An important question: can PVA glue be used for laying linoleum??

One question that comes up frequently is whether PVA glue can be used for linoleum installation. Polyvinyl acetate glue, or PVA glue, is a well-liked adhesive that works well for a variety of do-it-yourself projects. Experts disagree on whether it is appropriate for linoleum installation.

Typically, adhesives made especially for resilient flooring materials like linoleum are needed for linoleum installation. The robust bonding, flexibility, and durability that these adhesives are designed to offer are essential for guaranteeing the flooring’s longevity and functionality.

Although PVA glue works well for many home projects, it might not be the ideal option when installing vinyl flooring. The unique requirements of flooring applications, including variations in temperature, moisture content, and foot traffic, are designed to be borne by linoleum adhesives. The use of an appropriate adhesive can help avoid problems like premature lifting or gradual linoleum loosening.

Prior to beginning any flooring project, including installing linoleum, it is crucial to adhere to adhesive manufacturer recommendations. By following these guidelines, you can maximize the performance and longevity of your flooring by using adhesive that is compatible with the particular type and brand of linoleum being installed.

Is it possible to glue?

Generally speaking, specialty adhesives like "Bustilat" are required when installing linoleum (interestingly, "Bustilat" was utilized in the USSR). Nowadays, there are numerous acrylate compositions, two-component reaction mixtures, and synthetic glue variants.

Requirements

However, if it is decided to lay on PVA, you must know when to do so:

  • The room should not contain high humidity (otherwise our adhesive composition will simply fall behind the base of the floor and the coating will rise).
  • The base for gluing is preferably wooden (plywood, fiberboard, chipboard, OSB, etc.d.).
  • The load on the coating in relation to the daily foot traffic of people should be minimal (PVA is definitely not suitable for installing flooring in the kitchen, since a person spends about 6 hours of the total time spent in the apartment there).
  • Felt linoleum base.
  • Application of glue should be continuous or wave.
  • The type of PVA glue must be marked as construction.

To the base of the floor

Now, let’s look at the specifications that need to be met for the foundation floor when installing linoleum with the given kind of adhesive:

  1. Base material is wood (there are options for mounting on a concrete base; these are less preferable, we will consider them below).
  2. The base of the floor is motionless, without debris and foreign objects.
  3. The subfloor does not have:
  4. Cracks.
  5. Burr.
  6. Surges.
  7. Provalov.
  8. Gaps between slabs, boards.
  9. Dry coating.
  10. Primed for improved adhesion.

Linoleum

While selecting linoleum and getting it ready for installation, there are additional specifications for the rolled floor covering itself that are important to take into consideration:

  • Base material for the highest quality installation – felt, fabric.
  • The coating roll is rolled out and kept at room temperature for at least 5 days.
  • There are no bends or kinks on the linoleum planned for installation.

Glue

Naturally, there are also a number of specifications that are specific to the adhesive—polyvinyl acetate glue—that must be met:

  1. The type of polyvinyl acetate substance must be labeled as:
  2. Building.
  3. Universal.
  4. Extra.
  5. Super – M.
  6. Current expiration date.
  7. Good ductility.

Description and technical specifications

The following characteristics of the polyvinyl acetate adhesive composition make it appropriate for installing roll-type floor coverings:

  • Thick and quite viscous consistency.
  • Glue color white.
  • Almost odorless.
  • Non-toxic, no need to use PPE such as respirators and gloves when working.
  • Does not have a flammability class because it is not flammable.
  • Practically does not shrink.
  • Regular alcohol is used as a solvent for polyvinyl acetate glue.

PVA compositions that are suitable for floor coverings can be marked using one of four methods.

Varieties

Let’s examine each choice with a particular manufacturer as an example.

Construction ROCKS

Superior quality polyvinyl acetate adhesive, designed to adhere to the following surfaces with outstanding adhesive power:

  • Tree.
  • Paper.
  • Cardboard.
  • Leather.
  • Textile.
  • Linoleum.
  • Heavy wallpaper.

Possesses strong strength indicators. Strengthens and elasticity of joints; recommended as a plasticizing additive in concrete mortars. Application domain: only internal tasks.

Possesses the following technical attributes:

Color White at the time of installation, discolors after drying
Consumption 0.1 kg/m2
Drying time 24 hours
Density About 1 kilogram per liter
Acidity index From 4.7 to 6.0 units

Mixture:

  • Aqueous dispersion of polyvinyl acetate.
  • Plasticizer.
  • Defoamer.
  • Preservative.
  • Hydroxyethylcellulose.

Qualities:

  • High degree of adhesion.
  • An elastic transparent film is formed.
  • Increases the elasticity of solutions and their adhesion to substrates.
  • Makes it easier to apply solutions.
  • Increases the bending and compressive strength of plaster mortars.
  • Reduces the possibility of shrinkage and cracking.

Availing in 3.9 and 12 kilogram buckets, the average price is contingent upon the volume. The average cost of a 3.9 kg bucket of mass is 550 rubles, and the cost of 12 kg of glue is roughly 1,550 rubles.

Polyvinyl acetate universal JSC Descartes

This adhesive mixture is intended for use in the home to adhere surfaces composed of:

  • Trees.
  • Papers.
  • Fabrics.
  • Cardboard.
  • Paper wallpaper.
  • PVC or glyphthalic fabric based coverings.

Compared to glue labeled PVA "Stroitelny" from the same manufacturer, it has higher adhesion and greater strength. It is advised to use this as a plasticizing additive in concrete mortars, such as those used to install tiles and ceramics.

These adhesive mass types’ technical specifications are as follows:

Color White
Consumption 0.08-0.2 kg/m2
Drying time 6 – 12 hours when gluing most types of surfaces
Bonding strength Not less than 1 kg/cm 2
Minimum operating temperature +7 degrees Celsius

Mixture:

  • Polyvinyl acetate dispersion.
  • Plasticizer.
  • Water.
  • Special Additives.

Glue properties:

  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Without smell.
  • No more than 5 freezing cycles are allowed.
  • Increases the plasticity of concrete mixtures.
  • Increases the elasticity of solutions.
  • Can be used for critical types of joinery joints.

This kind of PVA glue is available in 10 kg buckets, with a typical price of 1650 rubles.

Extra KBS

Polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive mixture intended for attaching surfaces composed of:

  • Cardboard.
  • Papers.
  • Trees.
  • Glass.
  • Skin.
  • Ceramics.
  • Linoleum.

It is used as a plasticizing additive in concrete mortars for screed, plaster, and ceramic tile installation. Among its analogues, it has high strength characteristics and an ideal setting time.

The following technical attributes are present in this PVA composition:

Color White after hardening, transparent
Consumption 0.15-0.25 kg/m2
Drying time 24 hours at a temperature of +20 degrees Celsius and humidity – 65%
Frost resistance Up to -35 degrees Celsius

Adhesive compound:

  • Polyvinyl acetate dispersion.
  • Supplements.
  • Plasticizer.

Possesses the following qualities:

  • Suitable for interior use only.
  • Creates a strong connection type.
  • High elasticity.
  • High frost resistance.

The following quantities and typical costs are associated with the release of this adhesive mass:

  • Can 0.9 kg – 220 rubles.
  • 2.5 kg jar – 350 rubles.
  • Round bucket 5 kg – 750 rubles.
  • Round bucket 10 kg – 800 rubles.
  • Round bucket 20 kg – 1550 rubles
  • Can 40 kg (packed to order) – please check with the manufacturer.

Type M LLC RiK MO

This mixture of adhesive materials appropriate for installation:

  • Linoleum coverings.
  • Ceiling tiles.
  • Carpeting.
  • Skirting boards.
  • Parquet.

Suitable for teens to make slime as well.

PVA-M adhesive sticks to plywood, concrete, fiberboard, MDF, chipboard, plasterboard, and wood with good results when used indoors.

PVA-M possesses the following qualities:

The basis PVA dispersion
Color White after drying – transparent
Consumption 0.1-0.2 kg/m 2
Curing time 48 hours
Number of components One component
Material density 1 gram per cubic centimeter
Application range From +7 to +25 degrees Celsius

The mass of adhesive materials consists of:

  • Polyvinyl acetate dispersion.
  • Plasticizer.
  • Additives.

The characteristics of this adhesive are as follows:

  • Non-toxic.
  • Fireproof.
  • Has a high degree of adhesion to the surface.
  • Glues coatings to any floor base.

The packaging and typical costs for PVA-M glue are as follows:

  • 1 kg can – 150 rubles.
  • 2.3 kg can – 275 rubles.
  • 5 kg bucket – 650 rubles
  • 10 kg bucket – 1000 rubles.

Many people are curious about using PVA glue when searching for the best adhesive to use when installing linoleum. PVA glue, which is well-known for its adaptability in woodworking and crafts, presents concerns regarding flooring. Although PVA sticks well to porous surfaces, it is not as effective on non-porous materials such as linoleum. PVA may not be able to withstand the stresses that linoleum experiences, leaving it vulnerable to early peeling or shifting. In contrast, specialty flooring adhesives are made to be flexible and durable. To achieve a strong and long-lasting bond with linoleum, it is essential to choose adhesives that are specifically formulated for flooring applications. This will ensure longevity and performance of the adhesive.

Tools and accessories

To apply the coating onto the floor base by adhering it to the polyvinyl acetate mixture, the following materials are required:

  • A sharp knife, preferably a special one for linoleum (or an electric cutter for linoleum coatings).
  • Hammer (edge ​​grinder) or mallet.
  • Toothed spatula or wide brush.
  • Roller (hand roller) for rolling out the coating on the base of the floor.
  • A ruler, preferably metal (it’s easier to cut and difficult to damage).
  • Masking tape.
  • Cold welding for joints.
  • Sponge or cotton fabric.

How to glue it correctly?

There are two steps involved in installing linoleum coverings on any kind of adhesive, including PVA:

  • Preparing the subfloor.
  • Installation of the product using glue.

Let’s take a closer look at each phase.

Preparing the subfloor

The first step in this process is to inspect the subfloor for:

  • Cracks.
  • Burr.
  • Gaps between slabs.
  • Dips and surges.
  • Treating the base of the floor (filling cracks and dips in the case of a concrete base, puttying interplank cracks and gaps between slabs and parquet boards when laying on a wooden floor).
  • Dry floor cleaning, preferably using a construction vacuum cleaner.
  • Wet cleaning of the coating from remaining dust microparticles.
  • Waiting for the floor to dry.
  • Performing work on priming the subfloor.

Covering installation

Here are the steps you need to take:

  • Bring linoleum into the room several days before installation, keep it at room temperature for at least 48 hours.
  • Roll out the rolled covering around the room to remove bends and creases formed during transportation.
  • Cut the covering taking into account all the overlaps and features of the room (it is better to make an overlap of about 4-5 centimeters, taking into account the curvature of the walls, if the room has a perfectly even geometric shape – 2 centimeters of overlap will be enough).
  • Roll the cut roll in half.
  • Spread the linoleum-free side of the base of the room floor with a polyvinyl acetate adhesive mixture (you can smear it completely, you can spread it in the form of a grid).
  • Roll out the linoleum on the floor and roll it with a roller from the center to the walls.
  • Roll the second part of linoleum into a half roll.
  • Spread the floor with PVA compound.
  • Roll out half over the base of the floor.
  • Apply pressure with a roller, rolling from the center to the walls.
  • Trim the remaining overlap of the covering.
  • Remove remaining adhesive using a damp sponge or cloth.

Possible errors and difficulties

There are several mistakes that novices in this industry make when installing and setting up the subfloor as well as the covering itself. Let’s examine them to prevent them in the future:

  1. Thorough dry cleaning of the surface is not carried out. When installing the coating, it leads to scuffing and damage to the coating from the base to the protective layer from the inside.
  2. Wet cleaning of the premises is not carried out. As a result, dust microparticles become lumped when priming the surface and do not allow the primer to properly saturate the base of the floor, forming a film on it.
  3. Installation begins immediately after washing the floors, without waiting for it to dry and without first priming the surface. In the process, this leads to a decrease in the degree of adhesion of the adhesive and the absence of the required degree of contact between the coating and the subfloor.
  4. Rolling is performed with a regular roller, which does not make it possible to expel all the air and, as a result, begins the formation of bubbles under the coating.
  5. Installation on PVA in rooms with high humidity or high traffic. If such a mistake is made, the linoleum will either not stick to the floor at all, or will fall away from it soon.
  6. Installation of linoleum is carried out immediately after its delivery from the store, without pre-rolling. In this case, there is a risk that the linoleum will either stick to the floor with waves and bumps, or will not stick at all.
  7. When opening, they ignore the overlap on the curvature of the walls. There are two negative points here:
  8. If there is wallpaper on the walls, then the glue from under the covering will crawl right onto them when rolled out and you will have to additionally wash the walls.
  9. In the case of the inherent curvature of almost every wall, the linoleum will not reach the wall; this gap will be difficult to bridge even with a plinth.

Pros and cons of using

Like any other composition, polyvinyl acetate adhesive has benefits and drawbacks when it comes to attaching flooring to the subfloor. Let’s examine them down below.

Benefits

  • Environmental friendliness.
  • Virtually no odor.
  • Easily rolls out on any surface.
  • Residues can be easily removed with a damp sponge or cotton cloth.
  • Has a fast drying rate.
  • The cost is relatively low.
  • Low consumption.

Drawbacks:

  • Cannot be used in rooms with high humidity.
  • Does not provide high adhesion when mounted on a concrete base.
  • Afraid of low temperatures during installation, work only from +7 degrees.
  • It will not be possible to mount it together with an additional substrate, which is used as insulation.
  • Low operating temperature range from +7 to +25 degrees when performing installation work.
  • Ineffective for use in high traffic areas.
  • Not compatible with every type of linoleum base.
  • Does not allow you to hide even microdefects of the floor

Useful video

Regarding the characteristics of the glue-working in the video:

Using PVA glue for linoleum installation might seem like a practical choice. It’s important to think about whether PVA glue is appropriate for this use, though. PVA glue, which is frequently used in crafts and woodworking, isn’t made for flooring applications where flexibility and durability are essential.

Adhesives designed specifically for flooring materials are needed when laying linoleum. These adhesives guarantee correct adhesion to the subfloor, flexibility to allow for the movement of the linoleum, and durability to resist moisture and foot traffic.

When PVA glue is used to install linoleum, it can cause problems like inadequate adhesion, early peeling, and a compromised flooring surface. It doesn’t have the qualities needed to permanently bond with the subfloor and linoleum.

You should always use adhesives that are recommended by flooring manufacturers or professionals for a long-lasting, successful linoleum installation. These products are made to satisfy the particular requirements of linoleum flooring, guaranteeing a strong and long-lasting connection.

Video on the topic

Laying commercial linoleum with glue in an apartment

Adhesive for linoleum

#glue#linoleum glue#carpentry D3#PVA glue D3#repair#paint

PVA OR BUSTILATE?

Is it necessary to glue linoleum?

What factor is most important for you when choosing materials for building a house??
Share to friends
Milan Yashina

Design engineer, specialist in development of design documentation. I will help you correctly design your home or other building.

Rate author
StroyArsenal62.com
Add a comment