Stripping a floor can be a tedious process, but it is often necessary to remove old layers of wax, sealers, finishes, and grime. While stripping may take considerable effort, the drying time is relatively quick. With the right products, techniques, and conditions, stripping can dry in as little as 20-30 minutes.
What is Stripping?
Stripping refers to using chemical solutions to remove coatings and soils from floors. Strippers contain solvents and alkalis that break down old wax, sealers, finishes, and accumulated dirt. When stripping a floor, the solution is applied liberally and allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes. The stripped layers are then scrubbed away and rinsed thoroughly.
Stripping should not damage the floor surface itself, only remove what is coating it. However, stripping is an aggressive process that can harm flooring if not done properly. Always test stripping products in an inconspicuous area first.
Why is Stripping Necessary?
Stripping becomes essential when floor coatings start showing wear and buildup. Reasons you may need to strip a floor include:
- Existing finish is worn, uneven, or dulled
- Wax and sealers have built up over time
- Finish is marred by scratches, scuffs, or marks
- Floor is generally dirty despite regular cleaning
- You want to change finish brands or types
Stripping removes all traces of old product so new coatings can adhere and perform properly. Heavily soiled floors may need to be stripped to restore them to a clean, attractive state.
How Long Does Stripping Take to Dry?
After stripping floors, drying time depends on the surface material, temperature, humidity, ventilation, and if fans are used. Here is how long stripping takes to dry for common floor types:
Wood Floors
Wood floors generally dry the fastest after stripping, often within 20-30 minutes. The natural absorbency of wood pulls moisture away from the surface efficiently. Dry times may be a bit longer for dense hardwoods like maple.
Tile and Stone Floors
Tile and stone dry only slightly slower than wood, drying within 30-45 minutes typically. Porous natural stone dries fastest, while manmade tiles take a bit longer. Ensure the grout is fully dry as well.
Vinyl Floors
Vinyl is highly water resistant, so stripping solutions take longer to penetrate and dry. Allow 45-60 minutes for vinyl floors to fully dry after stripping and rinsing.
Concrete Floors
Concrete dries slower than other floors due to its density and non-porous nature. Expect concrete to dry within 1-2 hours following stripping. Old, porous concrete may dry a bit faster.
Factors Affecting Dry Time
The drying time for stripping also depends on the conditions during and after the process:
- Temperature – Heat accelerates drying. Floors dry faster at 75°F vs. 65°F.
- Ventilation – Moving air whisks away moisture. Turn on fans and open windows if possible.
- Humidity – High humidity slows evaporation. Dry times will be longer.
- Surface Porosity – Porous floors absorb moisture faster than non-porous.
- Direct Sunlight – Sunlight heats and dries floors more quickly.
Can You Speed Up Dry Time?
There are a few things you can do to reduce stripping dry times:
- Raise the temperature as high as feasible.
- Run ceiling fans, floor fans, or air movers.
- Open windows if the weather is dry.
- Run dehumidifiers to lower humidity.
- Remove any puddles or standing moisture.
- Allow maximum airflow across the floor.
Avoid walking on the wet floor until it is completely dry. Foot traffic can inhibit drying and leave prints behind. Let the floor dry thoroughly before applying new finish coats.
Tips for Faster Drying
You can also prep for faster drying before stripping by:
- Stripping when humidity is low.
- Cleaning coils and vents on HVAC systems.
- Moving furniture and rugs to allow open airflow.
- Covering doorways with plastic to contain moisture.
- Running ceiling fans before, during, and after stripping.
What to Do Once Dry
When the floor is fully dry after stripping, you can begin prepping and recoating the surface:
- Sweep and damp mop the floor to remove any residue.
- Sand or buff the floor if needed to smooth the surface.
- Vacuum thoroughly to pick up all dust.
- Apply new primer, sealers, or finish coats.
- Follow all product instructions for recoating times.
The floor is now stripped down to bare flooring and ready for renewing. Be sure to maintain proper recoating times between new finish layers. Plan stripping when you can allow the floor to dry fully before regular use.
Professional Stripping Services
While DIY stripping is possible, many choose to hire professional flooring contractors for stripping:
- They have industrial equipment that strips quickly and efficiently.
- Professionals properly dispose of dirty stripping solutions.
- They have dehumidifiers and airflow tools for faster drying.
- Contractors can expertly repair any damage revealed during stripping.
- Professionals will not put the floor into use before it is completely dried.
The Takeaway
Here are some key points on how long stripping solutions take to dry:
- Wood floors dry fastest in about 20-30 minutes.
- Tile, stone, vinyl, and concrete dry over the next 1-2 hours.
- Temperature, airflow, and humidity impact dry times.
- Fans, dehumidifiers, sunlight, and heat speed drying.
- Allow floors to dry fully before recoating or using.
- Hire professionals for reliable drying and recoating.
With the right conditions and preparations, stripped floors can dry quickly in about an hour. Ensure the floor is completely dry before adding new finish layers after stripping.