What Glue Holds Vinyl Tiles Down?

Adhesive Tabs

• Install vinyl floor tiles with adhesive glue tabs. Adhesive glue tabs are solidified drops of glue that are secured to a strip of wax paper. Some adhesive glue tabs also contain silicone, but silicone isn't necessary for vinyl installation. Peel the adhesive tabs off the paper and press them against the underside of your vinyl tile. Apply one tab to each corner and two to four tabs around the center of your tile. Press the vinyl tile firmly against your subfloor. Adhesive tabs are advantageous because there is no sticky mess to clean up after installation. The only drawback is that the glue tabs can lose their stickiness over time and may need to be replaced.

Spray Adhesive

• Purchase a spray adhesive from your local hardware store if you want to ensure that the underside of your vinyl tile is completely coated with glue. Spray adhesive is a water-based non-flammable glue that comes in a spray can, similar to spray paint. Coat the underside of each tile with spray adhesive and press it against your subfloor. Spray and install one tile at at time and do not spray all the tiles at once before installing; spray adhesives dry quickly. Avoid excessive overspray and make sure your room is well-ventilated before you begin your tiling project. Follow all directions on the adhesive spray can and allow sufficient drying time. Wipe away excess spray with a damp cloth.

Peel and Stick

• Choose peel and stick pre-glued vinyl floor tiles for fast and efficient installation. The adhesive on peel and stick vinyl tiles contains a thin layer of clear mastic. A lightweight sheet of glossy wax paper overlays the tile, so when it's removed, the sticky underside is exposed. Place the tiles directly on the subfloor, without applying additional glue. According to Armstrong, peel and stick vinyl tiles are difficult to remove if you need to reposition a tile or want to replace your flooring in the future. In high-traffic areas, some self-adhesive vinyl tiles peel at the corners over time.

Full-spread Glue

• Opt for full-spread vinyl tile floor glue if you want to secure your vinyl tiles to your subfloor permanently. Vinyl tile floor glue isn't as thick as mortar and isn't made from concrete, but it serves a similar purpose. Polymers, substances containing large chain-linked molecules, are the primary ingredients in most vinyl floor tile glues. Spread the glue evenly over your subfloor using a floater or a notched glue spreader. Apply and press your vinyl tiles firmly onto the sticky surface. Wipe excess glue residue off the tiles with a damp cloth before the glue sets and dries.