What is the Difference Between Healing and Heeling Floor Finish?

Healing and heeling in the context of floor finishes involve distinct aspects related to repair and application techniques. Here’s a more detailed explanation

Healing (Floor Finish Repair)

Repairing Scratches, Scuffs, and Marks

Healing refers to the ability of a floor finish to undergo repair after it has experienced scratching, scuffing, or marking. Floor finishes with good healing properties can be restored or rejuvenated, minimizing the visible impact of minor damage.

Self-Repairing Properties

Some modern floor finishes are formulated with self-repairing properties, where minor abrasions trigger a chemical or physical response that helps restore the finish’s appearance. This contributes to the longevity and aesthetic resilience of the floor surface.

Application in High-Traffic Areas

Healing capabilities are particularly advantageous in high-traffic areas where the floor is prone to regular wear and tear. This feature ensures that the floor maintains its aesthetic quality over an extended period.

Heeling (Floor Finish Application Technique)

Application Technique

Heeling, on the other hand, is a technique used during the application of floor finish. It involves applying pressure to the edge of a floor machine and its pad to address stubborn marks and scuffs on the floor surface.

Caution and Machine Compatibility

Care should be taken to avoid causing damage to the floor surface during the heeling process. This technique is specifically recommended for use with low-speed rotary machines to prevent overheating or burning of the floor finish.

Targeting Stubborn Marks

Heeling is employed to target specific areas with stubborn marks or scuffs that may not be effectively addressed through regular application. The focused pressure applied to the machine’s edge helps in the more precise removal of such imperfections.

Use in Conjunction with Regular Maintenance

Heeling is not a substitute for regular maintenance but serves as a supplementary technique for dealing with localized, persistent marks. It is usually applied as needed in addition to routine floor care practices.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between healing and heeling allows for a more nuanced approach to floor finish management. While healing emphasizes the inherent repair capabilities of the floor finish itself, heeling involves a specialized technique during the application process to address specific, stubborn imperfections. Both aspects contribute to maintaining the overall quality and appearance of the floor surface over time.