Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 11, 1999 04:46am | #4

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   I had to stop my kitchen remodel last year, short of time and money. The last thing to install is the vinyl floor. My question is how to prepare the plywood underlayment that has a year's worth of living on it. In short, what would be the best preparation I can do to insure a good bond between the flooring and the plywood. My concern is primarily around the stove, due to cooking spatter and the like.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 07, 1999 07:52am | #1

   *First of all, the vinyl does not go onto the plywood subfloor for a variety of reasons. Use an underlayment, like OSB stapled to the subfloor. This will give you a nice, flat floor for laying the vinyl. Second, quick, change your mind and go with tile. Just a joke, son.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jan 07, 1999 08:50am | #2

   *I hate to disagree (well not really) but do not use OSB or staples. Your underlayment should be 1/4" luan nailed to your subfloor with (go figure) underlayment nails. These nails are about 1 1/4" with a flat head and a barbed/ring shank.As for bonding your tile to the floor there are products on the market for this. They are floor primers. This is not a paint but rather a clear or milky coating which can be rolled on. Once dry it seals your underlayment to reduce absorption of moisture from your adhesive by the wood underlayment and it also dries to a lightly tacky finish for that extra bond. I have had wonderful results with it but don't specifically recall the product's brand name. just explain to your flooring supplier and I'm sure they'll know.Dont try to install your tile over those greasy spots. I do not believe you will be able to remove the grease from the wood and I don't think you will ever get a decent long lasting bond in that area. Although, if you're hell bent on installing over your existing surface then try cleaning the grease with mineral spirits and then perhaps a coat of Kilz or Bullseye should be applied to the entire floor surface before applying your tile to it.Have fun,Pete Draganic

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   Guest_ | Jan 07, 1999 08:55am | #3

   *Rich, the plywood is firmly down and never coming up in my lifetime. I used a Solid Face Welded Core ply as underlayment on top of fir t&g underlayment.

1. 
   tim_ | Jan 11, 1999 04:46am | #5

   *don't use osb or laun. and whatever you do don't nail the subfloor, staple with 7/8 or longer underlayment staples. i suggest using 1/4" birch underlayment. its harder than laun,and has no color in the product to bleed thru the vinyl.staple every 2-3" at the seams and 4-6" thru the field.i have been in the retail flooring business 20plus years and have installed flooring too.