Sanding is an acceptable and effective method for removing glue or adhesive from a floor surface. It specifically utilizes very coarse sandpaper to tackle the stubborn adhesive.
Using Coarse Sandpaper for Glue Removal
When dealing with glue on floors, especially old or dried adhesive left after removing previous flooring materials, standard sandpaper grits may not be effective and will quickly become clogged.
Based on professional practice, it is perfectly acceptable to sand that adhesive off the floor. This is precisely what those really coarse sandpapers, such as 12-grit or 16-grit, were designed for.
What to Expect When Sanding Glue
- Gumming Up: Be prepared for the sandpaper to gum up quickly. This is a common occurrence when sanding adhesive.
- It's Normal: As the reference states, yes, they will gum up; that is a solution, not a problem! This means that while it happens, it indicates the sandpaper is working by abrading and heating the glue, causing it to stick to the paper. You simply need to change the sandpaper sheets frequently.
Using such low grit numbers means the abrasive particles are large and spaced far apart, which helps them cut through the adhesive without immediately becoming smooth.
Steps for Sanding Glue
- Choose the Right Grit: Select a very coarse sandpaper grit, specifically 12-grit or 16-grit.
- Prepare the Area: Ensure the floor is clear of debris. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a dust mask and eye protection. Ensure good ventilation.
- Attach Sandpaper: Load the coarse sandpaper onto your chosen sanding tool (e.g., a drum sander for large areas, an orbital sander for smaller spots or edges).
- Begin Sanding: Start sanding the areas with glue residue. Apply steady pressure and move the sander consistently across the surface.
- Monitor the Sandpaper: Observe the sandpaper. As it removes glue, it will become coated and less effective – this is the "gumming up."
- Replace Sandpaper: Frequently stop and replace the gummed-up sandpaper with fresh sheets. This is crucial for efficient glue removal and preventing the sander from merely rubbing over the glue instead of cutting it.
- Continue Sanding: Repeat the process, changing sandpaper as needed, until the glue is removed and the floor surface is prepared for the next step (which might involve moving to finer grits to smooth the floor if refinishing, or preparing it for new flooring).
By using extremely coarse grits, you effectively cut through the sticky adhesive layer. While you will use a significant amount of sandpaper due to the gumming issue, this method is a direct and accepted way to deal with glue residue through sanding.
