Tough Shield - Heavy Duty Low Sheen Gloss Water Based Floor Sealer

Tough Shield is ready to use. Do not dilute.

Floor sealing
1. Test first. All surfaces are different. Allow 24 hours of curing time before assessing the sample area for suitability.
2. Prepare the surface. Dust mop or vacuum the surface. If required, strip any existing surface coatings with Naughty & Nice floor stripper (for stripping water-based floor sealers), or scrub/cut back the surfaces with a product like Too Easy or Bonza. Ensure the surface is completely 100% dry, clean and free of any contamination, chemical, dust, or residue. Any stains or soiling should be removed using a suitable process prior to sealing. Buff the surface, then dust mop the surface ready for the first coat.
3. For a one-product process, apply 3-6 coats undiluted, lightly (very thinly), and evenly to the surface using either a microfibre flat mop or poly cotton mop. Apply your coats in a figure-eight motion making sure every part of the surface is covered evenly. For a base coat indoors, apply 2-3 coats of Tough Shield followed by 3-4 coats of Blockbuster for a high gloss finish. Wait for the surface to be completely dry before applying the next coat. For best results do not buff or scrub the floor for a minimum of 24 hours after application.

Handy tips
• Test first: Always test first in an inconspicuous area before use. Because all surfaces are different, we recommend that you always perform a small test patch in an inconspicuous area to ensure you will get the desired result. Allow 24 hours of curing time before assessing the sample area for suitability. A test patch also doubles as a demonstration.
• Drying times: Tough Shield is a slower drying product than traditional water-based sealer finishes. This is a good thing and that's why Tough Shield is the toughest in its class. Allow a minimum of 60 minutes of drying time between coats in normal weather conditions. Drying times will depend on airflow, climate, temperature, humidity, surface texture, thickness of the coat, etc. Longer periods of time may be required in certain circumstances, ie initial coats. The use of fans, air movers, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners will speed up the drying process but remember to turn them off during application. Never apply another coat of sealer before the surface is completely 100% tack free and dry.
• Coverage: Coverage will depend on the texture and porosity of the surface. As you build coats, your coverage will increase (the floor sealer will go further). Coverage rates are usually between 35-80m² per litre per coat. For commercial floors, it is recommended to apply 2-6 coats of Tough Shield when using it as a one-step sealer. If using Tough Shield as an indoor base coat only, 2-3 coats are required followed by 3-4 coats of Blockbuster (high gloss finish).
• Temperature: Surface temperature must be between 10–25°C for successful application. Do not apply in direct sunlight.
• Clean up: Cleaning up of other accessories can be done via a scourer and water. Ensure you comply with all local council regulations.

Important. Read this before use.
• Tough Shield does not prevent surface wear or damage. Sacrificial surface coatings protect the floor.
• It’s the responsibility of the applicator to educate themselves on surface suitability, surface types, application rates, application techniques, all environmental aspects, performance, value, and all other issues relating to the completed job and the customer's specific expectations.
• Keep bottles closed when not being used. Always cover the sealer bucket. Shake well before use.
• Ensure you are not applying the sealer to very cold or very hot surfaces as it may affect performance. Sometimes this can appear as powdering, flaking, or stickiness on the floor not long after application. If you live in a colder climate wait until the warmer months before you seal your floor.
• Tough Shield is not suitable for sealing any kind of non-porous surfaces including porcelain or polished granite floor tiles.
• Texture and porosity of a surface may affect the shine, gloss, and slip resistance of the final result.

Is buffing Tough Shield after application required?
No, final buffing is not required as Tough Shield will produce its low-sheen gloss off the mop.

Can I reuse sealer applicators and mops?
Yes, you can but to avoid the risk of contamination, XO2 recommends discarding your used applicator or mop after every job.

How do you maintain a floor sealed with Tough Shield?
Daily
1. Vacuum or dust mop the surface to remove all dry debris and dust.
2. Mop the surface with Bobby Dazzler (80:1) with an XO2 microfibre mopping system.
or for larger areas...
Scrub the floor using an automatic scrubber dryer with Bobby Dazzler (80:1) and a white natural fibre floor pad.

Daily (in high-traffic areas) or when necessary...
Buff the surface with an ultra-high-speed polishing machine and a white natural fibre floor pad. Tough Shield is machine burnishable from 250rpm to 2000rpm.

Weekly, monthly, or when necessary...
Mop with Clean, Grip & Shine and buff dull areas. 

3, 6, or 12 monthly (depending on traffic)
Cut back worn surfaces regularly. Re-apply 1-2 coats.

Get an even longer-lasting shine.
Ensure effective entrance matting is installed at all door entrances to catch the dirt and reduce maintenance.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Tough Shield