GUNK on floorboards

[MICKYG]

How do I remove gunk on floor boards which was under thin masonite covering??

We wish to prepare the floor for sanding and finishing with a durable finish.

Regards Mike

[Eddie Jones]

I suppose the answer to this depends a lot on what sort of "Gunk".

I can think of a few, but I've been sin-binned enuff for this month.

[echnidna]

If its gooey gunk pare it off with a wide chisel.
If its not rubbery etc I would sand it off (lightly) with a 40 grit in a panel beaters disc sander

[MICKYG]

Eddie and Bob, thanks for the reply. The "gunk" is a fine sandy composition used for a leveller and glue to hold the masonite down which had industrial linoleum laid on it for a food shop. I dont know whether to heat it, grind it off, or rely on the sanding process to remove. My concern is that it will gunk up the sanding paper on the sander @ $6 a throw.

Regards Mike

[mcchaddy]

Hi Mike,

I had a similar problem when i lifted old lino tiles that were stuck on with some sort of tar paper. I used a flat blade shovel/spade and ground a sharp edge on it with a grinder. This was very effective in removing the bulk of it. Used a small scaper and sander after that.

Cheers

Michael.