How do I remove dry vinyl tile adhesive?

Question

I had to leave a vinyl floor tiling job at my cabin before I could put tile over some of the Henry's adhesive. What will be the best method of softening the adhesive to finish the job? Heat or thinner? The places are the small filler pieces around the walls.

Answer 1

if the tile is VCT, heat the back of the tile with a torch and press into adhesive. this will heat the adhesive and bond it to the tile.

Answer 2

scraping is the only way I know

Answer 3

This is tricky because it sounds like you have some tiles next to it that you do not want removed.  If you were doing the whole floor, then it would be another story.

I recently removed vinyl flooring from a concrete slab.  I used a steamer and a scraper to get the adhesive up.  This would probably damage or loosen the adjoining tiles for you, though.

I would try adding a little bit of very hot water mixed with vinegar, and scrape like heck with a narrow scraper.  If this doesn't work for you, I'd consider a chemical adhesive remover.  I've heard people say that product called Krud Kutter will remove the last bit of residue.

You may want to check with a flooring shop.  Be sure to tell them what the floor underneath is made of (concrete, plywood, etc.) because that would make a difference in your method.

Happy scraping.