Home DIYers: Removed old(and i mean old) carpet, found beautiful hardwood, but...

[murphy55d]

How in the hell do I get the carpet adhesive/tape off that was used around the perimeter, to put the carpet down? I don't want to damage the hardwood, as refinishing the entire upstairs is not what I really want to do. The hardwood is awesome, can't believe it was ever carpeted over, but in each room obviously there is the perimeter of carpet tape.

Googled it and nothing really helpful came up, the people at Lowes and HD weren't very helpful either.

Any tips?

 

[oynaz]

Try using an eraser - you know, one of them you use to erase pencil lines.

 

[lxskllr]

Something like Goof(p?) Off maybe? Lighter fluid might work, but that's a crapload of lighter fluid to go around a room.

 

[Hacp]

http://www.overstockdrugstore.com/products/Magic-American-Goo-Gone-Cleaner%2C-Citrus-Power%2C-8-oz.html?prodid=8188

scrap that just googled it makes it even worse lol.

 

[olds]

Wd-40

 

[AlienCraft]

Wd-40

QFT.
Get the big can for the squeeze refills, soak a rag in it, and do a little at a time, allowing it to soak into the tape residue. Then, using a plastic scraper, carefully scrape up the goo, avoiding any gouging of the wood. Clean with an orange based cleaner,and re-finish to suit.

 

[murphy55d]

So the WD-40 won't stain or damage the wood? Buddy of mine just said peanut oil - i imagine WD40 is much cheaper than Peanut oil would be.

 

[olds]

The wood should already have a finish on it and WD-40 shouldn't penetrate that.

 

[HannibalX]

You sure it's hardwood or is it soft pinewood? Lots of home have pine plank floors. People take the carpet up thinking it's hardwood. Softwood floors are meant to have coverings over them, you will tear em up fast without a covering.

 

[lxskllr]

You sure it's hardwood or is it soft pinewood? Lots of home have pine plank floors. People take the carpet up thinking it's hardwood. Softwood floors are meant to have coverings over them, you will tear em up fast without a covering.

Pine would look nice too. It may not be for everyone, but I like a rustic feel with my dwelling. A pine floor would work great for me.

 

[shortylickens]

WD-40, Goof Off, Thinner, Rubbing Alcohol, Nail polish remover. Straight razor, pick axe.

Your choice.

 

[lxskllr]

WD-40, Goof Off, Thinner, Rubbing Alcohol, Nail polish remover. Straight razor, pick axe.

Your choice.

I think the pick axe will be most effective at removing it :^D

 

[edro]

Murphys Oil Soap? It's worth a shot...

 

[murphy55d]

You sure it's hardwood or is it soft pinewood? Lots of home have pine plank floors. People take the carpet up thinking it's hardwood. Softwood floors are meant to have coverings over them, you will tear em up fast without a covering.

This is what it looks like:

http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/mbarry55/?action=view&current=IMAG0019.jpg

 

[lxskllr]

This is what it looks like:

http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f224/mbarry55/?action=view&current=IMAG0019.jpg

That's softwood. It'll still look nice, but will be more susceptible to damage.

 

[UnklSnappy]

What you have there is a fir or southern yellow pine floor.
It is both the subfloor and finished floor , commonly used on the second floor of older houses.

 

[murphy55d]

WD40 still ok with that, then?

Left the peanut oil soak for 20 mins didn't do much

 

[murphy55d]

What you have there is a fir or southern yellow pine floor.
It is both the subfloor and finished floor , commonly used on the second floor of older houses.

Which is exactly what this is...the 2nd floor of an older home.

 

[AlienCraft]

If that is REAL Southern Yellow Pine, those are worth some $$ on the re-furb market.
Just try matching and replacing some.... :rolleyes;

 

[MotF Bane]

Wd-40

This.

 

[M0RPH]

Meh, doesn't look so "beautiful" to me. I say get some new carpeting.

 

[murphy55d]

Great advice. Thanks for posting!

 

[lxskllr]

Meh, doesn't look so "beautiful" to me. I say get some new carpeting.

I think it looks great. It has a nice 1930s feel to it. I'd totally use that floor bare.

 

[HannibalX]

I like the look of pine floors also.

I'd coat the crap out of it if I were going to use it bare. Every pebble in your shoe will put notches and scrapes in it, heavy furniture will sink into it and leave permanent recesses.

 

[UnklSnappy]

They are beautiful floors when refinished. You just have to like the orangey color of it.