[facilitiesman]

I need to remove a large area of old vinyl adhesive from a concrete floor before I lay a new vinyl floor. In the past new vinyl adhesive was spread on top of the old adhesive. Over time old black adhesive bleed up between the joints. What is the best way to prepare the old floor before installing new tile? Thanks

[ballengerb1]

Are we talking about 12x12 tiles or sheet goods? That bleeding isn't the old stuff, it's the more recent adhesive. It may have been applied with a notched trowel that was to large for this type of adhesive, it should never bleed.

[facilitiesman]

12x12 tiles. I am not sure what trowel was used on the old floor. The new floor was laid with a 1/4" notched trowel. The adhesive was allowed to change from white to clear which indicated it was dry. The adhesive was purchased at Home Depot along with the tiles.

[ballengerb1]

I don't have your direction sheet but 1/4" trowel for vinyl tile is too thick in my mind. I have not done vinyl in quite some time but used a 1/4 trowel for ceramic and porcelin. Armstrong does recommend that you leave the old floor in place whenever possible, wish I knew that during the last project.

[facilitiesman]

Thanks for your time and help. I will use these recommendations on this floor.