Floor Crystallizers & Polishes: A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Surfaces Shiny

Floor crystallizers and polishes are essential chemicals for maintaining and beautifying surfaces such as marble, terrazzo, and granite. They offer deep cleaning, polishing and wear protection properties. Crystallization creates a long-lasting clear coat, while brightening provides a surface shine. Both processes are key to preserving the quality and appearance of different types of soils.

Types of products for floor maintenance

Floor crystallizers and polishes are essential chemicals for the care and embellishment of various surfaces such as marble, terrazzo and granite. Below are the different types of products available to keep your floors in optimal condition:

Crystallizers

• BASE C-1 Crystallizer
• C-3 Crystallizer
• P-11 Crystallizer

Polishes

Polishes are products designed to give a lustrous shine to your floors, without the need for prior stripping. With a wide range of options available, it is possible to select the right one for each type of surface.

Cleaners and strippers

For deep and effective cleaning, cleaners and strippers play a crucial role in floor maintenance. They remove stubborn dirt and prepare the surface for subsequent crystallization and polishing processes.

Degreasers

Degreasers are products specialized in the removal of grease and oily residues, ideal for surfaces that have accumulated dirt that is difficult to remove with conventional methods.

Protectors

The protectors form a protective layer on the floor, preserving its shine and resistance to daily wear and tear. They are a preventive measure to keep the surface in optimal condition for longer.

Types of floors and surfaces

Marble floors

Marble floors are known for their elegance and natural beauty. They are characterized by their soft and veined texture, which gives a unique look to any space. Marble is a porous stone, so it requires special care to maintain its luster and durability over time. To clean and protect marble floors, it is important to use specific products that do not damage their surface, such as crystallizers designed for this type of material.

Terrazzo floors

Terrazzo is a material composed of fragments of marble, granite or other natural stones embedded in a cement or resin binder. Terrazzo floors are durable and resistant, but they also require proper maintenance to retain their original appearance. To take care of terrazzo floors, it is advisable to use specific polishes that help restore their shine and protect their surface from stains and scratches.

Granite surfaces

Granite is an igneous rock formed by the solidification of magma in the earth's crust. It is a popular material for countertops and floors due to its durability and abrasion resistance. Granite surfaces offer a wide variety of colors and textures, making them ideal for different decorating styles. To maintain and protect granite floors, it is recommended to use gentle, protective cleaning products that highlight their natural beauty without damaging their structure.

Other hard surfaces

In addition to marble, terrazzo and granite, there are other hard surfaces such as polished concrete, travertine and quartz, which also require specific care to maintain their impeccable appearance. Each material has unique properties that influence its maintenance, so it is important to know the characteristics of each surface and use suitable products to clean, crystallize and polish safely and effectively.

Tools & Equipment

In floor maintenance, having the right tools and equipment is essential for optimal results. The different tools and equipment used in the process of crystallizing and polishing floors are detailed below.

Rotary polishing machines

• Powerful equipment used to apply crystallizers and floor polishes effectively and evenly.
• Through their rotary function, they allow the product to be spread evenly, generating a glossy finish on the treated surface.

Polishing

Polishers are fundamental tools in the floor polishing process, offering different benefits depending on their type:

Satellite polishing machines

• With multiple rotating heads that provide uniform, high-quality polishing on large surfaces.
• Ideal for large floors, guaranteeing a shiny and durable finish.

Downgrade polishers

• Equipment specialized in the removal of surface layers of soil to prepare the surface before crystallization or polishing.
• They allow to level imperfections and renew the appearance of floors effectively.

Steel wool

• Steel wool has to be used in combination with crystallizers to generate chemical reactions that protect and beautify surfaces such as marble and granite.
• Its delicate texture allows the product to be applied evenly, guaranteeing a shiny and resistant finish.

Abrasive polishing discs

Abrasive discs are key elements in the floor polishing process, helping to obtain a smooth and glossy finish on surfaces such as terrazzo and other hard surfaces.

Fibers and scouring pads

• Accessories used for the cleaning and maintenance of crystallized and polished floors, ensuring the elimination of residues and the preservation of shine.
• Its special composition allows for deep cleaning without damaging the previously applied protective layer.

Crystallization process

The crystallization process is essential to protect and beautify surfaces such as marble, terrazzo and granite. Below are the key steps to carry out this process effectively:

Soil Preparation

Before applying the crystallizer, it is essential to properly prepare the soil. This includes deep cleaning the surface to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may interfere with the crystallization process.

Application of the crystallizer

Use of rotating machines

Once the floor is clean and dry, the crystallizer is applied with specialized rotary machines. These machines guarantee an even distribution of the product over the entire surface, ensuring a glossy and long-lasting finish.

Steel wool application

In specific cases, the application of the crystallizer using steel wool can be chosen. This method allows exceptional gloss to be achieved in certain areas of the floor, providing a uniform and high-quality finish.

Additional protections

Once the crystallizer has been applied, it is important to consider the application of additional protections to keep the surface protected from external agents and prolong the durability of the shine. These protections may include special sealants or additional layers of crystallizers depending on the specific needs of the floor.

Polishing process

The polishing process is crucial to achieving a lustrous and shiny finish on different types of surfaces, such as marble, terrazzo and granite. Below are the steps required to carry out this process successfully:

Rinse Aid Selection

Before starting the polishing process, it is important to select the right polish for the type of soil and the surface to be treated. There are different types of polishes on the market, each with specific properties that are tailored to the particular needs of each surface.

• Universal polish: Ideal for marble, terrazzo and granite floors.
• Specific polish: Formulated for terrazzo or granite floors, providing a long-lasting shine.
• Spray polish: Perfect for regular maintenance and to revive shine on already treated surfaces.

Wax application

Once the right polish has been selected, the next step is to apply the wax to achieve a shiny, protective finish on the floor. The wax forms a layer that helps maintain the shine and protects the surface from scratches and wear.

• Pre-cleaning: It is important to thoroughly clean the floor before applying the wax to remove any dirt or residue.
• Uniform application: Use a specific mop or applicator to spread the wax evenly over the surface.
• Drying: Let the wax dry completely following the manufacturer's instructions before stepping on the treated floor.

Tools and accessories needed

To carry out the polishing process efficiently, it is essential to have the right tools and accessories. The following are the essential elements to obtain a professional result:

• Mop or wax applicator: To evenly distribute the polish and wax over the surface.
• Polishing machine or rotary machine: To facilitate the polishing process and ensure a homogeneous finish.
• Microfiber cloths: To remove possible excess wax and polish the surface until the desired shine is obtained.
• Protections: It is advisable to wear protective gloves and goggles during the application of chemical products.

Maintenance and cleaning

Regular floor cleaning

Regular cleaning of floors is essential to maintain their shine and quality. It is important to sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove accumulated dust and dirt. Subsequently, a mild cleaner and warm water can be used to clean the surface, avoiding the use of abrasive products that can damage the finish.

Treatment and cleaning of marble and terrazzo floors

Marble and terrazzo floors require special care due to their porous nature and sensitivity to certain chemicals. To maintain its shine and protect its surface, it is advisable to use specific products for marble and terrazzo, avoiding the use of abrasives that can scratch or deteriorate the material.

Useful products for maintenance

• Cleaners

  There are different types of cleaners designed for floors of different materials. It is important to choose a suitable cleaner for each type of floor, making sure that it does not contain components that could damage the surface.

• Degreasers

  Degreasers are useful for removing grease or oil stains from the surface of the floor. It is recommended to apply the degreaser following the manufacturer's instructions and then clean with water to remove any residue.

Tips and recommendations

When selecting the right products for marble, terrazzo or granite floor maintenance, it is essential to consider aspects such as chemical composition, surface type and specific cleaning and protection needs. Here are some recommendations to ensure optimal care:

Selection of suitable products

• It analyzes the characteristics of each product, such as its pH level and active ingredients. 
• Choose crystallizers and polishes that adapt to the type of soil to be treated.
• Consider the toxicity of products, especially if it's for household use.

Frequency of treatment

The frequency with which crystallizers and polishes are applied will depend on the level of traffic and wear to which the floor is exposed. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and perform regular maintenance to preserve shine and protection.

Prevent premature wear and tear

• Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the soil's protective layer. 
• Cleans up spills and dirt immediately to prevent permanent stains. 
• Use protectors for furniture and decorative elements that can scratch the surface.

Options for home use

Domestic crystallizers

Domestic crystallizers are products designed for use in homes, offering a simple and effective way to keep floors shiny and protected. These products are ideal for marble, terrazzo and granite floors in private homes, providing a durable and quality finish.

Advantages of domestic crystallizers:

• Easy to apply without the need for specialized knowledge.
• Long-lasting shine with a single application.
• Protection against wear and daily dirt.

Household polishes

Domestic polishes are products specially formulated to give a lustrous finish to floors made of different materials in the domestic environment. These products provide a surface shine and a protective layer, keeping floors in optimal condition and enhancing their natural beauty.

Features of household polishes:

• Easy application without the need for specialized machinery.
• Glossy finish that enhances the aesthetics of the floors.
• Protection against dirt and daily wear and tear.

Options for professional use

In the professional field, it is essential to have products specially designed to provide optimal results in the care and maintenance of different types of floors.

Industrial Crystallizers

Industrial crystallizers are formulated with high-quality ingredients that guarantee an excellent level of shine and protection on marble, terrazzo and granite floors. These products are designed to be used by trained personnel, as their concentrated composition requires proper handling.

Highlights of industrial crystallizers:

• High crystallization power
• Long-lasting protection
• Glossy and resistant finish
• Adapted for high-traffic floors

Industrial polishes

Industrial polishes offer a lustrous and durable finish on surfaces treated with crystallizers. These products are ideal for maintaining the shine on already crystallized floors, without the need for stripping or frequent applications.

Benefits of industrial brighteners:

• Intense and long-lasting shine
• Wear protection
• Easy application and maintenance

Steam cleaning machines

Steam cleaning machines are indispensable tools in the professional field to carry out a deep and effective cleaning on floors of different materials. Its technology allows dirt and stains to be removed quickly and efficiently, without the need for harsh chemicals.

Features of steam cleaning machines:

• Eliminating bacteria and germs
• Saving water and cleaning products
• Environmentally friendly