Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500142
06/24/03

Removing Asphalt Tile Adhesive


If asphalt tile has been installed over a wood floor,
and is removed in order to finish the wood floor
naturally, the black adhesive from the tile is difficult
to remove.

To remove it:
1. Get a gallon of solvent with no oil in it at the
hardware;

2. Check label and if flammable then be very sure no
flame or spark in the room or in any adjoining rooms as
fumes can travel;

3. Do only when windows can be open for ventilation;

4. Apply solvent to adhesive and let stand until adhesive
softens;

5. Scrape off as much adhesive as possible;

6. Repeat process;

7. After almost all is removed, sand floor to remove last
residue.

This is hard, time consuming work, and dangerous unless
all cautions in using solvent are followed carefully.

Check with a flooring center store to see if they have
any newer products that are easier to use to remove the
adhesive.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from the MSU
Maintenance and Floor Center.

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