How you go about getting glue off a hardwood floor varies depending on what type of glue you're removing.
Things You Will Need
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Determine what type of glue you're working with. Two types of glue are commonly found on floors: carpet adhesive and tar-based glues. Carpet adhesive had a yellowish color, while tar-based glues are dark brown or black.
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Purchase the correct type of glue remover for your glue. Carpet adhesive requires a commercial adhesive remover, while tar-based glues require mineral spirits.
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Apply glue remover to the glue on the floor according to the instructions on the packaging. In most cases, you will spread a thin film of glue remover over the glue and wait a prescribed amount of time for the remover to soak in and liquefy the hardened glue.
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Scrape the glue off with a putty knife or similar flat-edged tool. Work with the grain of the wood. Reapply glue remover and scrape again as necessary.
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Let the floor dry for at least 24 hours with good ventilation before sanding or moving on to the next step of your refinishing project.
The Drip Cap
- Whether you've removed old linoleum, carpet or another flooring that was glued down over natural hardwood, removing the remaining layer of adhesive is a first step toward resurrecting the hardwood to a presentable degree.
- Determine what type of glue you're working with.
- Purchase the correct type of glue remover for your glue.