Can I Use an Extra Adhesive for My Stick Tile?

Stick Tile Adhesive

• The adhesive on the back of peel-and-stick tiles is usually a hot-melt pressure-responsive adhesive, similar to the adhesive on the back of self-adhesive envelopes. The adhesive is covered by a paper backing to keep the tiles from sticking to one another in the shipping box. You do not need to add anything to the back of the tiles to activate the glue; just remove the paper and your tiles will stick to the surface on which you press them.

Applying Stick Tile

• Check that the floor for applying the tile is perfectly level. Add a plywood subfloor if your base floor is not flat. Wash and dry the area for applying the self-stick tiles thoroughly. Dirt on the surface will block the tile's adhesive from fully touching the floor, making the tiles more likely to loosen. Arrange the tiles exactly where you want them while they still have the paper backing to ensure that you have the tiles in the correct configuration before you expose the adhesive.

  Once you remove the protective paper backing, you cannot move the tiles from where they are placed. Roll over the finished room with a tile roller to apply an even pressure over the entire surface of the tiles. This ensures that the pressure-sensitive glue on the back of the tiles is firmly attached to the floor.

Using Extra Adhesive

• Extra adhesive acts like dirt between the floor and the back of the self-stick tile. Instead of improving the bond between the floor and the tile, it will weaken it, warns Home Depot's "Home Improvement 1-2-3." Instead of putting more glue on the back of the peel and stick tiles, press down on the tiles with an even, heavy pressure for the best bond between the tile and the floor.

Care of Stick Tiles

• Excessive heat and moisture will loosen the adhesive on the back of the tiles. Should a liquid spill on the tiles, blot it up to keep it from seeping under the tiles at the tile joints. To remove peel-and-stick tiles from the floor, direct a heat gun at the tile to be removed or place a warm iron over a towel on top of the tile. The heat will loosen the glue, allowing the tile to be removed for replacement.