Is this Bitumen Paint on floorboards?

[Nathanlowe25]

Planning on sanding my floorboards but unsure if there is Bitumen paint on them?

How should I remove any paint first?

 

[Odds]

Planning on sanding my floorboards but unsure if there is Bitumen paint on them?

How should I remove any paint first?

Unlikely, but check with a piece of sandpaper on a corner to see how it looks. Usually you can soften bitumen a little by rolling it between thumb and forefinger, then flicking it away like a booger.

 

[robinbanks]

If it is, consider getting it tested for asbestos content before going at it with a sander

 

[jj4091]

Looks more like staining from old underlay or rubber backed carpet to me.

 

[Munroast]

rub it with some white spirit, if it is bitumen it ill soon dissolve into that brownie colour. you will still have to sand it afterwards though.

If it is, consider getting it tested for asbestos content before going at it with a sander

asbestos in Bitumen, or the floor boards ? seems unlikely but may be i'm missing something
.

 

[robinbanks]

Mixed into the bitumen

 

[JohnD]

No.

 

[foxhole]

Just sand it.

 

[SFK]

Not just because of the (small) chance of Asbestos.
But more because that wood dust is also bad for you.
Recommend on you using a good/excellent dust mask (and not just a paper one)
Recommendation (because the price is currently good) is this, but others avalilble:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ForceTM8-Respirator-Complete-PressToCheckTM-Filters/dp/B00ZCOFHM0/

 

[Nathanlowe25]

Think it was just dirt and grime.

Came off with a bit of white spirit and scrubbing with a wire brush.

 

[Munroast]

Mixed into the bitumen

I never knew they did that 1920s - 1990s! - thanks - I will remember.

supposed to be low risk of release, but if sanding it!

still using it in 1992 - how odd.