Types of glue for linoleum: which one is better for gluing??

The kind of glue you use when installing linoleum can have a significant impact on how well and how long your flooring adheres. It can be difficult to choose the ideal adhesive for your project when there are so many options available. The proper glue type can save you time and effort in the long run because each type has advantages and disadvantages of its own.

Comprehending the distinct varieties of linoleum adhesive is imperative in attaining a robust and polished surface. Adhesives, ranging from water-based to solvent-based, are all suitable for different situations and uses due to their distinct characteristics. Knowing which glue is best for your specific needs is crucial, regardless of the size of the project—small home renovation or large commercial undertaking.

We’ll dissect the most popular varieties of linoleum adhesives in this guide, emphasizing their advantages and best practices. By the end, you’ll know more clearly which glue will give your linoleum flooring the strongest bond and optimal performance. Let’s explore the possibilities and discover which adhesive is the best in the field of installing flooring.

Selecting the appropriate glue for linoleum installation is essential for a successful and long-lasting finish. It is crucial to match the adhesive to your unique requirements because different adhesive types have different strengths and applications. We’ll examine the most popular varieties of linoleum adhesives in this post, outlining their benefits and drawbacks so you can choose the one that will work best for your flooring project.

What types exist?

Litholeum adhesive comes in a variety of forms. Let’s examine the groups into which they are placed.

By purpose of use

There are different types of adhesive mixtures for rolled floor coverings; some are meant to fill the spaces between the sheets of covering, while others are meant to be used to adhere the floor covering to the subfloor. Let’s examine each of these two adhesive groups in isolation.

For gluing to the subfloor

With this kind of linoleum adhesive, a cut sheet of rolled flooring can be securely fixed to the wood or concrete screed base of the floor, or it can be applied over an existing PVC coating or other materials. Dispersion adhesive compositions for floor coating installation fall into six major categories, which include:

• Bustilat.
• PVA glue.
• Acrylate (acrylic) mixtures.
• Gumilax.
• Various mastic compositions (mainly based on bitumen resins).
• Conductive glue.

For joining sheets

Reactive adhesive mixtures are among them. Because it melts the edges of the floor coverings to form a weld, this kind of glue is also known as cold welding. Simultaneously, it creates a PVC filler-based invisible, strong, and moisture-resistant seam.

By type of coverage

When choosing glue for linoleum, it’s crucial that the adhesive mixture’s components match the type of coating. For example, different bitumen mastics, like "Biski," work well for linoleum without a backing, and experts advise installing linoleum on a felt base using "Bustilat."

Type of base

Rough subfloors are crucial; four different types of bases can be used for gluing PVC rolls and other coatings:

• Concrete.
• Wooden (usually plywood).
• Over old coatings.
• On top of tiles.

Concrete

Expert advice leads us to the conclusion that different kinds of bitumen-polymer and bitumen-latex mastics, along with choices for acrylate adhesive mixtures, work well for concrete coatings. With the exception of polyvinyl acetate dispersion, nearly all dispersion compositions.

Wooden

PVA glue works well with wooden bases, but in this case, it’s important to pay attention to the flooring’s base. For instance, "Bustilat" and acrylate mixtures are readily adhered to wood by linoleum with a felt foundation.

Old coatings

If laying the covering is required:

• on top of old linoleum with a PVC layer or any other, one of the options for bitumen-latex mastic will do, or;
• if we are talking about installing roll coverings on television studios, radio and television centers, where it is necessary to ensure the function of current conduction, it is recommended to use conductive adhesives.

Mastic compounds are typically used to install linoleum over old tiles; aside from their glue-like properties, these compounds also serve as a waterproofing layer beneath the flooring.

By type of adhesive

Below, we’ll go into more detail about adhesive mixtures using particular manufacturer examples.

Dispersive

Here are some varieties to be aware of:.

Bustilat

Using the manufacturer "Expert" as an example. This kind of glue is meant to be applied to bases composed of brick, concrete, plaster, plywood, and other materials in order to install products such as fabric, linoleum, cork, and PVC boards.

The "Bustilata" compound:

• Polymer binder.
• Chalk.
• Modifying additives.
• Water.

Establishes a robust, flexible bond between the covering and the subfloor. possesses improved adhesion and moisture resistance.

Use this mixture only on spotless, dry surfaces. When installing roll floor covering, the amount of glue used is 0.6 kg/m2.Bustilat is used when working with materials based on fabric or paper, and the amount used is 0.35 kg/m2.

After the installation process is finished, the connection reaches its maximum stability and strength in 48 hours.

The glue can be transported and stored at temperatures between -30 and +30 degrees Celsius.

Five cycles of freezing and thawing are no match for "Bustilat," which needs to be made at room temperature without the need for catalyst.

The adhesive composition has a one-year shelf life from the date of manufacture and is resistant to fire and explosion.

Avoid discharging into waterways or sewers. The glue in the jar should be disposed of as construction or household waste after it has fully crystallized.

Such glue costs 750 rubles for a 2.5 kilogram bucket.

PVA universal

Using the Bolars brand as an illustration. The purpose of this adhesive mixture is to glue heterogeneous types of linoleum together with absorbent bases. Useful as a plasticizer for mortar made of concrete as well.

Mixture:

• Polyvinyl acetate dispersion.
• Excipients.

The glue of specifications:

• White.
• Consumption approximately 200 grams per square meter.
• Acid balance from 5.5 to 7.0.
• Drying time 24 hours.
• Operating temperature from +5 to +40 degrees Celsius.
• Installation temperature from +5 to +30 degrees Celsius.
• Frost resistance – 5 frosts followed by defrosting.
• Adhesion to surface – not less than 0.4 MPa.

During work, the subfloor’s humidity shouldn’t be higher than 10%.

The product defrosts at room temperature in the container provided by the manufacturer without the need for additional heating.

The product has a 12-month shelf life starting on the date of manufacture.

Available in 1 to 30 kg container weight ranges. A kilogram of glue typically costs 450 rubles.

Click this link for additional details on using PVA glue.

Acrylic

Let’s use MASTETEKS HOMEMASTER as an example of a manufacturer. This acrylic adhesive blend is resistant to moisture and can be used to attach carpets and linoleum to any kind of building.

Mixtures of specifications:

• White color.
• Application temperature from +7 to +40 degrees Celsius.
• Layer durability after crystallization from -30 to +70 degrees Celsius.
• Cannot be used with materials made of Teflon, polypropylene, polyethylene.
• Consumption from 800 to 1500 g per square meter.
• Packing – 1.2 and 3 kilograms.

Benefits of glue

• Compatible with heated floors.
• Suitable for interior use.
• Liquid-flowing for use when working on a horizontal surface.
• Adjustment time up to 30 minutes.
• Adapts well to floor deformation.
• Does not contain solvents.
• Maintains elasticity even after complete drying.

Two years from the production date is the shelf life.

A 1.2 kilogram can costs, on average, 550 rubles.

Mastic

Let’s think about a few possibilities.

1. Gumilax (TU 67 Ukrainian SSR 98-71). Used for application to concrete and wood surfaces, after which the flooring is not immediately laid. Moving the coating after installation is not allowed. The temperature for application should be no lower than 15 degrees Celsius, on a completely dry floor. You can move on the coating no earlier than 3 days after installation.Compound:
2. Synthetic latex 65-70 parts.
3. Chalk for the rubber industry – 10 parts.
4. Butyl rubber BK 1520, 20% solution in white spirit – 13 parts
5. Potash, 50% solution in water – 5-7 parts.
6. Bituminous from Hydra. This type of mastic is an analogue of bitumen-turpentine mastic, which is called “Biskey”. Suitable for installation of fabric-based roll coverings. Its direct purpose is waterproofing, but it is additionally applicable for gluing various building materials, including linoleum on a fabric base to the floor in rooms that are not heated.Includes:
7. A mixture of different types of bitumen.
8. Mineral filler.
9. Organic solvent.
10. Adhesive mass MGH-G. Time until complete setting is one day. Consumption per layer – about 1 kg/m2 .Shelf life 12 months from date of manufacture. Weight – from 2.2 kilograms up to 21.1 kg. Price from 400 rubles for minimum delivery volume. Properties:
11. Operating temperature above -10 degrees Celsius.
12. Heat resistance up to 70°C.
13. The mastic is elastic, it can be applied in a layer of 1mm or more.
14. Adhesion to concrete floor is 0.43 MPa.
15. Suitable for cold, unheated rooms.
16. Conductive linoleum glue. Using the example of Forbo 523 EL from the manufacturer Vermason. This adhesive composition is applicable when installing conductive and antistatic floor coverings made of PVC and conductive textiles on a surface prepared with copper mesh. Consumption of adhesive mass – from 250 to 400 grams per square meter of room area. Store only in closed containers for no more than 12 months from the date of manufacture. Glue properties:
17. High initial adhesion of the adhesive mass.
18. Easy to apply.
19. No odor.
20. Light color.
21. Suitable for heated floors.
22. Suitable for furniture on casters.
23. It is suitable for PVC flooring.
24. The specific resistance of the adhesive is less than 3×105 (DIN EN 13415).

This page contains all the information about mastics.

Reactionary

Cold welding adhesive for joints is included in this. It is separated into the following three categories:

1. Type A. It has a liquid form because it contains a large amount of solvent. This allows the reaction glue to simply penetrate the pores of soft linoleum, which is used in private households. Type A glue efficiently joins seams up to 2 mm. If the width of the joint exceeds the specified figure, the adhesive composition will not provide a tight connection along the entire thickness of the edge of the joined pieces of coating.
2. Type C. Does not have high fluidity, since the composition contains PVC components in a higher percentage. This allows it to act more as a repair composition for coatings that have already been in use. When Type C cold welding is used, the precision of the interlocking blades is not required. This reaction adhesive allows you to fill joints up to 4 millimeters wide.
3. Type T. Not suitable for use by novice repairmen, but professionals will happily use it. It is only suitable for welding coatings with a multi-component composition, including polyester and PVC. Makes it possible to obtain a neat and elastic seam when gluing even semi-commercial linoleum. This can be achieved with a T-shaped nozzle; it simultaneously opens and fills the tightly cut seam with adhesive.

Three ingredients are present in all varieties of reaction glue:

• Tetrohydrofuran as solvent. This type softens the edges of the material well, preparing it for joining.
• PVC (liquid) – a binder that fills the joint between two solid parts of the coating.
• Plasticizer (each manufacturer uses its own type) – here the main function of the element is to provide a plastic and durable seam.

Werner Muller is one producer of reactive adhesives.

Depending on the maker and the intended use, this kind of glue can cost anywhere from 250 to 1000 rubles.

Additionally, some manufacturers—Werner Muller and Tarket, for example—compile tubes with adhesive mass using unique nozzles.

The manufacturer advises wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), which must include gloves, a respirator, and goggles, when performing work involving cold welding due to its highly toxic composition.

What to choose?

The choice of flooring adhesive is a crucial step that calls for a methodical and considerate approach. This may not seem like much, since many people believe that any kind of glue will work for linoleum. However, you must make your decision in accordance with the characteristics and chemical makeup of the floor covering that will be installed.

The adhesive has two primary functions when it comes to roll coatings. The first step is to firmly attach the marked sheet to the floor’s base. The second is to connect two covering sheets by cutting the overlap and using "cold welding" to seal the seam.

As previously mentioned, in the first instance, there are six different adhesive mass types available at once, and it is crucial to select one that is compatible with the linoleum type.

The choice for individuals applying the coating for the first time is between types A and C in the second type, which is represented by three unique compositions, based on the joining strip’s width. There is no set preference when it comes to the manufacturer; each person makes the decision to go with a more expensive or less expensive option.

The tube weighs 44 grams, and premium cold welding manufacturers include a unique nozzle in the package. Additionally, if you purchase from less well-known manufacturers, the tube has a volume of roughly 60 grams, comes without any attachments, and requires direct installation through the tube’s spout.

When you visit the store to purchase glue, make sure you read the ingredients carefully and don’t be afraid to ask the seller for advice. But be ready in advance: keep in mind the kind of linoleum you have and the material that makes up the majority of the material.

It’s important to consider the following factors when selecting glue:

• Place of repair work. It is worth considering the temperature and relative humidity in the room.
• The composition of the base with which the active substances of the glue interact.

Useful video

Extra details in the video:

Glue Type	Description
Contact Adhesive	Quick-drying and strong bond. Best for small areas but requires careful application.
Latex Adhesive	Flexible and easy to work with. Great for uneven surfaces and allows for repositioning.
Epoxy Adhesive	Very strong and durable. Ideal for high-traffic areas but can be tricky to apply.
Water-Based Adhesive	Environmentally friendly and easy to clean up. Good for residential use but may not be as strong in high-moisture areas.

The way your linoleum adheres to the surface and holds up over time can be greatly impacted by the glue you use. Knowing the different kinds of adhesive that are available is essential whether you’re working with a professional or doing the project yourself. Every kind of glue has advantages and disadvantages that vary depending on the circumstance; there are low-cost and high-performance varieties.

A good water-based adhesive will work well for most home projects because it strikes a good balance between ease of use and strength. Despite its more difficult application process, a solvent-based adhesive might be worth looking into if you’re working with a high-traffic area or need something extra durable.

The ideal glue for your linoleum ultimately depends on your unique requirements and the state of the area. You can make sure your linoleum stays securely in place and keeps its appearance and functionality for many years to come by choosing the appropriate adhesive. Thus, give your decision careful thought and relish the outcome of your well-thought-out flooring project.

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