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FEATURE


SAFE, SIMPLE AND STYLISH RETAIL FLOORS


Osmo UK, the wood flooring and finishes expert, reviews the most important considerations when specifying retail flooring and offers surface solutions to guarantee great results.


Flooring in retail environments has three main requirements – safety, minimum maintenance and appearance. Flooring contractors need to be able to deliver on all three aspects to ensure the project is completed successfully.


SAFETY The most important factor to consider when specifying retail flooring is the user’s safety and welfare. According to figures from the Health and Safety Executive, there were 77,593 non- fatal injuries to employees reported in 2013/2014, and of this 28% were slips and trips, accounting for a large proportion of overall accidents. So what is the best material to use? Wooden flooring is often seen as the culprit of slippery surfaces. However, if applied with a high quality anti-slip finish such as Polyx-Oil Anti-Slip, the material becomes durable and slip resistant. Applying a coat of increases the slip resistance of frequently maintained flooring areas. The surface retains its natural appearance while the fine structure particles in the finish prevent it from becoming slippery. Alongside the makeover and anti-slip properties, the finish will also give added durability to the flooring. Protecting the floor from everyday elements, including scuffs, stains and water damage, the finish


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also allows the woods surface to remain breathable, reducing the chance of warping and cracking.


MAINTENANCE The last thing a shop owner wants is a floor surface which requires regular extensive maintenance and refurbishment, as this means long downtime when the shop would have to be closed. For a long term option that provides easy renovation, wooden flooring is ideal. There is no need to ever have to replace the surface, as the finish can simply be removed and reapplied. This will present an as-new appearance, and will also significantly reduce the downtime and costs in comparison to other materials.


Osmo’s Liquid Wax Cleaner is designed for occasional intensive maintenance and reconditioning which revitalised, maintains and enhances wooden floors. Specifically developed to take care of stubborn stains on oil and wax treated flooring; simply apply thinly to the floor with a lint-free cloth and polish. This economical product which is odourless and water-repellent is also available as a spray.


For a more regular cleaning regime, Osmo’s Wash and Care is a highly effective and water-soluble for quick, easy and thorough floor maintenance.


Suitable to apply in high traffic areas, this product cleans and freshens the floor at the same time.


APPEARANCE As with anything, first impressions count for a lot and it is no different in the retail environment. When customers walk into a shop, they judge the quality of the products by the appearance. The floor surface plays a big role in altering the overall appearance of the room. With this in mind, it is essential for the flooring contractor to specify a material that is aesthetically pleasing. One option is to specify wooden flooring and alter the appearance with the use of coloured finishes. A product such as Osmo Polyx-Oil Tints is great for adding colour to flooring without it being too overpowering. Based on the original Polyx-Oil product, it retains the natural beauty and character of the wood in a perfect way. Easy to use and apply, the floor remains microporous and can be touched up to cover any abrasions without a problem.


As long as contractors provide a flooring surface that meets these requirements, the retailer will be pleased with the initial installation, as well as the appearance of the floor in a few years’ time.


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