removing sheet vynl - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Rx8 · 03-09-2009, 08:21 PM

Alright so im removing sheet vynl from 6
different floors in this rehab house, and
they all pull right up, but the bottom
sticks to the slab from the glue I immagine.
I've been soaking it with lots of water and
using my 6'' drywall knife to scrape it up,
I was wondering if theres any tips you
flooring guys know of that would speed
up the process. Thanks for any advice.

SLSTech · 03-09-2009, 08:27 PM

A 4" scraper (not the cheap ones either) & elbow grease

Like the ones seen here http://www.tiletool.net/Floor_Scrapers.asp

Not sure how one of those electric ones will work

rusty baker · 03-09-2009, 08:41 PM

Dull the blade a little. If it's too sharp it will dig into the floor underneath.

mdshunk · 03-09-2009, 08:47 PM

I see these guys using a long handled scraper that you hook up to an air hose. Sorta like a really long air chisel, but with a scraper blade on the end. I have no idea what you call it, but it works like the cat's backside.

EDIT>... I just Googled "pneumatic floor scraper", only to find out the thing is called a pneumatic floor scraper.

PrecisionFloors · 03-09-2009, 09:43 PM

Cut it into 4" strips first. Less surface area to fight with = easier removal. If its still a night mare, pull the wear layer off first and then soak the floor with warm water for about 20 minutes, should come up easy. I usually only have to use a stand up 4" razor scraper. If it is a huge amount, consider renting a take up machine for 4 hrs.

Rx8 · 03-09-2009, 10:06 PM

Alright sounds good I appreciate the advice!

boman47k · 03-19-2009, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrecisionFloors

Cut it into 4" strips first. Less surface area to fight with = easier removal. If its still a night mare, pull the wear layer off first and then soak the floor with warm water for about 20 minutes, should come up easy. I usually only have to use a stand up 4" razor scraper. If it is a huge amount, consider renting a take up machine for 4 hrs.

Does warm water work as well as the stuff you can buy off the shelf? O'Henry comes to mind.
If anything like wp removal I suspect it might, except the wp adhesive is not as heavy as some flooring adhesive.

PrecisionFloors · 03-20-2009, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boman47k

Does warm water work as well as the stuff you can buy off the shelf? O'Henry comes to mind.
If anything like wp removal I suspect it might, except the wp adhesive is not as heavy as some flooring adhesive.

May not work quite as well....but there ain't nothing there to cause a bond problem later either

MALCO.New.York · 03-20-2009, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boman47k

Does warm water work as well as the stuff you can buy off the shelf? O'Henry comes to mind.
If anything like wp removal I suspect it might, except the wp adhesive is not as heavy as some flooring adhesive.

Henry makes mastic and other adhesives...........As do they make removers.

Is this who you meant???

boman47k · 03-20-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

Henry makes mastic and other adhesives...........As do they make removers.

Is this who you meant???

Yes, I was referring to the removers.
I hadn't thought of what Precision mantioned. I guess that would entail very good rinsing.

I have use dit once on a concrete floor, but it really did not impress me.

floorinstall · 03-20-2009, 12:03 PM

Once the wear layer is removed soak the floor with odorless mineral spirits and let it soak for about 20 minutes and the scrap. This has always worked great for me. If the felt backing starts to dry before you get to it reapply the mineral spirits. The felt back must be wet to scrap it off.