Floor Stripper and Floor Finish Basics

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If you'd like to offer floor care services for resilient tile in your cleaning business, you need to know some of the terminology in order to understand how the chemicals work. Following are some of the characteristics for floor strippers and finishes, as well as definitions of some of the terminology you need to know.

Characteristics of Floor Strippers:

* The purpose of floor stripping chemicals is to dissolve the existing floor finish, so it can be removed without harming the flooring.

* Floor strippers have a high pH, usually between 10 to 14. High pH chemicals are on the alkaline side of the pH scale.

* Most floor strippers contain high levels of VOC's (anywhere from 10% to 30%), which can be harmful to the environment. There are now "greener" alternative floor strippers, which contain lower levels of VOC's (as little as 6%), if you'd like to offer green floor care services.

* Strippers are created to work with a floor cleaning system, so you want to use a stripper that is designed to work with a particular floor finish.

Characteristics of Floor Finishes:

* Floor finish is a liquid applied to a clean floor in thin layers, in order to protect it from damage and daily use. Floor finishes are used on floors that are not harmed by water, such as VCT (vinyl composition tile).

* Floor finish is primarily made up of polymers, waxes, solvents, plasticizers, and surfactants.

* Floor finishes are created to work with a floor cleaning system, so you want to use a floor finish that is designed to work with a particular line of daily cleaners, burnishing chemicals, and floor strippers.

Definitions:

* pH Scale - Determines the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The scale ranges from 0 to 14. At the 0 to 6 end of the scale is where solutions are acidic. At the 8 to 14 end of the scale is where solutions are alkaline. Pure water has a pH of 7, which is neutral.

* VOC (volatile organic compound) - Organic chemicals that produce vapors that can be harmful to the environment.

* Solids - What is left on the floor surface after the floor finish cures. Usually expressed as a percentage of weight. The higher the percentage, the more coating that is left on the floor after it dries. However, keep in mind that a higher solid content does not necessarily mean the finish has better durability or gloss.

* Polymer - Synthetic compounds of usually high molecular weight. The solids content of the floor finish usually contains 50% polymer - this is what forms the film on the floor, and is what gives the finish its durability and shine.

* Wax Emulsions - Wax consists of anywhere from 5 - 20% of the floor finish, and is what enables the floor to be "buffed". Synthetic waxes have now replaced natural waxes because of their slip resistance, black mark resistance, and durability.

* Plasticizers - Substances added to floor finish to keep it soft and pliable. Plasticizers allow the chemicals to work together to form a film without flaws and imperfections. They also help the finish to be impact resistant.

* Surfactants - Used to increase the contact of two or more materials, sometimes known as wettability. This allows the floor finish to be spread more easily onto the floor.

Visit your local janitorial supply house for more information on the product lines they carry. Again, do not use a stripper from one product line and a finish from another line, etc. Floor care products are designed to work together as a floor care system. There are many lines to choose from so ask lots of questions of your supplier before choosing a line to use.

Factors To Consider When Designing Commercial Kitchens

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It's not easy to appreciate how important kitchen design is until you have worked in one which has been poorly designed. Your well designed and equipped kitchen will enable you to offer quality services to your diverse clients. Careful appraisal of the current and future requirements of your kitchen together with acquisition of class equipment and sufficient supplies, offer you a solid base for business success. Designs that are smart create a positive work area and avert unnecessary interruptions and bottlenecks.

When you are planning the design layout for your business kitchen, several factors need to be considered.

Available Kitchen Space

A very important consideration is your available space regardless of if you are building the kitchen from the ground or placing it in an already existing building. Whichever way, you wish to make the maximum of the available space without having to sacrifice work speed or flow.

Writing for the Houston Chronicle, on How to Establish a Commercial Kitchen, Demand Media's Felicia Greene suggests that designers of commercial kitchens should inquire with the City's utilities departments to identify for them gas or power hookup locations which could affect how they position their kitchen equipment as well as obtaining the health department guidelines on sink and drain locations.

Kitchen Staff Mobility

A kitchen that is well-arranged will allow workers to move around easily without having to bump into each other. This is absolutely essential to maintaining a kitchen that is smooth-running, particularly during the rush periods.

Energy Consumption Efficiency

Energy efficiency ought to be a prime consideration for any business kitchen layout, since it will save money on your utility expenses. In a setup that is energy-efficient, cooking and equipment ought to be kept far apart as is possible whilst still remaining practical. For example, the cooking equipment gets strategically located so as to optimize the exhaust hood.

In a study published in the Oxford Journals in August 2013, titled Electricity use in the commercial kitchen, it was suggested that in-training and catering colleges may in the future play an central role in bringing about energy efficient conduct amongst the cooks and chefs of days to come.

Flexibility In Design

Irrespective of the final kitchen layout, design flexibility is vital for any kitchen. A change in food trends or management styles could totally modify the menu, and this could hugely affect the placement and usage of your equipment, so your design must remain flexible.

Ergonomics

A kitchen that is ergonomically designed is one in which workers can stand in just a single spot and perform most of their tasks with least reaching, bending, turning or walking. Ergonomics could additionally decrease the levels of fatigue, discomfort and reduce injury inside the kitchen.

Sensory Kitchen Appeal

Besides the appetizing kitchen smells, the layout of your kitchen could appeal to other senses of your customers' as well. For example, exhibition kitchens, allow the customers to view all that's going on.

Each kitchen is different. Decide on what constitutes your priorities and select a design which accommodates them all and also works fine with your menu or else, you could end up making expensive renovations to the layout.

Best Stand Mixers for Flexibility

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A quick glance at one of the most popular stand mixers, the KitchenAid, reveals nothing unusual or suspect about that iconic small kitchen appliance. The Artisan model seduces with its classic retro lines while its more statuesque sibling, the Professional, commands a certain respect.

But its when you take a look at its slightly quirky rival, the Cuisinart standing mixer, that you are likely to do a double take. First off, you could be forgiven for assuming that you are staring at a sewing machine if it werent for the puzzling presence of a mixing bowl and whip accessory.

A closer look reveals an unexpected feature, one that hides the first of the Cuisinart stand mixers dirty little secrets: a hinged cover right on the front that hides a slow speed power outlet used to connect a large meat grinder or a pasta maker attachment to the mixer, giving it much greater flexibility. Suddenly, this mixer appears more imposing.

Lifting the front cover, you cant help but notice a second top cover with not one, but two surprise outlets. The mid speed power outlet located towards the front allows for a citrus juicer to be attached, while the high speed power outlet towards the back lets you connect either a blender or a food processor attachment.

Cuisinart stand mixers could be forgiven for having identity crises or sprouting multiple personalities. If you looked like a sewing machine operating under cover of a mixer and performing as a juicer, blender, food processor, meat grinder and pasta maker, wouldnt you get confused? But not the Cuisinart. With a super powerful 800-watt motor, it takes everything you throw at him in its stride.

At first blush, the KitchenAid mixer appears rather puny. Just a simple mixer doing its job doing it well mind you, but still just mixing. No competition here. But wait - look! What is that odd cover on the front of the mixer? Well, it turns out that the KitchenAid has its own little secrets too, an attachment hub that can house over a dozen attachments:

. ice cream maker
. pasta maker
. pasta sheet roller
. pasta roller set
. pasta cutter companion set
. pasta excellence kit
. pasta press
. ravioli maker
. grain mill
. food grinder
. food tray
. sausage stuffer
. fruit & vegetable strainer
. slicer & shredder
. citrus juicer
. can opener

Rather impressive, isn't it? A quick glance at this list, and it becomes obvious that KitchenAid stand mixers have quite the weakness for pasta. Can't say I blame them, and ravioli is up there on my list of favorites.

And let's not forget about the power of ice cream. Nothing tastes like home made ice cream. Add a little liqueur, and you have a sophisticated dessert which your guests will forever remember. If you want to become the entertaining guru in your circle of friends, look no further.

On the other hand, the Cuisinart stand mixer offers the option of adding a blender, juicer and food processor as attachments. But are they the types of small kitchen appliances you would select if you were buying them separately? For example, would you prefer a masticating juicer for health reasons?

Something else to keep in mind is that those stand mixer attachments are all sold separately. But still, you would have to fork out a lot more money to purchase individual small appliances to do the same job. You would also need more storage space so unless you have a large pantry, be prepared for a significant portion of your countertop to pretty much vanish.

When all is said and done, I guess choosing the best stand mixer for your needs will depend on the kind of parties youre planning on throwing.

7 Pans That Every Baker Should Have

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Everyone who loves baking fully understands how pans are an essential tool in the kitchen. The type of pan you choose largely determines the texture and appearance of your end product thus making it very important for you to choose high-quality pans which should also be durable. This article will seek to discuss 7 must-have pans for every baker who seeks to have a great experience in the kitchen.

1.Half-sheet pans

Half-sheet pans are common for bakers and these normally come as medium weight, 12 by 16 inches aluminum pans. Although some might be heavier, it isnt in any way necessary to invest for super-heavy pans. These pans are sturdy and durable and the good news is that they are also inexpensive. They are ideal for baking cookies, thin cake sheets and jellyrolls. They are also used for toasting croutons or nuts and roasting chicken pieces and vegetables. They are multipurpose pans and a great addition to any kitchen.

2.Lasagna pans

Generally, lasagna pans derive their names from the pasta dish known as lasagna which incorporates wide and flat frilly-edged noodles cooked together with vegetable or meat tomato-based pasta pap, mozzarella cheese and spices. The best lasagna pans are basically any oven bake-ware thus covering stainless steel, tin, stoneware, ceramic, roasting or roaster pan.

3.Brownie and layer cake pans

These cake pans are normally round-shaped and in 8 and 9 inches, 2-inch deep. On the other hand, brownie pans are squared and come in 8 and 9 inches suitable for bars and brownies. Having these two sizes ready and available will help you cook different available recipes comfortably without increasing or decreasing the amount. When buying brownie and layer cake pans, always avoid dark finishes as these will give you undercooked cake centers and overcooked sides. Non-stick are also not the best solution and you shouldnt be swayed by them either.

4.Cookie Sheets

Rimless cookie sheets are ideal as they allow you to slide them under the delicate cake layers with an allowance to move or lift them with ease. There are different types of cook sheets including non-sticks, insulated, dark-colored ones and special surface cookie sheets.

5.Springform pans

Springform pans are ideal especially if youre the kind that loves making cheesecakes regularly. These pans differ from other regular cake pans in that they have a removable bottom which makes it easy to remove cakes when theyre fully cooked. You can also use these pans to make icebox cakes which are fancy and yummy.

6.Bundt Pans

For Bundt-type cake lovers, these pans will be amazing especially if you love their decorative contours. These pans allow you to divide your cakes into two halves thus making it possible for those who are Bundt-less to divide the ingredients and bake all at once. You can also use plain tube pan to bake full recipes instead of using the Bundt pan. When looking for the best Bundt pans, one that is heavyweight and with dark-finish as these are ideal for baking nice brown crusts.

7.Muffin pans

These pans are ideal for the cupcake or muffin lovers. When choosing your muffin pan, picking something that is great quality will be necessary as this will guarantee the quality of your baking while at the same time offering longevity. An aluminum pan will be great and if possible, avoid the dark non-stick options since they might deny you the perfect dome because they cook too fast.

While it is true that baking is an art, it must be appreciated that the quality of your pan plays an important role in determining whether youll enjoy quality results. always choose your pan wisely whether going for the best lasagna pan or a Bundt pan.

5 Clever Home Hacks That Make DIY Remodeling Easier

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If youre planning a DIY remodeling project then you arent alone. ArticleCity knows that making the most of your budget means using the best home hacks to get the most out of your remodeling project.

But being effective at any home remodeling or DIY project means planning ahead to make it work.

Plus, there are some home remodeling projects that are best left to the professionals. Trying to tackle some tasks can end up being costly and may damage your home if you arent experienced.

Dont worry. There are lots of great DIY projects you can do easily.

Try these 5 home hacks and youll love the results:

1. Glam Home Hack Kitchen Hardware

Like it or not the kitchen becomes the focal point of most homes. We gather there to eat, prep meals, and socialize.

Many times our kitchen is more like a living room. No wonder we love to decorate and make it a beautiful space to enjoy.

While many spend big bucks on a kitchen remodel there is a simple home hack that can update your kitchen in a short period of time. Updating the knobs, pulls, and hardware of your kitchen can have dramatic results.

A kitchen remodel can mean big headaches. Go for a hardware update first and you might feel like you have a whole new kitchen.

2. Ceiling Access Doors

Just because something in your home is great for storage and utility space doesnt mean it cant be beautiful.

For so many of us, we walk past eyesores in the home because they are functional. It may be your garage space or attic, but it should shine as much as the rest of your home.

Why not try a simple update to your attic access door? Theres a wide range of sizes and styles to choose from.

With a simple install, you can stop ignoring the door to your attic and start noticing how great it looks!

3. Look Up

Another simple DIY home hack is moving up in your storage. Whether you try this one out in the kitchen or the bathroom there can be dramatic results.

Unused space can actually make a room look smaller. Try hanging storage for pots. pans, towels, toiletries anything that is stuffed into the corners of your room.

The blend of function and design will be a bold look and updates any space.

4. Paper Lighting

Minimal design is hot right now. One of the coolest looks is white paper lanterns.

This update can make your rooms feel bigger. And paper lanterns are a great budget item to update any space.

5. Flooring

If you havent looked into the updated options in flooring you may be surprised at how economical and easy to install they are.

Trying out a dark wood or a laminate tile can change the look of an entire home. You can do this install yourself in an afternoon!

Your Best Home Hacks!

Once you know that there are easy DIY hacks out there you can have a more beautiful home without the hassle or the expense. From paper lanterns to new kitchen hardware a little change can go a long way.

Have a home DIY project that you love? Help the rest of us have the best homes possible too! Share your hacks below.

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4 Methods How Experts Perform Wood Floor Restoration In Newcastle

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Natural wear and tear can cause wood flooring to lose its glaze and charm over time. In that case, it has to be restored by professionals with sophisticated machinery and technique. Luckily, if you live in the UK, then you can get wood floor restoration in Newcastle or other nearby places.

Restoring wooden floor involves a lot of complicated processes depending on the timber type. It can also be done without the help of professionals but that might get a little tricky and messy.

Professionals use expensive tools and equipment combined with considerable knowledge in this process. So, hiring them for wood restoration is a better idea.
Below are few processes that experts use to restore wooden floor. Read on!

1. Repairing

If installed by tongue-and-groove method, the joints of damaged planks need cutting to release them from their position. Professionals in Newcastle or Northumberland usually use a circular saw to cut through these joints.

Next, replacement of old planks takes place with new ones of the same size. This can be tricky because cutting new planks according to the size of the previous ones requires precision.

These planks can be fixed either by drilling holes and fixing with nails and screw. Or, professionals can also use glue for better adherence.

2. Staining

Staining involves applying a solvent to darken or colour the wooden floor.

It primarily starts off with sanding the floor to remove all the sawdust. Next, the floor is wiped using a wet cloth or a mop so that the stain can be easily applied.

After drying the floor for approximately 30 minutes, application of stain happens. The professionals in Sunderland or other places have considerable knowledge about the stains. How to apply and how much to apply to this floor is something they hold expertise in.

Lastly, removal of excess stains and application of polyurethane finish to the floor takes place after the stain has dried.

3. Sealing

Sealing is the act of applying lacquers or varnishes to seal the pores on the wood to make it smoother.

Types of Wood sealers:

Poly sealer - This sealer, considered to be the best, exhibits light fumes, is incombustible, and provides superior adhesion. Application can take place up to 3 times and the floor screening can take place in almost 2 hours.

Water-based - This sealer is almost same as a poly sealer except it raises wood grains so the floor requires rigorous screening.

Universal - This sealer is usable with both oil and water based polyurethane but is highly combustible. Performance quality of this sealer is not also up to the mark of water or oil.

To apply this sealer, first, experts clean the floor thoroughly. Then, the application of sealant takes place carefully using brushes or other tools. Also, in this case, professionals have greater knowhow on what sealant to apply and how much to apply so that it does not ruin the floor.

It typically takes 7 to 10 hours to dry after which another coat is applied and dried again. After getting satisfactory results, the floor gets sanded to decrease roughness.

4. Installation

Installation doesn't relate to wood floor restoration, but its requirement may arise if a large part of the floor needs replacement.

The process:

Tongue-and-groove - This method involves fitting one side of a plank to another side of another plank. The insertion of protruding part of the plank called tongue occurs with the groove part of the other plank.

Floor connection system - In this installation method, all the planks have a groove in them, joined with each other with rubber, plastic, or even wood.

Woodloc system - This system involves fitting a plank having a tongue on the upper side to another plank having a tongue on the bottom. The tongues interlock with each other and require an adhesive. This process is also known as a click-lock system.

Floating - The floating installation process involves laying all the planks on top of another underlay without using glue or nails.

If you too are looking for restoring your old wood floor in Morpeth, Newcastle or other area, then hiring professionals is a better idea. That will ensure a safer and long-time investment.

3 Kinds of Dining Room Tables that Never Go Out of Style

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Planning to redecorate your dining room?

The focal point of the room, due to its function, is the table. If youre not sure what kind of table you want to get, youve come to the right place.

In this guide, well look at dining room tables that never go out of style, and when you might want to use them. The style, of course, starts with the shape, and there are three shapes that offer timeless popularity:

Round
Rectangular
Square

Remember that some tables are convertiblefor example, rectangular tables can become square tables, and round tables can become rectangularwith rounded ends. The type of table you choose will be dictated in part by the available space, but also by your goals.

If you have a small dining area

For small areas, a rectangular dining table might simply look too large, even if it actually fits in the space. A square or round table might better suit your needs.

The number of people youd like to sit can help determine what size table you choose. A square or round table tends to look smaller in the room than a rectangular table.

If your dining room is narrow

Many dining rooms are built as off-shoots of the kitchen or living room. For this reason, they may be quite narrow.

A round or square table in a narrow room will either look too large or too small. For narrow rooms, a rectangular table is best.

If you want to facilitate conversation

Have you ever sat down at a long table, only to find that you converse with the people on either side of you and across from you, and no one else? In fact, you might not even talk to anyone at the other end of the table unless you need the salt.

And if the table is that big, two salt shakers (or more) may be necessary anyway.

If you want to get people to talk to one another, a round table is your best bet. Everyone can see others faces.

In the middle ages, dining tables were often large and round. Maybe this is where the notion of the knights of the round table came fromKing Arthur would have been able to see and speak with all of his knights while they dined.

If you want a modern look

For modern, theres no table shape like a square. The only downside to square tables is that they tend to seat fewer people than the rectangular or round.

For a modern every-day look with the option to seat larger groups, a square table that can convert to a rectangle with leaves may be your best option.

Legs, Pedestals, Decor, and Materials

There are other elements to take into consideration. Do you want legs around the end of your table or a pedestal in the middle? Do you want simple lines or ornate carvings?

What kind of materials do you want your table made out of? Stone is heavy and formal. Glass is light and formal. Wood is a great choice for everyday use and function, and it can be gorgeous depending on the type of wood and stain you choose.

No matter which dining table you choose, if you put some thought into it ahead of time, youre sure to love your new dining area.

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