How to properly glue linoleum at joints: several ways

No flooring lasts forever. It wears out, and in order for the room to return to its fresh look, it will need to be replaced. The most common coating for this is linoleum, which is attractive due to its price, wear resistance, design and practicality. However, not everyone knows how to glue linoleum.

• Which is better to choose linoleum for an apartment?
• Where can you glue linoleum
• On concrete
• On a wooden floor
• To plywood
• Instructions on how to glue
• How to glue linoleum at joints: several methods
• Glue gun
• Soldering iron
• Hot welding
• Cold welding
• Adhesive mastic
• Overlay strip for linoleum
• Common mistakes when gluing
• Care instructions

You can glue linoleum to the floor yourself, without repair specialists. Before doing this, we recommend watching video tutorials in order to properly glue the material together and make the joints completely invisible and airtight.

This article is devoted to the rules for gluing linoleum so that it lasts for several decades. It covers:

• types of coverage;
• where can you glue;
• what glue for linoleum is needed in the work;
• methods of gluing at joints;
• recommendations for proper care.

Which is better to choose linoleum for an apartment?

Which linoleum is best for an apartment? Manufacturers produce two types of coating:

1. Natural. The classic type, which is made from a resin mixture, flax oil, wood flour, wax and other natural ingredients. All these fillers are mixed in construction mixers, turning into a viscous mass similar to dough. This mixture is rolled out onto a fabric base (for example, linen or jute). This coating is safe for health, environmentally friendly and expensive.
2. PVC. Household PVC linoleum is made from thermoplastics coated with a protective layer. Often the base is foamed PVC, while other brands have synthetic felt. Durable, resistant to mechanical damage, easy to maintain and resistant to moisture.

Advantages of adhesive installation

The main thing that sets linoleum apart from the spectrum of all finishing materials for flooring is its unpretentiousness. This coating is appropriate in rooms with high humidity, since the artificial material does not allow or absorb liquids. In addition, it is durable and wear-resistant, so it is suitable for public institutions and simply rooms where there are a large number of people. These qualities make linoleum an ideal floor covering. However, in order for all its advantages to be realized in practice, it is necessary to firmly fix the material to the surface.

Adhesive installation is the most preferred method of installing linoleum indoors. Experts note several key factors determining this choice:

• The appearance of waves on the surface of the coating. Laying linoleum using a non-glue method is only possible in small rooms up to 10 square meters. m. However, no one guarantees that after some time the coating will not begin to wrinkle. This occurs due to the deformation of the elastic material, which is not fixed to the surface. This process cannot be stopped, just as it is impossible to get rid of ugly waves, which not only spoil the appearance of the room, but are also simply inconvenient for residents. The only thing that can save you is re-upholstering the entire covering. Or you can initially install high-quality linoleum in a good and correct way. Then the coating will bring joy for many years. In addition, if during the installation process it is necessary to lay several strips of linoleum, for example, in a large room, then adhesive installation is the only acceptable option. Only he can prevent linoleum seams from spreading and surface distortion.

• Linoleum dries out over time. Very often, when laying the material in the usual way, that is, without fastening, ugly cracks appear at the joints near the walls or in the doorway. They are caused by the fact that linoleum loses moisture over time, becomes harder and decreases in volume. It is not possible to lay the coating with a reserve, so it is better to secure it around the perimeter and at the joints so that the need for repairs does not arise for as long as possible.
• Reduced service life. Due to the presence of air under the surface of loose linoleum, it is much easier to accidentally tear it. In addition, it tends to bend at joints or thresholds, which not only looks terrible, but also poses a potential danger, because it is easy to trip over the edge of the linoleum. Therefore, repair experts always recommend installing linoleum using glue. They also note that this technique can significantly extend the life of the coating.

• Economical. Linoleum itself is inexpensive. The same applies to its installation means: adhesive compositions are available to any budget.

Where can you glue linoleum

Before gluing linoleum, you need to choose the right coating. This material interacts with almost all floor surfaces, but there are some nuances.

Despite the compatibility of linoleum with most flooring materials, it cannot be glued with any glue. Adhesion will be strong only if the adhesive is chosen correctly.

On concrete

The material is compatible with concrete. The coating will last a long time and for at least five years. However, for this, the floor must be flat, without depressions or protrusions.

The main danger of a concrete floor is the presence of dust on it. It is this that impairs the adhesion of the glue, and the glued canvas will hold less firmly. Therefore, the main task of the master is to thoroughly clean the concrete from dust and debris.

On a wooden floor

It is less difficult to install the coating correctly on a wooden floor. It is easier to remove debris, dirt, and dust from wood, which means adhesion to it will be better.

We recommend sanding the wooden covering before laying linoleum. This will level the surface and remove the smallest imperfections.

To plywood

Plywood (PC) is a fragile material. It is not characterized by a high tendency to adhesion, so we do not recommend gluing anything to it.

But if sizing on the FC is still necessary, it must first be cleaned and dried. We recommend gluing it with a special compound or using liquid nails.

What to glue it with?

Water-dispersed

Adhesives of this type consist of aqueous emulsions of polymer resins to which various fillers are added. The benefits are tangible:

• the products are flexible and environmentally friendly (no toxins);
• no unpleasant odor;
• reliable fixation of linoleum on the floor surface, preventing possible shifts, creases, and twists.

The product is ideal for fixing linoleum on concrete floors. After drying, the composition does not interact with moisture and reliably seals joints with other surfaces and seams. Consumption per 1 square meter is minimal, plus the glue is frost-resistant. The average cost of one kilogram of the substance is 220-250 rubles.

Mastic

Promotes strong adhesion of artificial turf to concrete. There is its own classification of mastics:

• Bitumen - used for fabric-based canvases.
• Rubber - universal composition, priority of use - gluing baseless linoleums, the contact surface does not matter.
• Dispersive - the most effective for working with warm fleecy base.

Mastic has obvious advantages: it firmly fixes the base and hides small defects in the area being covered. It is mainly used for covering large areas; it additionally acts as a waterproofing layer, which is especially attractive to professional repairmen.

Reactive polymer compositions

Reaction adhesives are used in cases where it is necessary to reliably glue the coating to particularly difficult areas. The compositions are called “cold welding” and are used for the purpose of soldering joints and edges of fabrics. There are one-component (“open and use”) and two-component (use is preceded by mixing).

Reaction adhesives are suitable for:

• bathrooms;
• stairs;
• balconies (loggias);
• common corridors or other high-traffic areas;
• kitchens;
• premises used for commercial purposes (offices, shops).

Reactive polymer compositions are divided into two groups depending on their constituent components:

• Epoxy. Characterized by increased strength, but more toxic. The primary scope of application is outdoor work. Price - from 600 rubles per kilogram.
• Polyurethane. Universal, effectively contacts with any type of linoleum. Price - from 400-500 rubles per kilogram.

Before using reaction substances, be sure to thoroughly wash the floor - a dirty surface significantly reduces the adhesion rate. The only downside of glue is its rapid flammability. Installation work should be carried out with the utmost care.

So, we know what to glue linoleum to. Now you need to understand how to glue linoleum to the floor (concrete, wood).

Instructions on how to glue

How to lay linoleum correctly? You need to follow step-by-step instructions that describe in detail the principles of operation. This will help you avoid basic mistakes in your work.

The master, who is faced with the task of gluing linoleum, must choose one of several working methods. Their distribution is based on the type of adhesive used in the work.

Summarize

Based on the results of the article, we can conclude that it is possible to glue new linoleum over the old one, and you can do this on your own without the involvement of specialists. Now you know how to glue one canvas to another, and that there are adhesive compounds that can harm a person.

But in order to get a high-quality result of your installation work, it is important to choose the right adhesive composition, which is primarily responsible for the long-lasting service of the coating. If you don’t know which glue to choose, you can always turn this question to a specialist who will definitely advise the right option, because not every composition is capable of providing high adhesion to a particular base.

We hope that our article and detailed instructions about the process of installing a new coating over the old one will be useful to you, and you will get a high-quality result and new linoleum for a long time.

How to glue linoleum at joints: several methods

The main problem with this material is the likelihood of separation at the seams. Therefore, the master is faced with the question of how to glue linoleum at the level of its joints.

The most common method is fastening with thresholds made of plastic or aluminum. If this technique is not suitable, we recommend using hot or cold welding. However, there are alternatives to it.

Glue gun

This gluing machine is sold at any office supply or building materials store. It connects directly to the network, heating the adhesive composition.

The instructions are quite simple:

• the edges of the material are cut to the base and cleaned of dust;
• glue is filled into the gun and the tool is plugged into an outlet;
• the heated compound fills the joints;
• until it completely hardens, you can remove its remains;

The following mixtures can interact with the coating:

1. A is a universal option for sealing joining strips.
2. B – to restore the old coating. Effectively fills recesses and levels the surface.
3. C – for industrial use. Copes with joining polyester products.

Soldering iron

An outdated method, but it is still used by craftsmen. Suitable for removing a small number of small joints.

The soldering iron heats the edges of the canvas, they melt and connect to each other. The seam created after hardening can be carefully trimmed. An unpleasant drawback is the visibility of the seam, which often differs from the color of the coating. Therefore, this method is absolutely not suitable for light-colored coatings.

Hot welding

The seam can also be welded by hot welding. This method can only be used by specialists with experience in this type of work. It is more rational to use it if you need to eliminate seams in a thick coating.

For work, prepare the following equipment:

1. Construction hair dryer with heating attachment.
2. Cutters or milling machine.
3. Cords match the color of the coating.
4. Knife for removing residues.

We recommend choosing a hairdryer with significant power. Its task will be to heat the canvas to a temperature of 500-600 degrees Celsius. This device is equipped with a special sensor for temperature control.

The canvases are glued to the base using PVA to immobilize them. A hairdryer heats up the canvas, melting the joints and connecting them to each other as they harden. It must be remembered that the method is complex. It requires skills in working with hot materials.

Cold welding

This is one of the simple and effective ways to process edges. For him, stock up on the following equipment:

• transparent glue for welding;
• knife or scissors;
• masking tape.

Masking tape is applied to the front and back surfaces. The canvases are tightly fitted to each other, filling the seam. Then the product is allowed to dry for ten minutes, and the tape is removed. The composition will dry completely only after two hours.

Adhesive mastic

Applying mastic is the easiest method to seal seams. Upon contact with air, it hardens, forming a tight and durable connection.

The paste for gluing seams is practically harmless to use, but we recommend that the craftsman wear protective gloves. It is elastic, so it is easy to seal even the smallest joints.

Overlay strip for linoleum

Linoleum does not need to be glued. It can be connected with clamping strips made of metal or plastic. This creates a more aesthetic junction between materials with different structures. For example, this option is suitable for creating a transition between it and the laminate.

Overlay strips are the most successful solution for organizing a smooth transition between rooms and from one floor covering to another. They are inexpensive, easy to fix at the joint, even without preparation. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that such an overlay will protrude above the linoleum covering.

Surface preparation

One of the necessary conditions for proper operation concerns the plywood base itself. It is important that the floor remains stable, that is, the plywood is screwed on with self-tapping screws and lies there for several days (at least three). After which the linoleum is cut around the perimeter of the room with a temper and left for a couple of days. Only then do they glue the joints first and, if the situation requires it, the entire base of the linoleum to the plywood.

Pay attention to the temperature in the room; it must be maintained at more than 20 °C. The surface of the plywood is degreased and cleaned of dirt and possible dust. Particularly difficult in the gluing process are the joints. There are hard-wearing brands of flooring, designed mainly for interconnection. In these cases, precise markings of the canvases are made, and the linoleum is laid and smoothed with a roller onto the plywood.

Common mistakes when gluing

Incorrect gluing leads to poor-quality repairs. If the master does not follow the work algorithm, he has to figure out why the linoleum moves in waves and does not stay in place.

There are several reasons. This may be a poor-quality composition that no longer provides strong adhesion. Other problems may arise due to the fact that the surface was not properly cleaned before gluing. Any dirt or dust impairs adhesion and prevents the materials from bonding tightly.

Masters advise following these working rules:

• you need to work in rubber or latex gloves;
• it is advisable to use a mask or respirator;
• the adhesive seam must be uniform;
• there is no need to quickly remove excess - it is better to wait for the seam to dry completely so that it does not peel off;
• Having chosen the cold welding method, you need to make sure that the composition is driven deep into the seam.

Practical recommendations

In the process of work, several questions arise about the alternative and methods of gluing, that is, the sequence. We present some of them, since they are equally applicable to the surface of wood boards, for example, chipboard. Linoleum intended for cutting joints can be fixed with double-sided tape. In this case, only a covering with a uniform base is suitable, with the exception of felt and fabric types.

Where flooring panels are to be cut for joining, ensure that the base of the plywood is level. These may be damaged or chipped; they must first be puttied and allowed to dry completely. Otherwise, the glue at the joints may wrinkle and push the glued seam apart. The same applies to screws sticking out in the floor at the cutting points; installing linoleum on a plywood floor will be difficult, since it will be impossible to secure the joint evenly.

Requirements for choosing plywood

The area of ​​application of plywood can be determined by its grade. According to state standards, there are five grades of plywood, the gradation of grade affects the formation of the price - the higher the grade of the material, the higher the price.

In order to stay within your budget, you should determine what type of plywood you need to use before starting work.

The grade of plywood is determined based on the following criteria:

1. The material obtained during the process of setting up equipment for the production process is of low quality and contains defects. This type of plywood can be used as a subfloor and then covered with high-quality plywood. This plywood is determined by grade IV.
2. A material with fewer defects that cannot be used for finishing flooring is grade III plywood.
3. Material with cracks (up to 20 cm) is laid under linoleum, but with preliminary putty in the places of cracks - this is grade II plywood.
4. A material that can be used for any purpose, also as a finishing flooring, is grade I plywood (small cracks up to 20 mm are acceptable).
5. A high-quality material with a high degree of surface finishing, suitable not only for finishing flooring, but also for the manufacture of decorative elements - this is elite plywood E.

By marking plywood, you can determine its operational purpose. So, for arranging the flooring, urea plywood with the FK marking is used - a moisture-resistant material, environmentally friendly.

Taking into account price formation, products can be grouped into four types:

• Laminated;
• With double-sided processing (Ш2);
• With one-sided processing (Ш1);
• Unpolished.

The thickness of plywood ranges from 3-30 mm; 12-16 mm is used for flooring. If a large thickness of the flooring is required, lay it in several rows. The manufactured plywood products of the FK brand have dimensions of 1500x3000 mm.