Can You Lay Stick-and-Peel Vinyl Tiles Over Linoleum?

Sand the Linoleum

• Peel-and-stick tile can be installed over linoleum as long you scarify the old flooring first. Scarification is the process of sanding a material to remove glossy or synthetic materials in order to make adhesion more efficient. If your linoleum has a smooth, glossy coating, peel-and-stick tile might not adhere properly. You can use a low- to medium-grit sandpaper to gently scuff the surface of your linoleum. Once you proceed with the scarification process, your linoleum will forever be damaged, so make sure you are prepared to cover the surface with the tile.

Remove Curved Edges

• If your linoleum has any curved edges that do not rest perfectly flat against the subfloor, you must trim them. Peel-and-stick tile will warp and crack if it is not securely attached to a flat surface. It is advisable to remove curved edges in your linoleum with scissors or a box cutter to create a level foundation for tile installation.

Heat With a Hairdryer

• If your existing linoleum has small grooves or curved edges that cannot be removed with scissors, you can heat the linoleum with a hairdryer to soften it. Because linoleum is a pliable material that molds to most uniform surfaces, you can use your hands to gently flatten curved edges against the floor. Once the linoleum is flattened, you can install the stick-and-peel tile quickly and efficiently right on top of the linoleum.

Apply Pressure

• Peel-and-stick tile requires pressure to ensure that the preapplied adhesives on the backside of the tile stick to the linoleum. You can use your hands or a soft mallet to press the tile against the linoleum. Once the tile is installed and properly aligned, you can place books or other flat heavy objects on top of the tile for several hours to secure it in place.