Nova Cork Tiles Recommendations and Care & Maintenance
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Providing proper maintenance begins with knowing two key components of your cork floors, cork will fade if it is exposed directly to sunlight/UV light and it will react to humidity and temperature fluctuation. Cork contains organic pigments. Just like a wood floor, cork will fade and should never be exposed directly to sunlight/UV light. Where possible, use drapes or other systems to protect your floor from excessive light. Area rugs and large furniture will block light exposure and cause uneven coloration. To minimize this, furnishing and floor coverings should be moved periodically. Cork floors expand and contract in response to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Maintain a moderate temperature and relative humidity around 50-60%; use de-humidifier or humidifier where necessary.
CLEANING
Simply sweep or vacuum your floor frequently in order to avoid dirt build up, which may scratch the finish. Do not use any abrasive or aggressive cleaners or solvents that contain glycerin, as these will attack the surface and could make refinishing impossible. Simply sweep and mop with a well wrung -out sponge with neutral detergent (pH of 6 to 8) or cleaners that mist over the surface and damp mop up as you go. You can also use 4 parts of water to a 1-part vinegar. It is not a good idea to use the old bucket-and-mop method.
PRECAUTIONS
Spills should be cleaned immediately. Chairs with casters should have minimum 2” casters. Use mats under these chairs to protect your finish from becoming dull. Furniture or chair feet should sit on wide coasters to prevent excessive indentation. Dispersing weight is important.
FINISH AND FINISHING
Your floor comes with a factory hard-wax oil finish. Nova Distinctive Floors recommends using polish in order to protect your floor. (See below for recommended care products). Abrading is not necessary but if needed, use 220 grit or finer sand paper using a random orbital or hand sander to lightly abrade the finish. Problem areas must be abraded sufficiently in order to completely remove the imperfections in the finish. DO NOT sand the finish down to the raw cork. Apply Osmo Hard-wax oil finish by following the instructions of the manufacturer. It is the installer’s responsibility for verifying the usage of the proper grit sand paper and other tools to ensure the finish is not scratched, gouged, or otherwise damaged during the abrading process. Just as with any floor finish, high-traffic areas will show wear over time. Prompt attention restores the finish. Clean thoroughly. Dry. Then moisten fine steel wool or a white Scotchbrite pad with Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner. Rub onto the surface. When the material dries to a haze, buff lightly with a soft cotton cloth. For severe damage, recoat with OSMO Hardwax Oil. Clean and sand the area, then apply the finish by hand using a white Scotchbrite pad and a vigorous circular stroke. Wipe up any excess immediately. The patch may appear lighter, but it will “catch up” to the rest of the floor in 30 to 90 days. To eliminate deep scoring, you must sand out the scratches.
RECOMMENDATIONS
| Polish: | Johnson Envirobox # 5441 |
| Loba Supra | |
| Taski Vision Matte | |
| Osmo Hard-wax Oil | |
| Cleaners: | Bona Kemi Hardwood Flooring Cleaner |
| Osmo Hard-wax Oil cleaner |
