• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Home Improvement Help - Adhesive Removal

J

Jack Ryan

Golden Member
Here is the situation. Wife and I are redoing the kitchen. As part of said remodel, we are changing the floor.

Current floor:
Subfloor -> Linoleum -> Peel and Stick vinyl tiles

We took up the peel and stick vinyl tiles so that we could put new ones down. We are leaving the linoleum there, not bothering with ripping that up.

My question is how do I remove the adhesive left from the peel and stick vinyl tiles? (These tiles were put down 2 years ago tops, just generic things from HD).

We've tried "adhesive remover", "goo-off", "goo gone", "Murphy's Oil Soap". I'm looking for a product that will allow us to scrap the linoleum clean so we can put down a new floor.

Right now it is mega sticky and we basically can't walk on it (have towels/sheets down). I know we are going to just put down another set of peel and stick so I know what some will say... Just put the new floor right on top, sticky is good right!

I'm really just looking for a product/method to take up this adhesive, if anyone has one please share.
 
Get a bottle of Goo-Gone and go to work.

Edit: 😱 uh... I guess this post is what happens when I read only the first half of the op
 
oh i had the problem too i had to get this big scraper thing from home depot and took about 2 days and some MEK and acetone
make sure the room is well ventilated
 
you are going to need stronger solvents like MEK. You have to make sure your room is extremely well ventilated, wear a ventilator etc. You will still have to muscle it with a scrapper too. Heating the area and solvents could help, but I have no clue how you would effectively heat an entire kitchen floor.
 
do not use solvents. You need the scraper mentioned above and some gloves (trust me get gloves or you will be nursing the huge blister on your palm as I am).
I just did a similar project in our back room. See thread here: http://forums.anandtech.com/me...adid=2223313&forumid=1

When I pulled up the linoleum the paper back and adhesive was left. You need the scraper to get that off.
My father in-law owns a flooring wholesale store. I asked the experts there about solvents and they basically explained that any solvent you use will affect no matter what you put on top afterwards (even in my case of putting over concrete). Solvents are the easy way out, but not the right way out.

Get a scraper and go to town. It's really not THAT bad.

 
Are you sure there is nothing between the linoleum and the subfloor? I ran into the same situation at my house, but I have a ~1/8" underlayment between the subfloor and linoleum. I'm planning on setting my circular saw to a depth that will get most of the way through the underlayment, and from there it shouldn't be too difficult to rip it up without even bothering with the adhesive.

Edit: Oh, you want to leave the linoleum... I fail. 🙂
 
Are you absolutely certain the sheet vinyl (linoleum) is applied directly to the subfloor?

In my situation, I discovered a thin underlayment was put down on the subfloor to provide a smooth surface for the sheet vinyl. Turned out the underlayment was put down with staples and I was able to just rip up the underlayment and sheet vinyl all in one layer leaving just the original subflooring. Then, I put down some new underlayment (1/4" lauan) and I was good to go with the new vinyl.
 
Originally posted by: SphinxnihpS
Acetone, lacquer thinner, MEK (yeah use that). Whichever one, get a ventilator mask.
Click to expand...

This.

Used to work in a home improvement store. Goo gone is crap... pick up one of those.
 
Originally posted by: KMc
Are you absolutely certain the sheet vinyl (linoleum) is applied directly to the subfloor?

In my situation, I discovered a thin underlayment was put down on the subfloor to provide a smooth surface for the sheet vinyl. Turned out the underlayment was put down with staples and I was able to just rip up the underlayment and sheet vinyl all in one layer leaving just the original subflooring. Then, I put down some new underlayment (1/4" lauan) and I was good to go with the new vinyl.
Click to expand...
Rip it up or put another underlayment over it all. Cheaper and faster overall.
 
Originally posted by: amdskip
Originally posted by: KMc
Are you absolutely certain the sheet vinyl (linoleum) is applied directly to the subfloor?

In my situation, I discovered a thin underlayment was put down on the subfloor to provide a smooth surface for the sheet vinyl. Turned out the underlayment was put down with staples and I was able to just rip up the underlayment and sheet vinyl all in one layer leaving just the original subflooring. Then, I put down some new underlayment (1/4" lauan) and I was good to go with the new vinyl.
Click to expand...
Rip it up or put another underlayment over it all. Cheaper and faster overall.
Click to expand...

I say this is the only right way to do it.

Also, someone mentioned avoiding solvents because they will remain and affect the replacement floor; no. The three I mentioned are extremely volatile. They will be 100% vapor within 30 minutes of applying them.
 
I'd look into using some mineral spirits. It'll stink, but it'll also take up adhesive like nobody's business. Note that I am not a professional, so take my advice at your own risk. 🙂
 
I wouldn't use anything that is flammable.

I investigated an insurance claim where the occupant painted the kitchen ceiling and got paint spatters on the floor. He filled up a mop bucket with gas and started mopping the floor with the gas to remove the paint spatters. The pilot light on the stove ignited the gas fumes killing his 9 month old baby. I don't know if he lived or not. He was in the hospital with heavy burns at time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top