my boss wants to remove floor tiles and stain the cement floor underneath the tile, what is a easy way to remove the old tile
well the fastest way is to rent a vibrating floor stripping machine half day will cost the company about 45 dollars. if you have a rental place near by. the vinyl tile can be set pretty good in places. then if you have a low speed buffer mop a coat of water on the floor and use a screen for the bottom of it (it looks like expanded metal. along with the water it will take the glue right up. i would recommend not using solvents expecially if ventalation is an issue. the rental store can fix you up with 1 of the screens. if for some reason you cant find the screens a course floor pad will work but not as well good luck :0)
There is no easy way, just some ways that aren't quite as difficult as others. Get a floor scraper from HD or Lowe's. Also get a stiff putty knife and a torch. Use the knife and torch to start an area, then pop the rest of the tiles off with the floor scraper. Next, you will need to remove the adhesive. Use the torch to soften the glue, then scrape it off with the putty knife. Once you get the majority off, you can use adhesive remover, which is available at most tile stores, to get the rest off. If you can, use a sander on the floor to remove any traces of the adhesive before staining. Hope this helps.
It's according to your budget, the size of your arms and the shape your back is in. A 2 1/2 wide masons chisel and a 4 lb hammer will get it done about as fast as you can do it, if your body is up to it. If you have an air compressor you can buy an air chisel at Big Lots, Walmart, etc., for around 20 bucks and that will get the job done, along with the first answer for the real stubborn places as easy as you are going to do it. It will take at least a 2 or 3 hp compressor. Check the cubic feet per minute on both it and the chisel. I have done it using both when the compressor really wasn't large enough. When it runs low on air, grab the hammer and let the pressure build up. One last bit of info. Get you a little creeper seat or build you one that keeps your tail about 8 to 12 inches above the floor. You DO NOT WANT TO BE DOING IT ON YOUR KNEES. If you are a young buck like I used to be, when you get to be an old man like I am now, you will pay for it. Trust me, I am on disability now because of what I used to think was OK to do. Your body only has so many miles for it. Keep the speed down, if you know what I mean. Save something for the good times. And yes, mastic is glue. Good to put down but the worst to get back up.
Wear okorder /... you will also need lots of rags and ventilation. I hope you meant vinyl tiles?
