Methods and tool for maintenance of hard surfaces, and a method for manufacturing such a tool

Abstract

A method is disclosed for treating or maintaining a hard surface comprising a stone or stone-like material, the method comprising treatment of the surface with a flexible pad, in the presence of abrasive particles, bonded to the pad, on a contact surface between the pad and the hard surface, wherein the abrasive particles comprise diamond particles, and the treatment is performed in the absence of an effective amount of crystallization agent on the contact surface. The treatment is performed on a substantially regular basis, such as daily, weekly or monthly, and the treatment is performed using a pad comprising an open, lofty, three dimensional non-woven webs of fibers. A tool for use in the method is also provided, as well as a floor-surfacing machine comprising such a tool and a method for manufacturing such a tool. Furthermore, methods for treating or maintaining hard, smooth surfaces such as wood, polymer material, lacquer, linoleum, gelcoat, glass and automotive enamel are disclosed.

1 . A method for maintaining a hard, smooth floor surface,
 the surface comprising polymer material, such as vinyl, polyurethane, epoxy, acrylic or other plastic material, or linoleum,   the method comprising treatment of the surface with a flexible pad comprising an open, lofty, three dimensional non-woven web of fibers, in the presence of abrasive particles, bonded to the pad, on a contract surface between the pad and the hard surface,   wherein the treatment is performed in the presence of water on the contact surface, the abrasive particles comprise diamond particles, and the diamond particles have an average diameter of 0.1 to 30 μm.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is performed using a pad having abrasive particles bonded to it by means of a secondary binder. 
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the treatment is performed using a pad having abrasive particles bond to it only in the vicinity of the contact surface 
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is performed using a pad having diamond particles comprising at least one of natural diamond particles, industrial diamond particles and coated diamond particles. 
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the treatment is performed using a pad having a density of less than 40 kg/m 3 , preferably 20-35 kg/m 3 . 
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pad, while in contact with the hard surface, is caused to move in relation to the hard surface. 
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pad, while in contact with the hard surface, is caused to rotate at a rotational speed of 50-300 rpm, preferably of 100-1500 rpm. 
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the surface comprises a polymer material, and wherein the treatment is performed using a pad having diamond particles of an average diameter of between 0.1 and 15 μm and most preferably between 3 and 12 μm. 
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the surface comprises linoleum, and wherein the treatment is performed using a pad having diamond particles of an average diameter of between 0.1 and 15 μm, preferably between 3 and 12 μm and most preferably between 3 and 6 μm. 
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the hard, smooth surface has a hardness less than about 3 Mohs, preferably less than about 2 Mohs and most preferably less than about 1 Mohs.