Big Tile, No Problem: How to Handle Difficult-to-Manage Floors with NAPCO’s Coating

NAPCO’s advanced coatings make even the most challenging refinishing jobs manageable, providing a professional finish with efficiency and ease. Whether you’re handling a commercial project or a spacious residential space, mastering the right techniques can help you tackle big tile with confidence.

1. Preparation and Planning

For professional refinishers, proper preparation is key to handling large tile floors effectively. 

Start by making sure the floor is completely clean, using Piranha Prep to etch the surface. Once the floor is clean and dry, mask off surrounding surfaces to avoid any unwanted overspray—focus on targeting the floor for a precise application.

Working on large surfaces also requires strategic equipment choices. Investing in a battery-powered sprayer allows for full mobility and prevents the air hose from dragging across the newly coated floor, reducing potential mishaps.

2. Dividing the Workspace

For refinishing large tile floors, dividing the workspace into manageable sections is crucial. 

Begin in the far corner of the room, working backward so you can avoid walking over freshly refinished areas. The goal is to fully coat each section with three layers before moving on to the next. 

Proper gun adjustment is also vital for minimizing overspray. Start by spraying test fans on paper and adjusting the air pressure to achieve minimal or no overspray, providing consistent, high-quality results.

Feathering the coating into the previous sections will help create a smooth, continuous finish. Never walk on fully coated areas—working in sections allows for a controlled, flawless application.

3. Compressor & Hose Management

When using a corded compressor, strategic positioning is key. 

Start in the farthest corner and work your way backward, keeping the compressor and hose clear of refinished areas. This method minimizes any risk of damaging the freshly applied coating.

Alternatively, investing in a battery-powered sprayer can simplify the process. Without the need for a hose or compressor, you can move freely across large spaces without the worry of interfering with the coating application.

4. Finishing Techniques for Even Application

Applying NAPCO’s coatings on large areas requires consistency. 

Once you’ve adjusted your gun to minimize overspray, keep those settings consistent throughout the project. Maintain a steady 18-20 inch distance from the surface, applying each coat at a moderate, even speed. Consistency in distance and speed is integral to achieving an even, streak-free finish. 

Thankfully, solid colors make streaking less of a concern, but maintaining a steady technique will always deliver the best results.

5. Product Benefits for Large Spaces

NAPCO’s Semi-Gloss Tile Floor Coating is specially formulated to excel on large tile floors. 

Its superior dry time, quick cure to water, and fast return to use make it the ideal choice for high-traffic areas. With a two-hour cure time and the ability to withstand scuffs and marring, it’s the most durable option on the market for both residential and commercial projects.

6. Time and Efficiency

Time is money, and NAPCO’s coating helps you save both. 

With a fast dry-to-touch time of 25-30 minutes, a two-hour cure to water, and a 24-hour return to use, this coating reduces downtime and allows you to complete refinishing jobs more efficiently. Regardless of the surface size, the drying and curing times remain the same, provided proper ventilation is maintained. Each coat dries to tack in just five to seven minutes, making it a time-effective choice for large-scale projects.

Handling large tile floors doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With NAPCO’s advanced coatings and strategic techniques, you can confidently refinish even the most challenging floors.