Mastic Sealer

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BobF,

Thank you for your helpful information. Could you clarify some things for me?

The tiles are 12” sq. and were installed some unknown time after the house was built in 1976. I inspected the tiles and I believe they are not self-stick and are not asbestos.

Under the tile is sheet flooring that I believe was installed when the house was built in 1976. I inspected the sheet flooring (and mastic) and I am assuming that while the sheeting may not be asbestos, the mastic-adhesive is black and I assume it is asbestos.

I am not really concerned with the asbestos danger. But, since this is a kitchen, I do want to make sure the new self-stick tiles will adhere securely. And, I am looking for the easiest and quickest way to replace this with the least work and mess.

You mentioned 3 options:

(1) Removing the residual mastic/adhesive with an 8’ razor floor scrapper.

Does it need to be kept wet to minimize the dust debris?
Does it need to be softened? If so, with what? (See #3.)

(2) A sealer that is applied with a trowel.

What is it called?
Would it be better than the JASCO brand Adhesive Primer, a liquid that is applied with a brush or roller?

(3) Removing the adhesive with a lacquer thinner.

Would a lacquer thinner do an adequate job?
Or would the JASCO brand Adhesive Remover be better?

After removing the adhesive (either #1 or #3), does the concrete slab need to be prepped (i.e., with a primer, like the JASCO brand Adhesive Primer, before applying the new self-stick tiles?

Thanks again.