Types of mastic for installing linoleum, and how to apply the composition correctly?

Many homeowners choose to install linoleum because of its affordability, ease of upkeep, and durability. The correct kind of mastic is essential for a smooth, long-lasting finish. By acting as an adhesive, mastic keeps the linoleum glued to the subfloor and stops it from bubbling or moving over time.

There exist multiple varieties of mastic, each intended for particular uses and circumstances. You can choose the ideal type for your project by being aware of these various types. Certain mastics, for instance, are water-based, which makes them perfect for home use and easy to clean up. Some are solvent-based and provide better adhesion and moisture resistance, making them useful in humid environments.

Selecting the appropriate type of mastic is not as crucial as applying it correctly. When applied correctly, a smooth, gap-free surface and a strong bond are guaranteed. Make sure the subfloor is dry, clean, and clear of any debris before beginning. Using a notched trowel, evenly spread the mastic, paying attention to the thickness and coverage guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

After applying the mastic, place the linoleum with caution, making sure to press it firmly into place. To guarantee a tight bond, smooth out any air bubbles with a roller or flat tool. Before putting any heavy furniture or walking on the floor, let the mastic cure as instructed. You can install linoleum with a long-lasting, polished appearance by following these guidelines.

Type of Mastic	Application Method
Water-Based Mastic	Spread evenly with a notched trowel, press linoleum firmly, and roll to remove air bubbles
Solvent-Based Mastic	Apply with a brush or trowel, ensure even coverage, and press linoleum in place
Bitumen Mastic	Heat mastic until pliable, spread with a trowel, and press linoleum onto the adhesive
Rubber Mastic	Apply a thin layer with a trowel, wait for slight drying, and firmly press linoleum down

Can I use?

One of the most dependable techniques is applying linoleum coverings to different mastic compositions. However, in order to properly install roll coverings with mastic, you must first comprehend the specifications that relate to both the adhesive and the surfaces that need to be glued.

Requirements

Mastic adhesives are used to install linoleum flooring on any kind of base. Wood or concrete may be used.

The following conditions need to be met in order to install this kind of flooring on a concrete base:

• No cracks, depressions or sagging.
• No dust, foreign objects or small crumbs.
• No moisture on the floor itself.

If the foundation is made of wood (boards, parquet, or OSB boards), you need to confirm the following:

• All boards, parquet parts, OSB boards are securely fastened.
• There are no burrs, cracks or dips in the coating.
• The gaps between the boards or slabs are puttied.
• There are no foreign objects or debris on the coating.
• Dry coating.

For linoleum to mastic glue, one suggestion is to prime the base, no matter what kind of material it’s made of.

To linoleum

The requirements for its future covering are the same as those for the floor’s base, and the following are the key points to be aware of:

• Linoleum must be straightened.
• The dimensions of linoleum should correspond to the size of the room, taking into account a small overlap near the walls, as a tolerance for their curvature.
• The base must be clean and dry; small crumbs and debris are not allowed.
• The base material can be any, it is important to choose the right type of mastic.

To the mastic

The primary prerequisite for this kind of adhesive is that it must be compatible with the flooring type.

As a result, there are three primary varieties of ready-made mastic adhesives available:

• Mastic made from bitumen and synthetic rubber. This type of mixture of bitumen and rubber is used for gluing linoleum without a base.
• Bitumen-polymer and bitumen-rosin (prepared only independently, not commercially available) mastics – can be used in unheated rooms, glue PVC linoleum well to wooden slabs and concrete.
• In cases where you need to lay linoleum on a fabric basis, a good option would be the bitumen-rubber composition “Biskey”. This type of adhesive composition is absolutely harmless and has no fire hazard. But there is one drawback – this type of connector for linoleum gains strength within a month. This is why it is recommended not to walk on the flooring for the first week.

Furthermore, the material used to create the installation needs to be plastic and have a shelf life that is still intact. The ideal time to choose bitumen compositions is after you have purchased linoleum and are aware of the type of base it has.

You can also create a lot of different kinds of mastic adhesives at home; we’ll examine the methods and components below.

Specifications

Different technical characteristics are identified for each type of adhesive composition; we will take into consideration several indicators of each type of this mixture when installing linoleum flooring. Among the traits are:

• Main material.
• Maximum and minimum application temperatures.
• Drying time.
• Recommended layer height.
• Consumption of the composition for installation and time for its complete hardening.

Let’s examine some concrete instances.

Bitumen-rubber mass

OMEGA is the manufacturer. This kind of linoleum is suitable for surfaces without a base.

The following substances are included in this complex, multicomponent bitumen-rubber composition:

• Resin bitumen mass.
• Rubber synthetic adhesive.
• Binding mineral supplements.
• Solvents from petrochemical products.

Due to its high viscosity, this mixture sticks better to a variety of surfaces, such as metal, fiberboard, chipboard, concrete, flexible roofing materials, and PVC coatings.

Features of BKM

• Work at any temperature.
• High heat resistance.
• Elasticity and viscosity, thin layers can be applied.
• Mechanical resistance.
• Preservation of an integral film cover during the formation of surface cracks.
• Not recommended for use in residential premises.
• Strength of adhesion to the base is not less than 0.1 MPa.
• The drying time of 1 mm layer of substance at a temperature of 20 o C is 24 hours.
• Consumption (depending on surface roughness) from 0.45 kg/m2 to 0.6 kg/m2 .
• Guaranteed storage period in a closed container is 2 years.
• Volume – 18 liters.
• Weight – 17 kg.

One bucket costs 1,575 rubles at retail.

BKM is classified as a low-hazard product with hazard class 4, and it contains jet fuel as a TS-1 grade solvent.

MGH-G

Producer Grid. This kind of mastic is known as "Biskey" and is an analog of bitumen-turpentine mass. Ideal for applying glue to flooring rolls made of fabric.

This plastic mass is made up of the following components:

• Mixtures of different types of petroleum bitumen.
• Mineral filler.
• Organic solvent.

This kind of mastic is initially appropriate for waterproofing because of its characteristics, but it is also used to glue different building materials together, such as linoleum made of fabric, to the floor in cold rooms.

Features of MGH-G mastics:

• Operating temperature not lower than -10 degrees Celsius.
• Heat resistance up to 70 degrees Celsius.
• Elasticity, can be applied in a thin layer.
• Adhesion strength to concrete base 0.43 MPa.
• Can be used in rooms without heating.
• Can be used as a primer (must be diluted with a solvent in a ratio of 2:1).
• Complete drying time 24 hours.
• Consumption for applying one layer is about 1 kg/m2 .
• Shelf life: no more than one year from the date of manufacture.
• Weight – from 2.2 to 21.1 kg.

Cost: 400 rubles for a 2.2 kg pack, up to 2860 rubles for a 21.1 kg pack.

The following fire hazard indicators are present in MGH-G coating:

• Flammability – class G4.
• Flammability – class B3.
• Flame spread – class RP4.

Only use rubber gloves when working near open flames, and make sure you have plenty of ventilation at all times.

Acceptable solvents for thinning:

• Solvent.
• Toluene.
• Turpentine.
• White Spirit.
• BR-2 ("Galosh").

Neoplen

Installing linoleum involves the use of a plastic substance that is adhesive and forms a film. This plastic substance serves the primary purpose of waterproofing.

Section This mixture consists of:

• Bituminous binder.
• Polymer filler.
• Antiseptic.
• Herbicides.

"Neoplen" is a light brown, viscous, pasty mass that is simple to apply to the skin. ideal for applying adhesive to a range of roll roofing materials, linoleum, artificial wallpaper, and other compositionally compatible materials. This plastic mass can be used for outside as well as indoor projects.

Features of the mastic "Neoplen":

• Application temperature not lower than +5 degrees Celsius.
• Uncured composition is toxic
• High elasticity, can be applied in a layer of 0.7-1.0 mm.
• Strength of fastening to concrete – 0.3 MPa.
• Shelf life no more than 4 months from the date of manufacture.
• Weight from 1 kg.

Price per kilogram starts at 100 rubles.

The substance contains a precursor solvent that gives humans a narcotic high. Only with forced ventilation is it possible to work in a closed space.

Tools and devices for installation

The following is a set of tools used by professionals to lay carpet on mastic:

• Steel ruler.
• Spatulas for distributing mastic.
• Scissors.
• Roulette.
• Construction knife
• Roller for rolling.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these guidelines for both surface preparation and the gluing process when applying mastic as an adhesive to lay linoleum on the subfloor.

Preparing the base

• Check the base of the floor for the presence of: cracks, sagging, burrs, depressions. If there are flaws, they must be smoothed out.
• Clean the flooring from crumbs, dust and foreign objects.
• Wash the floor.
• Wait for it to dry.
• Apply a thin layer of primer to the surface; use drying oil or a solution of drying oil with gasoline in a ratio of 1 to 3 as a primer.

Concerning the aspects of floor preparation shown in the video:

Laying process

• Roll out the flooring in advance indoors 2-3 days before installation.
• Check the linoleum for dents and kinks. If there are any, flatten and let the rolled out sheet rest on the floor.
• Cut a sheet of flooring, taking into account the characteristics of the room.
• Apply mastics with a synthetic base only using a plastic spatula to avoid fire.

Laying features

First choice:

• Roll linoleum into half rolls.
• Apply mastic to the free base of the floor in a layer of about 0.5 mm.
• Apply mastic to the rolled out part of the linoleum.
• Level the linoleum along the base of the floor, from the center to the edges.
• Roll the linoleum using a roller from the center to the edges to expel the air.
• Glue the second part of the linoleum roll in the same order.

Choice Number Two:

• Remove the cut linoleum from the room.
• Apply a layer of 25-35 centimeters wide around the perimeter of the room to the base of the floor (if the room is very large, you can apply the mastic with a large mesh), it is important to apply the mastic at a distance of 2-3 centimeters from the walls, thus leaving a gap for the coating to shrink.
• Bring in the linoleum, lay it taking into account all the features of the room.
• Roll with a roller to expel air (from the center towards the walls).

Third Choice:

• Remove cut linoleum from the room.
• Apply mastic to the floor around the entire perimeter of the room.
• Apply a thin layer of mastic to the base of the cut linoleum.
• Bring the covering into the room and install it on the subfloor.
• Roll out with a roller from the center towards the walls.

The mastic consumption has been greatly exceeded if, after rolling with a roller, a thick layer of mastic is squeezed out from under the linoleum. To stay out of trouble, stick to the flow rate that the manufacturer recommends.

Possible errors and difficulties

The following mistakes could occur when using this adhesive:

• Using a type of mastic that is not compatible with the type of linoleum.
• Using a spatula that is not suitable for applying mastic.
• Applying mastic only to the subfloor.
• Laying linoleum without pre-treatment with a primer.
• Applying too much mastic to the subfloor.
• Lack of ventilation in the room (when it comes to laying linoleum on Neoplen).

Pros and cons of using

The advantages and disadvantages of using mastic as an adhesive material for linoleum installation will be discussed below.

Benefits of bitumen use:

• Saving on waterproofing, installation compounds have these properties.
• You can make it yourself, absolutely harmless from natural ingredients.
• The use of this type of adhesive will ensure reliable fastening, even if the subfloor is cracked.
• Mastics can be used in unheated rooms.
• Some formulations have antifungal components.
• The mastic can be applied in a thin layer at 0.5 mm.
• Coating resistance to mechanical stress.

Drawbacks to using this kind of adhesive:

• Some mastics can only be used in non-residential premises, since they contain petrochemical products.
• Laying on mastic cannot be done in the absence of ventilation.
• Most mastics are fire and explosion hazards.
• Use of solvents with precursors in mastics.

Selecting the appropriate mastic for linoleum installation is essential for a smooth and long-lasting finish. Different types of mastic are appropriate for different substrates and conditions. These include water-based, solvent-based, and two-component options. Knowing each type’s characteristics can help guarantee good adhesion and durability. When applying mastic, it’s important to prepare the surface, spread the adhesive evenly, and adhere to the drying times recommended by the manufacturer. You can ensure a safe and durable linoleum installation with the appropriate mastic and technique.

Is it possible to prepare the material yourself??

The majority of mastics can be independently prepared in order to lay linoleum coverings on the subfloor.

For instance, "Biskey," which is not currently produced, is among the most environmentally friendly alternatives for bitumen-turpentine substances used in the installation of PVC coverings.

Now let’s examine several mastic recipes and the necessary ingredients for each.

Bisky

The first kind of adhesive that is easily made at home is called "Biski" bitumen-turpentine mastic. This method works well for applying fabric-based glyphthalic coverings and PVC linoleum coverings.

For one kilogram, the following supplies are needed: mastic

• Bitumen BN – IV (70/30) – 650 grams.
• Portland cement – ​​70 g.
• Turpentine – 40 g.
• White spirit – 220 g.
• Rubber glue – 20 g.

Method of cooking:

• Use gloves to protect your hands.
• Take a container (an enamel pan will do).
• Place Bitumen BN – IV (70/30) in a container.
• Place the container on the fire and keep it until a liquid bitumen composition is obtained.
• Remove impurities.
• Cool slightly.
• Mix thoroughly and gradually add Portland cement.
• Cool the mixture to approximately 80 degrees Celsius.
• Stirring constantly, first pour in turpentine and then white spirit.
• Add rubber glue.

After manufacturing, the final product has a maximum shelf life of three months. in a hermetically sealed container.

One kilogram of such mastic is needed for every square meter of flooring.

Bitumen-rubber

This kind of mastic is used to glue alkyd coatings, PVC, and Relin.

To make this concoction The following ratios of ingredients are required:

• Rubber glue – 1 part.
• Gasoline B-70 – 10 parts.
• Bitumen BN (70/30) – 61 parts.
• Chalk, cement or koalin – 12 parts.

Method of cooking:

1. Put gloves on your hands.
2. Dissolve rubber glue in B-70 gasoline.
3. Melt the bitumen in a small metal container (a saucepan or tin can will do).
4. Add filler (chalk, cement or kaolin) to the container with bitumen.
5. Cool the resulting mixture.
6. Add rubber glue dissolved in gasoline.
7. Knead well for 20 minutes.
8. Pour the resulting mastic into a convenient container.

Such mastic has an endless shelf life; however, it needs to be diluted with B-70 gasoline and heated in a water bath prior to usage.

About 2 kg of bitumen-rubber mastic are consumed for every square meter of linoleum.

Bitumen-chalk

It is possible to use this installation composition with any kind of linoleum covering. You have to use rubber gloves to produce it.

To create, you’ll need the following elements:

• Bitumen BN (70/30) – 55 parts.
• Chalk – 25 parts.
• Gasoline B-70 – 20 parts.

Order of manufacturing operations:

• Wear gloves.
• Place bitumen BN (70/30) in a metal container and melt.
• Cool the molten bitumen to a temperature of +80 degrees Celsius.
• Gradually pouring in B-70 gasoline, stir.
• Mix the resulting mixture well.
• Add chalk.
• Mix thoroughly again.

After production, this kind of mastic can only be used for five days.

Casein-emulsion

Installing PVC or glyptal linoleum on a fabric base on fiberboard, chipboard, or HDF coverings is appropriate for this kind of mastic in areas where the floor covering is not subjected to excessive humidity.

To produce, you will require:

• Casein glue OB – 1 part.
• Water – 2 parts.
• Drying oil – 1 part.
• Limestone flour – 2 parts.

Step-by-step process of manufacturing:

• Add casein glue OB to a small amount of heated water. Set aside until it increases in volume, then stir.
• Add the rest of the water, wait until the volume increases completely (about 30 minutes).
• Slowly pour in the drying oil and stir to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
• Add limestone flour, mix well until smooth.

Portland cement grade M-400 or any higher grade can be used in place of the limestone flour and drying oil. The following ratio will be present here:

• Cement M-400 – 430 g.
• Water – 430 grams.
• Casein glue OB – 140 g.

The method of mixing is the same as when limestone flour and drying oil are used. Small amounts of cement are added to the adhesive mass and thoroughly mixed in.

The casein-emulsion mastic composition needs to be prepared in portions because it is only good for use for four hours after it is made.

Two kilograms of this mixture are used for every square meter of coverage.

When installing linoleum, selecting the appropriate mastic is essential to getting a smooth, long-lasting finish. There are numerous varieties of mastics that are intended for use in distinct environments and substrates. For example, water-based mastics are well-liked for their easy cleanup and minimal odor, which makes them perfect for homes. Conversely, solvent-based mastics provide better bonding strength and are appropriate for commercial spaces with heavy traffic.

Being prepared is essential when applying mastic. Ascertain that the subfloor is dry, clean, and level. Any moisture or debris can reduce the adhesive’s strength. Using a notched trowel, evenly spread the mastic according to the manufacturer’s recommended coverage guidelines. To guarantee a solid bond, take care to work within the adhesive’s open time.

Linoleum handling requires caution as well. Once the mastic has been spread, gently place the linoleum sheet and press down firmly to remove any air bubbles. Using a flooring roller can aid in achieving consistent adhesion. In order to prevent lifting over time, pay close attention to the edges and seams and make sure they are properly secured.

In conclusion, choosing the right mastic and applying it properly are essential steps in installing laminate flooring. You can achieve a long-lasting, professional-looking floor by carefully laying the linoleum, spreading the adhesive evenly, and preparing the subfloor.

Video on the topic

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