Removing Asphalt Tile Adhesive from Wood Flooring
by Michigan State University on Apr 27, 2012
If asphalt tile has been installed over a wood floor and is removed to finish the wood floor naturally, the black adhesive from the tile is difficult to remove.
How To Remove Asphalt Tile Adhesive:
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Get a gallon of solvent with no oil in it at the hardware;
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Check the label and if flammable then be very sure no flame or spark in the room or any adjoining rooms as fumes can travel;
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Do only when windows can be open for ventilation;
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Apply solvent to the adhesive and let stand until adhesive softens;
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Scrape off as much adhesive as possible;
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Repeat process;
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After almost all is removed, sand floor to remove the last residue.
This is hard, time-consuming work, and dangerous unless all cautions in using solvent are followed carefully.
Check with a flooring center store to see if they have any newer products that are easier to use to remove the adhesive.
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