Installing Ceramic Tile....?
Question:What's the best method of removing old linoleum and adhesive from slab floor?
I have scraped up about half of my kitchen, but a paper and adhesive mixture remain.
What's the best way to remove the paper and adhesive mixture?
Should I wet it and scrape away?
Do you have a better way to accomplish my task?
Help!!!!!
Answers:
I use a four inch scraper and do the best I can water helps so does changing the blade frequently.If you just can't get all the paper and glue off use a good thinset with additive it will stick.Self levelers can leave a floor sounding hollow and need a cement sealor applied first.Usually most proffesional installers float with thinset for a better job and lower material cost then using level cure.On your knees hand scraping is the only way long handled scrapers are hard on the back and don't work well.You will never get it spotless unless you rent a floor grinder it doesn't have to be spotless just the best you can get it and like I said a good thinset with additives your job is what it's made for.
I used a sharp bladed tool called a big mutt to scape off the old floor. It worked pretty good until I nailed my toilet with it and it cracked. I learned to remove the toilet first when I tiled my other bathroom.
I tried to do this in my house. I couldn't sand it smooth enough, after scaping off what I could.
My solution was to use a self leveler. Worked great and no more scraping/sanding!
Vinyl tiles require a super smooth surface. If not, every imperfection will show. Seams in plywood should be sanded smooth. All nail heads and staples should be below surface. You can patch nail holes with quality leveling embosser compound. Sand smooth. Vacuum all the dust. There should be no grease, oil, wax, or adhesive residue that may cause adhesion problems. Flexing at seams tends to cause tiles to crack. Problems with smoothness, flexing, and contamination can be overcome by installing a 1/4 inch plywood underlayment for vinyl floors. The new underlayment will give you a more professional job and is highly recommended.
When installing the new underlayment, stagger the seams of the ply panels, and leave a 1/32 inch gap between panels to allow for expansion. Leave a 1/8 inch gap along the walls. Staple every 5-6 inches in middle of boards and every 3 inches along edges. Sand seams to make sure they are smooth.
Vinyl tile can be laid over old vinyl flooring if it's in good condition. Old vinyl will have to be thoroughly cleaned and free of wax. A skim coat of embossing leveler applied with a trowel is required to cover embossing, dings, and dents. The surface will have to be super smooth for the vinyl tiles. Otherwise, the texture of the old vinyl will wear through the new tiles.
It is a hard work.
I had try using chemical, result not too good.
Use hot water to soak the paper and glue, still need a strong arm.
Don't leave any glue or paper behind otherwise you will be sorry later.
I would try renting a glue scraper from a local tool rental. This is different than a tile scraper. I know that Home Depot tool rental has it. I have used this with very good results. Hope this helps.
If you cant get it done with a flathoe scraper,you can rent out a concrete sander.
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