Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Without the help of chemistry
• Method 2 of 3: Using chemical solvents
• Method 3 of 3: Using a scrubber drier
• Tips
• What do you need

Mastic is a resin-based adhesive used for laying tiles and other materials. Despite the fact that the mastic cannot be removed quickly, this task is quite feasible if you make enough effort or use chemicals. You should know that old mastic often contains asbestos.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Without the help of chemistry

1. 1 Soak the mastic in hot water. This method works only on some types of mastic that are often found in new homes. Be that as it may, this method should not be neglected, as wetting the mastic will make other methods safer. Over the next 20-60 minutes, the mastic will begin to soften.
   • To enhance the effect of hot water, mix it with vinegar or lemon degreaser.
   • Old black mastic may contain asbestos. To prevent hazardous dust from spreading when you remove the mastic, it (the mastic) must remain moist.
2. 2 Scrape off the mastic. Once the mastic is wet, remove it with a hammer and chisel. If it becomes soft, scrape it off with a wide spatula.
   • To avoid having to constantly bend over to remove the mastic from the floor, use a long-handled scraper.
3. 3 Do not overdo it with a building hairdryer. Some modern mastics and those containing linseed oil soften when heated. But they are also flammable. Wear heat-resistant gloves and do not heat individual areas of the mastic for more than a few seconds at a time. Then scrape off the mastic with a spatula.

Method 2 of 3: Using chemical solvents

1. 1 Buy a mastic remover. You can find it both on the Internet and in a hardware store. One liter of the product costs more than 300 rubles. Citric or acetic acid products are safer than their counterparts.
   • If you need to remove mastic from wood floors, select a product that is specifically designed for use on wood. Excessive chemical solvents can make it difficult to re-install tiles on the floor.
2. 2 Open all windows and doors. The room must be well ventilated. While the chemical reaction is going on, try to be indoors as little time as possible.
   • Examine the solvent label for more detailed safety instructions. Some products cannot be used without a face mask.
3. 3 Apply a thin coat of mastic solvent. If possible, fill a spray bottle with solvent or rub it into the mastic with a mop. If the mastic is over the wood floor, use a rag.
   • Start at the far corner of the room and move towards the door. Clean your shoes whenever you go outside.
4. 4 Wait for the mastic to dissolve. Wait as long as indicated in the instruction manual. This can take from 1 to 12 hours, depending on the solvent and mastic.
5. 5 Cover it with cat litter (optional). It will absorb liquid and facilitate subsequent cleaning.
6. 6 Scrape off the mastic. Put on gloves and scrape off any remaining mastic. To do this, take a sharp scraper or spatula. Place the pieces of mastic in a bucket for disposal at a hazardous waste disposal facility.
   • Or run the scrubber with a black 3M brush at 175 rpm. If you use it differently or let the floor dry, you risk being exposed to asbestos.
7. 7 Repeat the same steps with another thin layer. Apply another thin coat of solvent to remove any remaining mastic. Wipe the area with a mop or brush.
8. 8 Wipe off liquid with rags or other absorbent materials. Throw them away with mastic and other hazardous waste.
   • Rent a vacuum cleaner for larger rooms.
9. 9 Clean up after yourself. Clean the floor with an industrial cleaner or detergent. Let it dry completely before laying new material.

Method 3 of 3: Using a scrubber drier

1. 1 Check the floor for asbestos. Old black mastic may contain asbestos, which is harmful and deadly to inhale. Attempts to break up the hardened mastic will pollute the air with asbestos fibers, making this method much more dangerous than the chemical method described above. Find specialists who can test the mastic.
   • If the presence of asbestos is confirmed, do not use this method as it violates basic workplace safety regulations. See a professional or use a chemical method.
2. 2 Wear protective clothing. Even in the absence of asbestos, protection should not be neglected. Wear safety goggles, paper mask and work gloves.
   • If asbestos has been detected, we strongly recommend that you abandon this method. If you are going to continue anyway, wear a heavy-duty respiratory mask, safety goggles, and disposable rubber gloves. Put on old clothes that you won't mind throwing away. Shut off air circulation to other rooms.
3. 3 Take out the rotary scrubber. It can be rented from any tool rental service. It is also called a floor polisher.
   • A parquet grinder will work too, even if you use it without a special nozzle for removing mastic. If you are worried about your floor, ask the rental service about the effect of the sander on wood surfaces.
4. 4 Attach the mastic remover. This is a round nozzle that attaches to the scrubber drier. At the base of the nozzle, there are several blades for cutting mastic.
   • It is unlikely that your hardwood floors are in danger, but it is better to double-check with a tool rental service.
   • Use a nozzle to remove grout from the concrete surface. Most importantly, avoid titanium tips as they can melt the mastic and create a mess.
5. 5 Pull the nails out of the floor. Nails, bolts, and staples can damage the equipment. Pull them out of the floor with a nailer.
6. 6 Wet the floor (optional). Lightly wet the mastic. This will reduce the dust cloud.
   • To avoid the risk of electric shock, use an earth fault breaker. It will de-energize the circuit in the event of a short circuit.
7. 7 Place the machine on the floor. Turn on the machine. Place it over the mastic. Walk slowly over the area several times. Travel speed should not exceed 9.3 square meters per hour.
   • Take short breaks to sweep up the peeled mastic. So you will immediately see where the mastic is still left.
8. 8 Apply a degreaser. The machine should remove almost all of the mastic. Apply a degreaser to the cleaned area. Wait 10 minutes or as long as instructed.
   • Read the cautions on the label before you buy your parquet flooring degreaser. Some products have a negative effect on wood.
9. 9 Wipe down the floor. Place a brush or sander on the scrubber. Switch on the machine and place it over the remaining mastic.
   • Or scrape them off with a spatula.
10. 10 Sweep the floor with a cleaning vacuum cleaner. Rent a vacuum cleaner with a scraper and remove the pieces of mastic. Then wipe the floor with soapy water and vacuum the floor again with a cleaning vacuum cleaner.

Tips

• The removed mastic should be disposed of as hazardous waste.

What do you need

• Hot water
• Gloves
• Mask
• Acetic or lemon degreaser (optional)
• Hammer and chisel, putty knife or scrubber
• Mop or spray
• Mastic solvent
• Rags or vacuum cleaner
• Using a scrubber drier:
• Professional asbestos inspection
• Scrubber drier
• Mastic remover
• Floor brush or trowel
• Washing vacuum cleaner
• Gloves
• Respirator
• Protective glasses
• Degreasing agent
• Mop
• Broom