Q: Our contractor installed new hardwood floors with glue. Unfortunately, the glue got on the floors. How do we remove it without damaging the urethane finish?
A: He probably used a polyurethane adhesive such as Bostik’s Best. They actually have an adhesive remover that works quite well. Don’t let it spill between the boards. http://www.bostik-us.com/products/index.asp?fa=subCategoryPages&divisionId=2&categoryId=2&subCategoryId=49&subCategoryPageId=37
Similar Q: We recently had engineered wood flooring installed. The installers left without getting all the glue off and there is dried glue all over the floor. They cleaned it with denatured alcohol, but only got half of it off. Are they going to be able to get the dried glue off? The glue used is Urethane wood flooring glue. Also, I’ve heard that the denatured alcohol would take off the finish. Is that true? It does look hazy, but I’m not sure if that is from the glue or what.
A: Bostik makes a urethane adhesive remover. It will remove even dried adhesive. It would depend on the coating as to whether denatured alcohol would cause a problem. I don’t think it would remove the finish, but it might dull the finish if left on the floor too long. Go with the adhesive remover.
Another similar Q: There was a spot on our recently installed floor that had to be injected with glue. The installer didn’t do a very good job of cleaning up and there some residue of glue (like a film) on the floor. Any recommendation on what I can use to remove glue on hardwood floors? I tried using the Bona floor cleaner but it isn’t working. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
A: You can try a rag dampened with mineral spirits first. If that doesn’t work Bostik makes an adhesive remover. I think I might search out a less expensive solution first though considering you likely will only need a tiny amount. I’ve seen products at building centers such as “gunk” or “goo be gone”. Check out the info on those first.
Another Similar Q: I recently finished gluing an engineered hardwood floor. I cleaned up the glue along the way with mineral spirits, and got all of the glue up before it dried. However, everywhere the glue was rubbed off the surface there is a dull/dark smudge that I cannot get off. I’ve used mineral spirits, paint thinner and even rubbed it with WD-40 to remove any residue. It looked fine for a couple of days, and now the dark smudges are back. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
A: Is it at least possible that there is still a slight residue from the adhesive on the floor surface? Bostik makes an adhesive remover for urethane adhesives that work even when it has dried. You may want to try a small bottle of that followed by cleaning with a floor cleaner from companies such as Poloplaz, Boa-Franc, Bona and Basic Coatings. These cleaners won’t leave any residue of their own. I should ad that not all mineral spirits are created equal. Some are recycled and contain contaminants of their own. Companies such as Poloplaz sell ‘virgin mineral spirits’.
Similar Q: We just had Monarch plank flooring installed (engineered) on a concrete slab. The installer left glue all over the floor. How do I get it off?
A: I’m sorry to hear that. The installer should come back and remove it himself. Seriously. I assume he has used a polyurethane adhesive. In which case Bostik does make an adhesive remover. Look up Bostik-Findley and see if they can direct you where to purchase it. Wood flooring retailers should or may carry it. Never mind. I looked it up for you: http://www.bostik.com/us/Bostik-products/21003
Related Q: A terrible non-professional installer put in my pre-finished hardwoods. He didn’t wipe up the 1408 glue as he went and now the brand new floor looks dirty and nothing gets this stuff off. What can restore my floors to the way they looked when they came out of the box?
A: I don’t know who manufactured this adhesive or what type it is. I do know that Bostik makes a really good adhesive remover for polyurethane adhesives. Or you may have to contact the adhesive manufacturer to find out if they have such a product. If not, the damaged boards will either have to be replaced or the entire floor sanded and finished, which would be the least desirable approach at this stage because the bevels will have to be removed in the process, and that is an expensive process.