Want a new kitchen floor but old one is stuck

[redrabbit]

Got a new house recently and it's my first one and I know virtually nothing about DIY.

The kitchen floor is vinyl and is grubby and worn. When i've tried to peel it off (just spent a few minutes trying), it's virtually impossible to remove, and when I do get some off, it comes off in small bits.

It covers most of the floor, and I'm willing to floor over it, but obviously it will be uneven if the old floor is partially removed as it is now.

There must be a process for this, how would I make sure I lay it all even, or whats the best way to go about doing this?

 

[dazlight]

Is the adhesive yellow, it could be f3 which would be a nightmare to get up. You be best hiring a Bully stripper.

 

[redrabbit]

Not sure what colour it is - will check when I get home.

Is it possible to just go over the old floor?

 

[dazlight]

What vinyl are you laying over the top?

 

[redrabbit]

No set plan for new flooring.

Not much money so something on the cheaper side, don't mind what though

 

[dazlight]

If your putting a loose lay vinyl down you can get away with more.
But if your not taking the tiles up then prime the floor with a good floor primer and put it on neat.
Then screed the floor with a good bag and bottle screed like f.ball green bag or ardex NA.

 

[JohnD]

what is the floor made of under the vinyl? Chipboard? Concrete?

 

[redrabbit]

I think it's concreate under there.

I saw those tools in wicks that are like a chisel but specifically for leverin up vinyl. I may try that

 

[dazlight]

Has the floor got a damp proof membrane under it?
How old is the floor? Pre 1965?

 

[mattysupra]

sharp scraper and it should come up. Not a tiny scraper, i sharp 6" blade one.


Going over the top is a option depending on what. Laminate flooring for instance or you could use a isolator membrane and then a vinyl product.

You need to stop the the two vinyl products coming in contact with each other other wise they can react.

A smoothing compound is dangerous here dependent on what sort of product your going over. Really you want it scraped down to a fine adhesive base and then NA ardex as suggested. But be aware that the compounds strength is only as good as the bond of the adhesive

If it is a F3 , F44 (carpet , vinyl) adhesive then NA screed can react with these causing them to soften.