I’m taking up linoleum from concrete floors, There is so much gum left that I almost lost my shoes. I’m glad I didn’t fall flat, I’d still be there.
What is the best way to remove this stuff, does anyone have a magic bullet?
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Mix gasoline and powdered laundry soap. pour over the area, and light with match. The fire won't go out for a century or two. By then, someone else will have to worry about it.
I would guess that this flooring was put down with some sort of petroleum based adhesive. Try testing with things like paint thinner, naptha, kerosene, etc... and see what might get it to disolve enough to wipe up.
could you cover it up with something? 1/4" luan pehaps?
Curly
Restoring the past for the future.
Somewhere in the garage is a gallon can of 'flooring adhesive solvent/remover'.
Don't know the brand but it's common stuff, just gotta go to the right place.
I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
paint thinner / turpentine and a self wringing mop that you will be trashing....
ventilate...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
The last time I remember trying to remove this type of gummy stuff, the hard part was not softening or dissolving it , but getting it up before the solvent evaporated, and all I had managed to do was move it around a little bit. I think I found that sprinkling it with sawdust to give it some body was what I ended up doing. I was hoping there was something better though. I have about 800 sq. ft. to clean.
There's some stuff out there that's made from soybeans, specifically to remove adhesives like you're talking about- but for the life of me, I can't remember the name of the stuff. There was a thread here at BT about it awhile back, so maybe a search on "adhesive remover" or something??
Bob
Had a spare minute, so I went and found the thread. The stuff is called "Bean E Doo" and can be ordered from the website below. It's $25 for a gallon (good for 200-250 SF) or $80 for five gallons.
http://www.franmar.com
Good luck,
Bob