Removing Tar Paper Underlay From Old Floors

Tar paper is a heavy paper type material with a layer of tar on one side.

Placed on top of wood or cement floors, tar paper acts as a moisture barrier and usually covers old flooring before installing the new tiles or linoleum. The tar paper adheres to the old floor creating a strong bond. Before installing a new floor, you must remove the old underlay. Removing tar paper from old floors is a difficult process that takes time and hard work. However, with the proper tools you can safely remove the tar paper without damaging the wood.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Mineral spirits
• Small bucket
• Paint brush
• Putty knife
• Paper towels
• Lacquer thinner
• Cloths
• Acetone

Instructions

1. Open the windows in the room you are working in and put on rubber gloves. Pour mineral spirits in a small bucket. Saturate a paintbrush in the mineral spirits.

2. Brush the liquid directly on a small section of the tar paper until it is thoroughly saturated with the mineral spirits.

3. Scrape the saturated tar paper off the old floor with a putty knife. Wipe the putty knife clean with paper towels.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you have removed the tar paper off the floor. Saturate any lingering tar paper with lacquer thinner and wait 10 to 14 minutes before scraping with a paint scraper.

5. Remove any lingering adhesive with a cloth dampened with acetone. Rinse the floors with a clean, damp cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Always read and follow the directions and warnings when working with mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. Improper use may lead to safety hazards.

References

• WoodFloorDoctor.com: Removing Tar Paper from Hardwood Floors with Mineral Spirits
• Handyman USA: Wood Floor Q's & A's
• Reader's Digest: How to Really Use Nail Polish Remover