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Question:

Can you install ceramic tile over self adhesive vinyl tile?

Our kitchen has vinyl tile squares from the 70‘s for the floor. Underneath that is terrazzo (sp?) and nothing else. They are proving to be a massive pain in the butt to remove so I was wondering if we even really need to. They are very thin and very stuck. Can we just skip tearing them out and go ahead with the new ceramic tile install?

Answer:

Even the thinnest vinyl tiles will allow some flexing will cause the tiles to pop off. You might be able to lay some cement backing board on the vinyl, you're going to have to put it down anyway.
No, you are asking for trouble to consider leaving the vinyl tiles. I might suggest that you get a heat gun or use a regular iron with a dampened towel to help remove the vinyl tiles first.
My vinyl floor was really stuck too, so when I wanted the floor tiled, the tilers just cut plywood to screw into the floor on top of the vinyl, then installed the tiles. Ceramic on top of vinyl is a no-no.
your answer is NO .. you must remove the vinyl tiles and then you can use solvent to remove the left over glues and then you float with a concrete type product to level the floor and when that dries you are ready to grout and install the new tiles ...
Lowe's will sell you a scraper on a long handle (replaceable blades on the good one) with a 10 inch or so width. Heat with a torch, then scrape up. Worth doing it right, if worth doing at all. If you put tile over laminate, you'll be really mad at yourself when you have to remove tnd throw away all that money and work a year or so from now.

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