How do I strip linoleum from a wall?

Question

I've just found that there is lovely (not linoleum) under fabric in our dining room china cabinet. I'd like to remove the fabric (which is easy) and also the linoleum. Not sure how to get this off the walls. Does anyone know? I want to paint the interior of the china cabinet white. Many thanks for your help!

Z · Answer

What a neat pattern of lino. I think I'd leave it there and paint foam core board cut to fit snugly over the lino.

MaryKay@Studio23Thirty · Answer

I'm with Becky. It is such a beautiful pattern I would find a way to work with it. May damage the wood if you strip it and that is another whole host of repair problems. Consider placing just glass pieces inside so that it doesn't get too busy. Good luck and keep us up to date with your progress.

Terry's Flooring · Answer

Chances are the linoleum is glued to the wood, and you would cause more damage trying to get it off..It really doesn't look bad to me..But ,if you insist on changing it , then covering it up is the way to go ...I'd use a1/4 inch piece of plywood, and cut to fit snugly...I would use 'Liquid Nail' to adhere it to the linoleum..

Debby Boyle · Answer

WOW! I never heard of that before. Weird place to put it! I don't know, but I would go on line!!!

April · Answer

I agree with Debby. I've never heard of that before either. I'm not sure myself but I hope you will find the answers you're looking for. :)

Patti-Ann · Answer

Danielle, is this a built in cabinet?  The age of your home might indicate what was used.  Maybe do a little more research before you take it out?  Is there an historic architecture society in your area?  Good luck.

Grandmaquilts · Answer

I think beadboard would look great- you can buy it in sheets like paneling.

Joyce Ross · Answer

Becky, use a heat gun.  They are inexpensive and a life

Joyce Ross · Answer

You can find them at your local hardware store and you will find many uses for it.  Be careful just to get it warm and stArt at a corner and gently start pulling it and you will have it off in just a few minutes.

Sarah Jackson · Answer

I guess maybe I'm misunderstanding. I've read your question several times and it says 'not linoleum'... 'remove......also the linoleum', so I think you're wanting the linoleum off, is that right? Any-who, I'd suggest you try running a blow dryer over one in a less conspicious area for a few moments. The heat may loosen the adhesive on it, allowing you to remove it easier.

Frann Harrison · Answer

Be careful if it is older linoleum there would be asbestos on the backing. Now don't panic and call the guys in the white suits and respirators. It isn't dangerous when it is as it is. The best thing is to cover it. If you do decide to rip it out keep the area wet as not to create asbestos dust.

Kim Dagenais · Answer

I don't think I ever heard of linoleum in a cabinet before. Anyway my husband and I had it on our floors and had to use an electric scraper and paint scraper, and then sand the subfloor before installing ceramic tiles.

Is your cabinet a freestanding one? If so I would carefully remove the whole back of the cabinet and slowly scrap the linoleum off with a sharp paint scraper, sand if necessary then prime and paint it, and put it back on with new finishing nails.

If it is not a free standing cabinet, and is a built-in then I would first use an exacto blade and and trace all the area you want removed, and then use a paint scraper to remove the linoleum. There most likely might be some glue, so sand if necessary, prime and the paint.

I am sure your cabinet will look wonderful. Post a pic of it when you are done.

Joanna Carrisal · Answer

Wow! Looks like tile.

Frann Harrison · Answer

It's hard to tell. Can you get behind it or is it built to the wall. If you drill a small hole you will be able to tell if you have wood or plaster by looking at the drill bit.

Anne · Answer

A heat gun is the best way to go. Heat the surface gently and slowly and starting at a corner, pull the sheet back and slowly start to heat the back of the sheet. This is a job that requires patience but is worth doing.

Gail lichtsinn · Answer

try an iron set on medium BUT put a towel over the linoleum..Dont put the iron on the linoleum itself..Go slow.Heat it for a minute at a time..Youll get the feel of it..

Terri Johnson · Answer

If the linoleum is in good shape, I would clean it and paint over it. You can do a skim coat of plaster or some such product, sand, prime, paint.

Jean DeSavage · Answer

Have you thought about just painting a panel of bead board white and putting it over the linoleum? That would save a LOT of work, including the possibility of asbestos problems and would look very french!

Sue H · Answer

It looks like tile???

Cheryle Fuller · Answer

There is also a good quality orange based stripper out of canada that I used to get old vinyl/rubber flooring from the 60's off my floor. it was great, non toxic and worked quickly with minimal cleanup. I think it was called Citri Strip. And it smelled so good too!

DianaB · Answer

Just from the photo, it would appear that the fabric was applied to a wooden 'runner' at the back of the cabinet yet the 'linoleum' is actually behind the wood. I am thinking the entire wall has that same tiled-look linoleum and the remainder of the wall has been covered with something else--bead board, dry wall, or something adjacent and all around the built-in cabinet. I would also opt for bead board cut to exact fit and painted white, along with the rest of the interior of the cabinet. Lots of prep beforehand to get that done. Then set the bead board panels into place with liquid nails or small nails as appropriate.

My grandma had a built-in corner cabinet as well, and the surrounding area was covered in wallpaper which did not match whatever was visible inside the cabinet. I will say that I was able to remove the corner cabinet because I wanted it after she passed away and had it for years. Did not break a single pane of glass removing it, either.

How do I strip linoleum from a wall?

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How do I strip linoleum from a wall?

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