Minimum Film-Forrmation Temperature (MFT)
is an inherent problem to water emulsion polymer floor
finishes. MFT is the minimum temperature of the substrate
at which the finish will form a strong continuous film.
This is a particular problem in the northeast section
of the country in wintertime where several factors are
involved. They are:
A. Concrete slab construction floors transmit cold from
the exterior walls, as well as from beneath, to become
as much as 15 degrees F. colder than the surrounding interior
air.
B. Personnel, allow containers of floor finish to remain
in their trucks or vans for hours, chilling them to below
their MFT.
C. Supermarkets, customarily turn back the heat after
closing ‘hours which allows the room and floor temperatures
to drop below the MFT of than polish.
The MFT of a floor polish is usually correlated to the
hardness of the product. The harder the product, the higher
the MFT. The softer, more buffable finishes have a lower
MFT. This explains why in certain sections of the country,
like New England, they only used waxes or buffable finishes
in the wintertime. However, due to modern polish technology,
the MFT of products can be controlled by the addition
of plasterizers and synthetic waxes. The average floor
polish today has an MFT of 45 degrees to 55 degrees F.
To avoid product failure and the expensive repercussions;
it is imperative to guard against applying floor finish
when the floor temperatures are less than 60 degrees F.
The
Janitech Companies
106 High Street
Cumberland, RI 02864
(Tel) 401-724-4300, (Fax) 401-724-4900
