pH- The measurement symbol used to express the degree of acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 1 expresses an extreme condition, while a pH of 14 is highly alkaline. The pH scale runs from less than 1.0 to 14, and neutrality is centered at pH 7.0.

Plasticizer Migration- Migration of ingredients from there intended location. Migration of plasticizers from flooring materials can cause tackiness in floor finishes or adhesion problems. Migration from floor finish to flooring is also possible.

Plasticizer- An organic compound to a polymer to increase its flexibility and toughness. Plasticizers contribute to the durability, gloss and leveling of a floor polish.

Polyethylene- Plasticizer used primarily in finishes.

Polymer- A chemical compound composed of many similar smaller parts chemically linked to one another. As related to emulsion floor finishes and sealers, polymers are the major film forming agent which contributes gloss and durability to the finish or sealer.

Polyurethane- A thermoplastic polymer which has excellent hardness and gloss.

Powdering- A condition where a fine dust occurs on the finished floor surface, often obvious when tracked onto adjacent carpeting. Often, powdering is due to dust settling out where construction or other sources of dust are present. Other times, powdering is indicative of a lack of floor finish (or sealer) adhesion, loss of plasticizing agents to the substrate or to cleaning solutions, or application while temperature or relative humidity is too low to allow proper film formation. The causes of lack of adhesion are numerous soap residues, insufficient stripping of old finish, applying finish too thinly.