I need to remove glue and backing of vinyl tile from unfinished oak stairs
I tried removing the glued vinyl tile on the steps (staircase). Some of the backing from the tile remains on this beautiful never finished oak steps. I called a refinishing co. and was told if they tried sanding it – it would only clog up there sanding machine and they can’t remove this. I do not know what glue was used. I do not remember what I have tried using in the past but I didn’t want to distroy the beautiful oak steps. There is 3 floors of this. Tried using a scraper somewhat and it didn’t really work. I remember trying to softening the glue and tried the scraper. Tried some other things but do not even remember what I have tried. Nothing seemed to work.
I ended up carpeting it.
I would really like to get the vinyl backing from the tile and glue off and have it sanded and polyurathined. Remember when this house was built it was never polyurathined. (but vinyl tiled glued down).
This was done because they moved in before the house was finished and this was the only way in and out at that time so they resorted to this. Now there is a back door but to late for sanding and polyurathine.
The teens in the area was breaking windows over and over on houses that was being built so after the house had a few sets of windows my parents moved in and didn’t know what to do with the floor. Not knowing what would remain when removing the tile..
So like to have it like it was supposed to be.
I would like to try again before recarpeting it.
I am also afraid of to much chemicals distroying the oak steps and risers.
Any suggestions would be great. thanks
I do not know if I am supposed to add my email?
Replies
A citrus based cleaner might work (Citrisolv is my favorite) and it's water soluble so I'm thinking it won't affect the oak too much, but I would try it on a piece of scrap oak first.
Heat, or paint remover.
I don't know what you mean by "afraid of too much chemicals distroying the oak steps and risers" -- most paint removers are intended for use on wood.
Though certainly the wood will be stained in any event. Whether it can be cleaned up enough for transparent finish is hard to say.
Heat gun
Most glues are thermoplastic so they will soften under heat.
Try your hair dryer first and scrape gently. If it works but too slow, go buy a heat gun
Yeah, and last resort would be a torch.
Hair dryer is unlikely to do the job, and some DIY-style hot air guns are really wimpy. You need a unit capable of starting fires.
Dan, Sometimes I wonder about you.
I did not say do the whole job with a hair drier, but it will confirm that this glue is thermoplastic or not.
I own four heat guns, some $15 and some $60 pro units. They all make the same heat and you would hae to work at iut to start fires with any of them.
I'd avoid the chemical route because some will seep into the wood grain and leave stains deeper and harder to sand out.
The floor refinishing company she talked to is not very pro if they are afraid of using a few extra sanding discs, IMO. The guys I have used just say sure and got to it, charging extra for that kind of work. I think she found someone too busy or who does not like the harder jobs and used an excuse.
Now put your torch away and calm down
Hmmm...
It looks like this place does not support writing in paragraphs anymore...