple and straightforward, reducing the chances of application errors and ensuring consistency.
Another key feature of this formulation is its UV curing property. This ensures rapid drying, which means a significantly reduced waiting time post-application. That way you can have your floor treated and ready to walk on in record time. No more cordoning off areas for extended periods or tiptoeing around wet patches. All this without compromising on the finish or protection.
Other notable features include:
- Coverage: The lacquer clocks an impressive coverage rate of 70-90 g/m². This ensures that a little goes a long way, giving you value for money while ensuring your floor gets the protection it needs.
- Chemical and physical characteristics: The product showcases excellent chemical and physical properties. It offers a robust coating, minimal wood oxidation, and has been tailored to ensure that your wooden floors not only look great but are also protected against everyday wear and tear. More on this shortly.
The Application Process
Ensuring the longevity and durability of your wooden floors largely depends on how effectively you apply protective solutions. Let’s walk through the steps to make sure you get it right with ECOFAST UV.
Preparing Your Wooden Floor
The first thing is getting the floor into prime condition to accept the treatment.
- Sanding: The goal here is not only to smoothen the floor, but also ensures any old coatings or imperfections are removed. This gives the lacquer a clean slate to deliver on its mandate.
- Vacuuming: Once sanded, vacuum thoroughly. You want to make sure no dust or particles interfere with the lacquer. A clean surface is crucial for optimal adherence and finish.
- On-Site Application Process
Proceed with these steps:
- Start by giving ECOFAST UV a good shake.
- Apply the first coat using a roller. Be patient and allow for complete water evaporation, which takes about 2-4 hours.
- Once dry, sand the area with 220 paper grit.
- Proceed with the second coat and again, wait for the water to fully evaporate.
- Post the second coat, UV reticulation is the next step, followed by light sanding using either a 320 paper grit or scotch brite bordeaux.
- If needed, you can apply a third coat. Just ensure that water is fully evaporated before the final UV reticulation.
One of the reasons why the ECOFAST UV is popular is that floors treated with it are immediately ready for foot traffic. No endless waiting around. That’s a win when it comes to reducing disruption in the premises.
- Industrial Application
For those dealing with large areas like commercial kitchens, malls, warehouses, or other industrial settings, ECOFAST UV has got you covered.
- Apply 90-110 g/m² of the product using either manual or mechanical spraying machines.
- Let the surfaces dry using hot air tunnels or simply place them on trolleys.
- After water evaporation, proceed with UV reticulation using UV mercury lamps.
- Typically, two coats of ECOFAST UV complete the cycle.
Since it’s formulated for high traffic surfaces, you get to protect the installation in settings where the wood floor comes under loads of abuse from all the activity it handles.
- Restoring Old UV Pre-Lacquered Wooden Floors
The formulation also comes in handy when you want to breathe life back into your old UV pre-lacquered floors:
- Begin by sanding the surface using a 150/180 paper grit.
- Ensure a thorough cleaning and de-waxing, followed by the application of a coat of ECOFAST UV.
- Wait for water evaporation before proceeding with UV reticulation.
- Further sand the surface and apply another coat if needed.
- After water evaporation, UV reticulation is the final step, rendering the floor instantly foot-traffic ready.
Note: It’s essential to run preliminary tests before restoring old UV pre-lacquered wooden floors. This will show you how the product adheres and performs, ensuring no unpleasant surprises during the full application.
This step-by-step guide to ensuring your wooden floors not only look fantastic but are also protected and ready to endure the test of time with ECOFAST UV.
Tips and Notes for Effective Use
Achieving a pristine finish on your wooden floors with ECOFAST UV is as much about technique as it is about using a top-tier product. Here are some key pointers that will have you nailing the application every time
- Following Recommended Coverage: It might seem tempting to lay it on thick, thinking more product equals better protection. But that’s not the case. Stick to the recommended 70-90 g/m² coverage to ensure optimal results. Over-application can lead to longer drying times and a less-than-ideal finish.
- Ensuring Complete UV Coverage for Desired Performance: Missed a spot with your UV machine? You might just find it becomes a weak point. Make certain that your entire floor gets an even UV exposure. It ensures that the lacquer sets correctly, offering the strength and resilience ECOFAST UV is celebrated for.
- Considerations on Water Evaporation and Factors Affecting It: The drying time isn’t merely a suggestion. Factors such as room temperature, coat thickness, and humidity can influence evaporation times. Always ensure the coat’s fully dried before UV curing to preserve the lacquer’s chemical and mechanical resistances.
Proper Handling And Maintenance With ECOFAST UV
Safety Precautions
Safety comes first, always! When you’ve got a product as potent and effective as ECOFAST UV, it’s crucial to handle it correctly.
- Storing the product: ECOFAST UV, despite its strength, has a sensitive side. It needs a cool, dry place, shielded from direct light and sources of heat. Just like how you wouldn’t want to be overly exposed outside on a scorching summer’s day. Ideally, it should be stored in temperatures between +10°C and +25°C. It ensures your product remains at its best, ready for any touch-ups or new projects.
- Recommended practices during use: Before you start, ensure you’ve got a well-ventilated space. While the product is designed to be safe, good ventilation ensures any fumes dissipate quickly. Always remember to shake ECOFAST UV well before use. This ensures you get a consistent finish throughout. And if there’s any product left over, ensure the lid is sealed tightly. We don’t want any accidental spills or unwanted reactions with other substances.
Maintenance of ECOFAST UV Treated Floors
Congratulations on taking the brilliant step of treating your wooden floors with ECOFAST UV! The elegant finish you now admire does wonders for your space, but maintaining that sheen and integrity is important for you to keep glow for the years to come.
Introduction to the VELUREX Range
You can keep that floor gleaming with the perfect aftercare partner – the VELUREX range. Crafted specially to complement and nourish your ECOFAST UV treated floor, these products promise to keep your flooring looking fresh and radiant.
Now, ‘regular’ doesn’t mean you need to be on your knees daily with a scrub. It’s all about consistency. The occasional sweep to banish dirt and a gentle clean can work wonders. But for times when your floor demands a bit more TLC, there’s an exceptional tool in the VELUREX arsenal – the VELUREX CLEANER SPORT.
Designed explicitly for sportive wooden floors, this intensive cleaner gets rid of the stubborn dirt, unsightly black heel marks, or you can use it for just a general cleanse. It ensures a spotless finish without any unsightly residue. And the cherry on top? A delightful scent that perfumes your space.
With its pioneering nanoparticles, this cleaner not only offers deep cleaning but also ensures long-lasting results. It’s so remarkable that it’s even certified by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA Approved Equipment). Plus, with its non-slip concentrated solution, it guarantees safety, reducing the risk of slip-ups on smoother surfaces.
How to Use VELUREX CLEANER SPORT
Maintaining your floor’s lustre is simple:
- Start by vacuuming to rid your floor of dust and other debris.
- Depending on the level of cleaning required, dilute 3 to 6 caps of VELUREX CLEANER SPORT in a litre of water.
- Using a microfiber cloth, evenly wipe down your floor.
- For daily cleaning, a 1L dilution will comfortably cover around 500m².
Like any top-tier product, the key to unlocking ECOFAST UV’s full potential is using it safely and maintaining the floor post-application. By following the safety guidelines and using the recommended maintenance products, you’re ensuring that your wooden floors remain the centrepiece of your space for years to come. With the VELUREX CLEANER SPORT in particular, not only are you cleaning, but you’re also infusing a non-slip effect – perfect for those active spaces or households with energetic little ones.
Why Choose ECOFAST UV for Your Wooden Floors?
Meeting European Standards
When it comes to wooden floor care, standards are everything. They’re a testament to quality, safety, and performance. And this is where ECOFAST UV shines – quite literally! The product adheres to the EN14904 standard’s requirements. What does this mean for you? Let’s break it down:
- EN14904 Certification: This is a European standard that deals with indoor sports surfaces. Specifically, it pertains to surfaces used in multi-sports arenas, gymnasiums, and similar sports facilities. The certification ensures that these surfaces are suitable for the performance and safety of sports activities that they are intended for.
The EN14904 standard addresses various aspects of the flooring, such as:
- Shock Absorption: This is the ability of the flooring system to absorb and dissipate the impact energy when an athlete lands or runs on it. This aspect is critical because it affects an athlete’s joints and muscles.
A good shock-absorbing floor can reduce the risk of overuse injuries, stress fractures, and joint problems. For sports where athletes frequently jump or have high-impact movements, such as basketball or volleyball, effective shock absorption is especially critical to prevent long-term injuries and provide a comfortable playing surface.
- Vertical Deformation: It refers to the extent the floor compresses or “gives way” when pressure is applied, such as when an athlete lands after a jump. A floor that has too much vertical deformation can be “spongy” and can hinder performance or even pose injury risks. On the other hand, too little deformation can make the floor too hard, leading to similar issues. There’s a balance to strike to ensure the surface provides a consistent response conducive to the sport being played.
- Slip Resistance: This relates to the traction a floor offers, preventing athletes from slipping, especially when the floor is wet. Sports often involve rapid changes in direction, quick starts, and stops. A floor that doesn’t provide enough grip can lead to accidents, sprains, and other injuries. But an overly grippy floor can cause its own problems, like increased risk of twisting injuries. The right balance ensures safe play without inhibiting movement.
- Ball Rebound: This looks at the measure of how effectively a ball bounces back from the surface. In sports like basketball, volleyball, and handball, the predictability and consistency of ball bounce are critical for fair play and performance. If a ball bounces too high or too low compared to the force applied, it can disrupt the game and players’ expectations.
- Rolling Load & Resistance to Wear: The focus here is the floor’s capacity to resist damage from heavy equipment being rolled across it (like bleachers) and its general resistance to wear and tear from regular usage.
If a sports surface meets the criteria set out in the EN14904 standard, it can be certified as being compliant. This gives assurance to facility owners, athletes, and users that the flooring is suitable for its intended purpose in terms of both performance and safety.
Securing this standard demonstrates that ECOFAST UV has stood up to the most rigorous of requirements needed to make spaces safe for sporting activities, such as with its high anti-slip standards. So, whether you’re decking out a gym or simply want that sportive floor sheen at home, ECOFAST UV is up to the task.
- Quality Commitment:
Adhering to European standards is a reflection of the brand’s commitment to quality. It isn’t just about making floors look good; it’s about ensuring they last, providing safety, and ensuring they’re suited for purpose. So, if you’re on the fence about which product to use, let European standards point you in the right direction – right to ECOFAST UV.
Performance and Durability
When you invest in wooden flooring, you’re not just adding aesthetic value to your space, but you’re also making a long-term commitment. Naturally, you’d want a product that’s up to the challenge of ensuring your floors not only look good but also stand up to the test of time and foot traffic.
- Superior Resistance: One of the standout features of ECOFAST UV is its high abrasion resistance. In layman’s terms, it’s all about how well the finish can stand up against wear and tear. We’ve all seen wooden floors that start to look worn out in high-traffic areas, right? With ECOFAST UV, you get to give your installation the protection it needs. The product boasts impressive scores in the TABER-TEST, an industry benchmark for wear resistance.
More accurately referred to as the Taber Abrasion Test, this is a method used to determine the wear resistance of materials, especially surfaces. This test is carried out using a Taber Abraser (or Taber Abrader).
Here’s a basic overview of how the test works:
- Test Sample: A flat specimen (usually a disc) of the material to be tested is mounted on the turntable platform of the Taber Abraser.
- Abrasive Wheels: Two abrasive wheels, which rotate, are placed onto the specimen. These wheels apply a specific amount of pressure onto the sample.
- Rotation: The turntable rotates, causing the specimen to move in a circular manner beneath the abrasive wheels. This action subjects the sample to both abrasion and compression from the wheels.
- Evaluation: After a predetermined number of cycles, the wear resistance of the sample is evaluated. This can be based on the loss of weight, thickness, appearance, or any other relevant property for the material being tested.
- Variability: Different abrasive wheels and weights can be used depending on the specific test conditions and standards being followed. This allows the test to be tailored for different materials and applications.
The Taber Abrasion Test is a widely accepted method used across various industries to evaluate the durability of paints, coatings, laminates, flooring, and many other types of materials. The main advantage of this test is its ability to reproduce real-world wear conditions in a controlled environment. The results can provide valuable insights into how a material will hold up under typical use conditions.
Here are the results of the ECOFAST UV results from the tests it was put under:
- TABER-TEST CS10: The lacquer loses only 13.2 mg (1 kg for wheel, 1000 rotations).
- TABER-TEST CS17: The loss is a mere 17.2 mg (1 kg for wheel, 1000 rotations).
- Tailored for Traffic: ECOFAST UV walks the walk, especially when it comes to high traffic surfaces. Whether we’re talking bustling family homes with kids and pets, commercial spaces with a constant flow of people, or even sportive arenas – this product delivers on its performance. It’s been specially formulated to not only handle but thrive in high traffic scenarios. So, no more worrying about those popular areas of your home or business looking tired or worn.
Ease of Use
You don’t want operations in your premises grinding to a halt for days on end. The faster that you can get the floor ready, the sooner normalcy can resume. This urgency has been factored into the development of the ECOFAST UV.
Remember those DIY projects that required you to be a sort of mini-chemist, mixing various products together before spreading out the final mixture onto the floor? With ECOFAST UV, it’s refreshingly straightforward. No fuss or mess. Open, shake, and apply.
Environmentally Friendly Option
In today’s environmentally-conscious age, we’re all looking for products that are sustainable. You don’t want ecosystems suffering as “collateral damage” of you getting a beautifully treated floor. ECOFAST UV, in this regard, rises to the occasion.
- Water-Based Formula: Why does that matter? For starters, water-based lacquers emit fewer odours and are less flammable. This makes them a safer choice in homes and commercial spaces alike. They’re also less aggressive to our environment, ensuring your wooden floors look fabulous without compromising the world we live in.
- Low VOC Content: VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, and these are often harmful to both our health and the environment. The fact that ECOFAST UV boasts a low VOC content is a huge plus. It means fewer harmful emissions released into your living or working space and into the atmosphere. So, you’re looking after your health, the health of those around you, and Mother Earth, all in one go.
So when you opt for ECOFAST UV, you’re making a choice that’s not only brilliant for your floors but also beneficial for the world around you. It’s about achieving that perfect balance between impeccable wooden floors and environmental responsibility. And isn’t that a choice we’d all want to make?
Aesthetic Finish for Every Preference
When it comes to wooden floors, we all have our preference for that perfect finish. Some of us lean towards a shimmering, glossy look, while others might fancy a subtle sheen or even a matte finish. Thankfully, ECOFAST UV you get to go with the choise that resonates with you. Its gloss levels include:
- LD (70 gloss): For those who love that high-shine, reflective finish. This contributes to adding more pop to the elegance of your interiors.
- SL (35 gloss): If you’re after a mid-range sheen, not too shiny but with just enough lustre to make your floor stand out, this is the one for you.
- OP (10 gloss): Perfect for those who prefer a more understated, matte look. It provides a contemporary, chic appearance to any space.
Floor care is not just about choosing a product that protects and rejuvenates; it’s also about achieving that desired look. With ECOFAST UV’s range of gloss levels, you’re not only preserving the quality of your wooden floors but also crafting them into a visual treat.
Time-Saving with UV Technology
We’ve all been there. Those awkward moments when you’re trying not to step on a freshly treated floor, tiptoeing around like it’s hot lava. Thankfully, with the ECOFAST UV, you won’t have to wait long. Well, once you’ve applied ECOFAST UV and it’s gone through its UV reticulation process, your wooden floor is immediately ready for foot traffic.
Time, as they say, is money. And for businesses, homeowners, and contractors alike, any solution that offers to save precious hours is nothing short of gold. Waiting for floors to dry, sometimes for days, can be a real inconvenience, especially in high traffic areas or commercial spaces that can’t afford to be out of action for extended periods. Imagine shutting down a hallway in an office building or a dining area in a restaurant for days – it’s simply not feasible.
ECOFAST UV changes the game entirely. Here’s how:
- Rapid UV Curing: The UV curing process, as opposed to standard drying methods, allows ECOFAST UV to set rapidly. We’re talking about drastically reduced waiting times – down to mere hours rather than days.
- Immediate Foot Traffic: Once treated with ECOFAST UV and cured using portable UV machines, wooden floors are ready to take on foot traffic. That way you can take out the ‘Wet Floor’ signs much sooner
For businesses, there’s minimal disruption, ensuring operations run smoothly. For homeowners, there’s the convenience of quick project completion. And for contractors, there’s the advantage of being able to complete jobs faster and move on to the next task.
It’s not just about speed, though. It’s about the confidence in knowing that even though the process is swift, the results are durable, long-lasting, and professional-grade. So, whether you’re looking to spruce up your home or have a commercial space that can’t afford extended downtimes, ECOFAST UV is one lacquer that you can count on.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
When considering a wooden floor treatment, it’s not just the immediate costs that should be in focus; it’s the long-term savings that truly make a difference. How does the ECOFAST UV help you here?
Firstly, let’s talk durability. You’ve seen how the lacquer brings high abrasion and traffic resistances. What does this mean for you? Well, floors treated with this innovative product can withstand the everyday wear and tear, reducing the frequency of reapplications. Whether it’s a bustling office corridor or a busy family living room, this treatment keeps your floor in top shape for longer. When you’re not constantly shelling out for touch-ups or complete reapplications, the savings start to accumulate.
So while the upfront costs of any floor treatment are important, the true value lies in the long-term benefits. With ECOFAST UV, not only are you investing in a premium quality product that delivers outstanding results, but you’re also ensuring a cost-effective solution for years to come. After all, it’s not just about spending smartly, but also saving wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The ECOFAST UV
Choosing the right product for your wooden floors can be a tad confusing. We get it. So, we’ve gathered the most common questions about this formulation to give you the clarity you need.
Q. Can ECOFAST UV be used on any wooden floor?
Absolutely! ECOFAST UV is designed for wooden floors, offering protection and rejuvenation. Just ensure the floor is properly sanded and vacuumed before application.
Q. How often should one reapply ECOFAST UV?
Thanks to its high durability and traffic resistance, reapplications are less frequent than standard treatments. However, considering factors like foot traffic and wear, periodic checks will help determine the need for touch-ups.
Q. What are the differences between LD, SL, and OP versions?
These denote the gloss levels. LD offers a gloss level of 70, SL sits at 35 gloss, and OP provides a matte finish with 10 gloss. Depending on the aesthetic you’re going for, you can choose the most fitting version.
Q. Is ECOFAST UV safe for homes with children and pets?
Absolutely! ECOFAST UV’s water-based formula and low VOC content make it a non-toxic choice, ensuring safety for every member of your household, be it two-legged or four.
Q. How does UV curing compare to traditional drying methods?
While traditional methods can take hours, even days, UV curing is significantly quicker. Water completely evaporates from the coat applied within 2-4 h,after which you follow with the UV reticulation e.g with the UV mercury lamps. After this the floor will be ready. This makes it a time saver, especially for busy spaces.
Q. What’s the significance of the EN14904 standard?
The EN14904 standard is crucial for sportive wooden floors, denoting top-tier anti-slip requirements. ECOFAST UV meets these, ensuring safety and top-notch quality for athletic and sports-related wooden flooring.
Q. Can ECOFAST UV be applied to wooden furniture or is it strictly for floors?
ECOFAST UV is primarily formulated for wooden floors. For furniture or other wooden surfaces, it’s recommended to consult with experts or look into products specifically designed for those applications.
Q. How often should maintenance be done on ECOFAST UV treated floors?
Regular maintenance ensures longevity and aesthetics. While ECOFAST UV provides a durable coat, it’s wise to have periodic checks. For the best results, use VELUREX range of products for maintenance.
Q. What precautions should be taken when using ECOFAST UV in poorly ventilated areas?
Always ensure proper ventilation during application, especially when using the UV curing method. Though ECOFAST UV has low VOC, it’s essential to have a free flow of air to facilitate drying and avoid any potential fumes.
We hope these answers have given you clarity. Remember, a well-maintained wooden floor not only looks stunning but also elevates the value and comfort of your space.
Wood Floor Care the ECOFAST UV Way: Complete Guide And Review