Removing Linoleum Yourself

Few projects in life are as satisfying as restoring an older home to its original glory. But if your restoration involves the removal of old linoleum, the project quickly becomes extremely challenging. Taking up old linoleum and removing the adhesive is a huge job, but there are steps you can take to make it a little easier. The age of the linoleum and the type of adhesive can certainly make your job more difficult. Some people simply lay the new floor over the old linoleum, while others dig in with tools and plenty of elbow grease to get the job done.

It would be great if the linoleum and adhesive lifted together, but that's usually not the case. Taking up the old flooring is usually the easiest part of the job, and the real work begins when you're faced with a layer of adhesive. Concrete floors can withstand heavy scraping, but wood floors require a more gentle touch. Many home renovators use razor blades or scrapers to take up the old adhesive. Be prepared to stock up on supplies. The adhesive can be so tough that it actually snaps metal blades.

Don't try to remove everything at once. Instead, try cutting the linoleum into strips or sections, and peeling them away. You should be able to remove most of the surface layer and a good portion of the linoleum backing. Using this method also makes it a lot easier to get at the underlying adhesive.

Once you are down to the scraps, there are two basic methods to aid your scraping efforts. One is to use some kind of solvent or remover. A popular brand is Krud Kutter, which appears to work very well, according to the customer feedback comments. Follow instructions on the label of whatever product you employ, and wear gloves to protect your hands. Do a small section at a time, and then go on to the next one.

Boiling water can be used to soften the underlying adhesive. Try pouring very hot or boiling water directly on the remaining backing and adhesive, section by section. Give the hot water a few moments to sink in, and then scrape the softened glue. You can also fold an old towel over the adhesive and pour the hot water onto the towel. Let it set, remove the towel and scrape.

One method that may help you remove linoleum, then, is to heat it. Select a very inconspicuous area, such as behind a door, to try it. Heat the adhesive with a hair dryer and scrape it up with a straight-blade scraper (such as a stiff putty knife with a beveled edge). Push the scraper in the direction of the grain of the wood if you are uncovering a hardwood floor. Keep a pan or some other container handy to drop the scrapings into -- one that is unlikely to either melt or ignite when coming in contact with hot materials.

You may wish to move up to using a heat gun after you become comfortable with this process. If so, be careful not to overheat the wood and char it. You should also know that using this technique may allow some of the softened mastic to flow into the joints between the floorboards. Keeping the heated area small, constantly moving the heat source and scraping as quickly as possible will all help improve the outcome.

It's virtually impossible to remove every bit of old adhesive from a hardwood floor, and too much scraping can easily damage the wood. Use the above methods to take away as much old adhesive as possible. Then, take a break to consider your next step. Some people choose to lightly sand away any remaining adhesive, while others use mineral spirits and turpentine to scrub it off. However you choose to clean your wood floors, remember this important final step: seal the wood to protect it before you lay any new adhesives or coverings.

Article Source: http://publisherscloninghouse.com

Contributor Ramona Mackgil enjoys writing for several online magazines, on home and family and home interior topics.
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