How to Seal a VCT Tile Floor

Vinyl composite tiles, or VCT, are the latest in flexible, vinyl floor coverings. Like all vinyl tiles, VCT can fade when exposed to direct sunlight and scratch when heavy objects are dragged across it. To help protect a VCT floor from these hazards, an acrylic sealer is applied to the tiles. VCT should be sealed shortly after it is installed and again on a periodic and ongoing basis to help continue its protection and ensure its long life.

Things You'll Need

• Floor cleaner
• Acrylic floor sealer
• Bucket
• Sponge mop

Instructions

1. Clean older VCT floors well. Sweep them to remove dry dust or debris and damp mop to remove dried-on surface stains that you wish to avoid sealing into the floor. Let the floor dry completely.

2. Pour acrylic sealer into a large bucket for easier handling. Saturate a sponge mop in the sealer. Without ringing out the mop, immediately transfer it to the VCT and begin mopping the floor with slightly overlapping strokes. The VCT will appear wet and shiny where the acrylic is applied; look for dry spots to ensure your floor is well covered. Keep the sponge fully saturated with sealer as you move across the floor.

3. Let the acrylic sealer dry until the VCT is no longer tacky to the touch. Apply a second coat of sealer using the same method. New VCT floors should be sealed several times for best protection. Old floors require only one or two coats for maintenance.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Lay a Vinyl Tile Floor
• Ask the Builder: Tips to Install Vinyl Floor Tiles
• NY Times: Home Improvement