Here's The Key To Removing Stubborn Tar Paper From Wood Floors

Exposing and refinishing original wooden boards is one of the budget-friendly ways to give your floors an upgrade, which can also transform the whole vibe of a room. But what was supposed to be a quick refresh of your floor can quickly turn into a frustrating standoff when you hit a wall in the form of a layer of sticky, tar-like paper that refuses to budge.

If you're facing this literally sticky situation, the good news is that this can be effectively addressed by using a wallpaper steamer. The same tool designed to strip outdated floral prints from walls is your best ally in peeling away years of tar paper from wood floors with minimal effort. Adhesives used in tar paper are designed to be strong and long-lasting, which makes removal a frustrating process. But they lose their grip when exposed to heat and moisture, and that's where a wallpaper steamer excels. This tool is able to use a combination of high temperature and moisture that can pierce through the tar paper and its adhesive layer. This process breaks down the bond between the tar paper and the wood floor underneath by softening the adhesive so it can be scraped away with ease.

Many DIY homeowners swear by wallpaper steamers when removing stubborn tar paper from wood floors since they gently loosen the material without causing harm. This is different from other dry methods, which often require excessive force and risk damaging the wood. This gentle yet effective approach is the best option for homeowners attempting to preserve the state of their wood flooring.

You can begin the process — which requires you to work slowly and patiently — by clearing the area of any furniture and debris to ensure full access to your flooring. Then plug it in and wait for the wallpaper steamer to heat up before tracking the tar paper in sections. You need to position the plate directly onto the tar paper for at least 30 seconds or until you can see the paper softening. Let it sit a bit longer if you're dealing with stubborn patches, but be cautious not to overheat and damage the wood.

Once the area is heated, use a putty knife to scrape the paper off. Repeat this section by section until the entire floor is clear. Wear heat-resistant gloves as protection from the steam and open a window for ventilation. Don't forget to wipe the floor with a damp cloth to remove lingering residue, and then sand your wood floors in a diagonal direction to fully reveal their original beauty. 

Don't panic if a steamer isn't readily available. Many hardware stores, such as Home Depot, offer rentals that can be cost-effective, especially if you're using it just once. An alternative tool is a clothing steamer, though this can increase how much time it should take to refinish your wood floors, due to its smaller size. Applying hot towels to the tar paper can also achieve similar results over a longer period. No matter which approach you choose, the key is perseverance, as removing the tar paper correctly can reveal the wood floor's natural beauty.