How to remove the black glue from a concrete floor in the basement. We removed the tile, which was buckling and now we are left with a black, uneven mess. We would like to just paint the floor. Please help.

We had flooding in our basement and had to have it cleaned up and renovated under our insurance policy. I don't use my basement for a living area, just storage. The renovators removed the old tile (there was residue from the old black glue) and at my request just painted it all gray. It looks good and clean and tidy.

I would be afraid the old black stuff would bleed through before long. See if liquid cooking oil will soften it up. Wipe some on a small section and see if it softens it up. If not, you could try brake fluid. Although the brake fluid is toxic, neither produces fumes or evaporates. Both will require a good cleaning before painting.

You can go two routes:

1) a solvent, as labman suggested. What works for you will differ since there were so many kinds of mammy used.

2) Dry ice. It won't care what type of adhesive it is. It will freeze it and make it brittle enough to scrape off.

Regardless of the method you choose, you'll then want to use something like this to remove the offending adhesive:

http://www.thetiledoctor.com/ewebedi...s/DCP02753.JPG <~~ long handled floor scraper, which utilizes a razor blade

Just keep in mind that mastic was not created with "ease of removal" in mind. It's a nasty job and there's no easy fix, but you can do it.

Final note: It is suggested not to attempt to glue another floor down after this. I have never tried myself, but it's said that the remnants of the old adhesive absorbed into the concrete will mesh with the new and cause failure. It's suggested that you lay a new subfloor down.

Thanks,
Json

What is the best product on the market today for removing hardwood flooring glue?