How do I remove or cover old black adhesive found under sheet vinyl?

Question

I have a contractor coming in to install new ceramic tile in my basement bathroom. To save some money, I stripped up the old sheet vinyl from the floor. I have found that it was glued directly to the concrete slab of my basement using a very gooey black adhesive. My new contractor says that this must be removed or covered by "embossing" it before he can put the tiles down. I have no idea how to remove the black adhesive and the only "embossing" products I can find online are sold wholesale....

So my question is: is there a way to remove this adhesive completely without pouring new embossing concrete over the top of it? Can I just put Kilz over it or will that cause a problem when they try to put the mastic for the tile over the Kilz?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I used Goof Off, on a wood floor to remove the adhesive, it worked great. Get the gallon size at Lowes. I also bought a spray bottle to spritz it or loosen the top and spill some out. I didnt want to spill the whole gallon. Lay a rag down, saturate with goof off, let sit about 5 minutes, move rag to new section. Use a 3-4 inch razor scraper, and it comes right off. wipe the razor, scrape again. You can also use a putty knife. Keep a bucket handy for the black gooey stuff. Splash a little more goof off on a rag and wipe the floor. Move to the next section This stuff if very strong smelling, open the window, and no smoking, get the kids and pets out. It will actually take the goo out of the grainof the wood , if use use the rag with the grain.

If a product is available wholesale, get the contracter to order it for you, or go the the special order desk at Lowe's.

Answer 2

I did the same thing myself. It takes some work but what I did, was use a heat gun and a trowel to scrape up as much as possible. Then I came back with a gun cleaner. The active ingredient in this is 1,1,1 Trichloroethylene, which is a very good solvent The brand I used is called Gun Scrubber made by Birchwood Casey. You can find similar stuff at any sporting goods store.

I put down the tile myself and the grout has held for more than ten years with no problem.

It sounds to me like your contractor is trying to inflate the cost. I would clean the floor as described and then ask the contractor again. If he sticks to his story, then tell him you will find another contractor. He will probably "discover" that he can lay the tile down just fine after all.

Answer 3

you can remove it using adhesive remover... this can be found at ACE Home Depot Lowe's etc.
You can also rent a tool from HD that looks like a spade on a long pole with a blade at the end, you run it at a 45 degree angle to the floor and it will help remove the mastic.

If using the chemical method of removal note that these items are very flammable, so follow the directions accordingly.
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Check out the website below it will answer many of your questions and you may want to talk to your contractor about the substrate and the use of mastic.

Answer 4

Be careful. Depending on when your house was built, the mastic may contain asbestos. If this is the case, you should contact a remediation specialist first. The best way to deal with residential asbestos is to encapsulate (cover) it.

If your house is newer, (1980's +) then try using a glue solvent. You should be able to get some at any hardware store.

Answer 5

the acid in white vinegar will nuetralize the adhesives in the tar emolsion adhesive that your referring to. pour it on, let it sit, scrub and let dry. sweep up the residue. clean the floor your contractor should be good to go

Answer 6

this can be removed by using any of the petro product like diesel or petrol or kerosine or any of the ketones like acetone u need to soak it for a while and then scrape it off/ peel it rather than scrubbing