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.
