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The mission of the Historic Resources Committee (HRC) is to identify, understand, and preserve architectural heritage, both nationally and internationally. HRC is engaged in promoting the role of the historic architect within the profession through the development of information and knowledge among members, allied professional organizations, and the public.

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Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

  • 1.  Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-11-2017 02:30 PM
    Does anyone have experience or recommendations for restoring/preserving historic linoleum floor coverings? This linoleum is very dry and brittle and faded in areas. The owner attempted to lift it only to have the edges crumble in their hands. Has anyone tried using linseed oil to possibly restore resiliency and/or colors? We are considering trying linseed oil on a small portion to see what kind of results we may get.
    If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please let me know!
    Thanks! Melissa
    Linoleum floor covering

    ------------------------------
    Melissa Christenson Ekman AIA
    Architect
    Miller Dunwiddie Architecture
    Minneapolis MN
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 2.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-12-2017 05:35 PM
    This is a job for conservators: I recommend Rosa Lowinger & Associates (RLA Conservation) in Los Angeles and Miami - rlowinger@rosalowinger.com

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    John Fidler Intl. Assoc. AIA
    President & Chief Technical Officer
    John Fidler Preservation Technology
    Marina Del Rey CA
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 3.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-12-2017 05:55 PM
    I would check with Marmoleum as they still make linoleum flooring.

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    Timothy Dearborn AIA
    Architect
    Architechnica
    Stockton CA
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 4.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-12-2017 07:16 PM
    It might need some sort of oil since it is probably made of cork wood or bark. Even the new linoleum is made of cork, linseed oil and resins with a jute back. Good luck..


    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 5.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-12-2017 07:17 PM
    Hi Melissa-
    We have been successful by lightly sanding vintage linoleum to a uniform and somewhat smooth texture, followed by liberal doses of linseed oil, to soak in as deep as possible.  After it dries you can use a typical floor maintenance finish or a wax to add what ever sheen or protective layer you desire.  I have walked on the result of our success daily for the last 13 years, it has not been recoated since.
    Good luck to you!

    ------------------------------
    Jeffrey Barnes AIA
    Barnes Architecture Inc.
    Anchorage AK
    ------------------------------

    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 6.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-13-2017 08:55 AM
    Maybe try reaching out to someone who works on more recent/mid-century buildings?  DOCOMOMO might be able to point you to someone who has done this?  There must be a materials conservator somewhere who has tried this.  Good luck.



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 7.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-15-2017 08:24 AM
    Thank you. Great idea.



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 8.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-13-2017 11:34 AM

    Since you now have some broken pieces, maybe you can experiment on them to see what works - if anything.

     

    I have no knowledge in this area. I hope someone responds to help you out.

     

    Christina Schessler

    Architect

    lll McKinley & Associates

    32 Twentieth Street

    Wheeling, WV 26003

     

    Email: cschessler@mckinleyassoc.com

    p 304.233.0140

    f  304.233.4613

     




    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 9.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-13-2017 12:25 PM

    Hi Melissa: Some thoughts:

    1) First make sure the flooring is true linoleum -- that is, thick and based on cork, linseed oil, etc -- and not one of the many competitive products of the past, like Congoleum (which was asphalt based) that sought the same market and ultimately used the Linoleum name.

    2) Over many years of following the subject, I've never heard of any successful attempt to revivify crumbling linoleum (which in its true form is pretty durable stuff), though maybe someone out there has cracked this puzzle. If this is a museum type situation, suggest removing and saving what you can of the historic "linoleum" and then using new flooring that approximates the old pattern, if you can find something similar enough. Hope this helps.




    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 10.  RE: Restoring Linoleum Floor Coverings

    Posted 04-13-2017 12:27 PM

    Also be aware that while true linoleum did not contain asbestos, at times in the past, underlayments used buy installers might have had an asbestos content.




    2024 HRC Taliesin West