How to Reglue Linoleum Tiles

Lead Image for How to Reglue Linoleum Tiles
  • 2-10 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 20-500
What You'll Need
Linoleum tiles
Adhesive
Brush
Adhesive remover
Utility knife
Rag
What You'll Need
Linoleum tiles
Adhesive
Brush
Adhesive remover
Utility knife
Rag

Linoleum tiles can be an amazing asset to any home. They look great but are also inexpensive and easy to install. Linoleum is great for the kitchen or the bathroom. One big problem though is that they will sometimes come unglued after years of wear and tear. If you have had trouble with your linoleum tiles coming unglued, here are a few steps that you can take to remedy it:

Step 1 - Prepare

Before trying to reglue the linoleum, you will want to remove the old adhesive. You can layer on adhesive remover and then use a utility knife to scrape it off. Once you have gotten the adhesive off, you can use a rag to wipe it down. This step may have to be repeated several times, depending on how much glue there is on the old linoleum tiles and also how long it has been on there. Many times if the tiles are older and the glue has been on there for several years, you will have a problem removing it from the actual tile. You will also want to remove the glue from the floor as well. This can be done the same way like the back of the tile, but you will want to do this with much more care. You can always replace the tile, but the floor is much harder to fix if you nick or damage it in any serious way. Apply the adhesive remover directly to the floor and allow it to sit for a few minutes or the allotted time on the instructions. Then, use the knife to try to remove or pry the glue off. Again, you may have to repeat this step a few times, depending on how bad the glue is. Once it is off completely, take a warm damp rag and wipe down the floor. Allow both the floor and the tile to dry completely before trying to re-glue it as you may run into problems if you don't.

Step 2 - Glue

Once the back of the tile has dried, you can simply paint on a layer of adhesive making sure that it isn't too thick in any one spot. You want to make sure that you are painting the layer of glue on it evenly so that the tiles do not end up lopsided or uneven when you are finished.

Strep 3 - Press

Now that you have added the adhesive to the back of the linoleum tile, you will want to press it back to the floor and hold it. Be sure to give it a firm press for about 1 minute. Do one tile at a time, otherwise, the adhesive may dry on the back before you get a chance to adhere it to the floor. Allow about 24 hours or so before walking regularly on the flooring and a few days before mopping.