Bathroom, Part 3

I worked on the bathroom floor all day on Saturday and managed to strip off the top layer of the linoleum. What was left was the backing of the lino and LOTS of glue. I spent the next 5 hours with a razor scrapping, scrapping, scrapping. And I got an area about 1 foot x 2 feet cleared. I did not expect this to go quickly, but I really thought that most of the glue would be around the edges and the middle would be relatively glue-free. I had to give some deep thought to switching to a chemical solution. I wanted to avoid it because....well, its chemicals. And anyone who knows me knows that I shouldn't be trusted with chemicals that could potentially take off layers of skin. But then I shouldn't be trusted with a razor either and I still have all of my fingers. After some discussion with Tom and a great deal of time with a glass of wine and my friend, the Internet, I finally decided that I would try an adhesive remover. Chemicals. I promised myself I'd BE CAREFUL!!

I took the day off yesterday for church and the Super Bowl. I managed to invite myself to watch the game with some relatively new friends, Tom and Heidi. My Tom had planned on watching the game while working, so I wasn't abandoning him. I had a great time. The game was good, the food was superb and the company was wonderful. I'm glad I did take the day off from the floor because my hands really needed a break. My shoulders, arms and fingers were very sore.

This morning I went to the hardware store and bought some of those thick rubber gloves for chemical work. They come in one-size-fits-all. Which means they are huge. But I started in with the adhesive remover and managed, in two hours, to get an area about two feet by two feet cleared. It meant making several passes over each small area to get through everything. And I only got one very tiny chemical burn on my arm. But I am encouraged. At this rate, I predict that I'll be able to put down the new floor by Wednesday. I have a feeling of accomplishment this afternoon.