We have just ripped up the old lino tiles from the kitchen and
underneath is, what was an attractive floor, now covered in crud!
It looks like polished stone chippings set in concrete and her indoors
likes it and does not want it covered up.
A. What type of material is it?
B. What is the best method of removing the remnants of lino/vinyl tile?
Thanks
John

"johno" wrote in news:1114291061.202806.25740
@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

We have just ripped up the old lino tiles from the kitchen and
underneath is, what was an attractive floor, now covered in crud!
It looks like polished stone chippings set in concrete and her indoors
likes it and does not want it covered up.
A. What type of material is it?
B. What is the best method of removing the remnants of lino/vinyl tile?

Could it be terrazzo?

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/dese...r/flrteraz.htm

If you do get it clean, you could try one of the emulsion polishes (usually
used on vinyl) to improve the looks.

I take it you mean that the lino/vinyl was actually stuck to the floor?
Rather you than me!

--
Rod

Hi Rod,
Yes it is Terrazo! thanks for that.
No the tiles had not been glued down as such, they where non slip so
had a tacky backing, just a few bits stuck here and there. It is mainly
the black lines where they used to be.
Thanks again

Hi
Yes it is Terrazo! thanks for that.
No the tiles had not been glued down as such, they where non slip so
had a tacky backing, just a few bits stuck here and there. It is mainly
the black lines where they used to be.

Terrazzo is made from marble chippings in a Portland cement matrix, it's
widely used in supermarkets and shopping malls. Incredibly durable given
the right treatment.

The residue from vinyl and adhesive will respond to a solvent like white
spirit, which won't affect the terrazzo. Scrub with a green scourer & rinse
well with water & detergent.

If the terrazzo is very dirty, a mild phosphoric acid scrub will bring it
back to life. Acid scrubs are a one off renovation. If it's not too bad,
try the following;

Beg, borrow or hire a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Mop the floor with a neutral
detergent, get it really wet and keep it wet for half an hour. The idea is
to soak the dirt out. After a while you should literally see the dirt
floating on top of the water.

Use the wet/dry vac to suck up the water & dirt, removing it from the floor.

Keep clean with a neutral detergent - terrazzo doesn't like any kind of
alkali.

Dave

Thanks Dave, will try out the White Spirit method, it is not bad enough
for an acid scrub, I don't think !
Cheers
John

johno wrote:

Hi Rod,
Yes it is Terrazo! thanks for that.
No the tiles had not been glued down as such, they where non slip so
had a tacky backing, just a few bits stuck here and there. It is mainly
the black lines where they used to be.
Thanks again


Try cellulose thinners (plenty of ventilation) and a scouring pad or
scrubbing brush.

Then reapply appropriate polish to stine, as this will leach out most
wax finishes.

On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:33:11 +0100, The Natural Philosopher
babbled like a waterfall and said:

johno wrote:

Hi Rod,
Yes it is Terrazo! thanks for that.
No the tiles had not been glued down as such, they where non slip so
had a tacky backing, just a few bits stuck here and there. It is mainly
the black lines where they used to be.
Thanks again


Try cellulose thinners (plenty of ventilation) and a scouring pad or
scrubbing brush.

Can you buy cellulose thinners in decent quantity and price now?
I thought they were a victim on an EU directive of a few years ago?
I hope you can.

EricP wrote:

On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:33:11 +0100, The Natural Philosopher
babbled like a waterfall and said:


johno wrote:


Hi Rod,
Yes it is Terrazo! thanks for that.
No the tiles had not been glued down as such, they where non slip so
had a tacky backing, just a few bits stuck here and there. It is mainly
the black lines where they used to be.
Thanks again


Try cellulose thinners (plenty of ventilation) and a scouring pad or
scrubbing brush.


Can you buy cellulose thinners in decent quantity and price now?
I thought they were a victim on an EU directive of a few years ago?
I hope you can.


Just need to go to a trade outlet, yes.