How to Remove Linoleum & Tile Adhesive Paper From Wood Floors

Linoleum long has been one of the most popular floor surfaces. It is relatively inexpensive, which allows for frequent redecorating, and it's easy to maintain and keep clean. Tile is another easy-to-clean and easy-to-maintain floor covering. However, the one drawback to linoleum or tile adhesive paper is the gluey residue they leave behind once they have been removed. Removing either covering from wood floors requires some finesse but can be accomplished with the right tools.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Heat gun
• Hair dryer
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Mop
• Paint scraper

Instructions

1. Peel back a small section of the linoleum or tile adhesive paper to determine the direction of the wood grain underneath the floor covering. Peeling the floor covering off with the grain of the wood will reduce the chance of damaging the hardwood underneath.

2. Cut the linoleum with the wood grain, using a sharp utility knife, into 6-inch strips along the entire length of the floor.

3. Heat the floor covering with a heat gun or a hair dryer to soften the glue holding the linoleum or paper in place. Peel it off the subfloor slowly, pulling with one hand while continuing to heat the underside of the strip with the heat gun in the other hand.

4. Scrape off any remaining sections of gluey residue with a paint scraper. This is a delicate job, as putting too much pressure on the scraper will gouge the wood floor.

5. Sand the wood with a 220-grit sandpaper to remove the last of the adhesive and wash down the floor with a damp mop.

References

• Home Addition Plus: How to Remove Linoleum--Some Easy Guidelines