Want to fix crappy old stairs...

[Bunncat]

removed old carpets from stairs. Ton of that black rubber backing on there. Hard to get off. Any recommendations that will remove it easily. I can sand til the cows come home and I barely make a dent in it. ALSO, if I ever get it all off, what is the best way to improve these 3 steps? Recarpet lino or something else?? thanks

 

[big-all]

if its foam backing have you tried a wall paper scraper [flat trangular blade]
with the grain
big all

 

[Bunncat]

Well I assume it used to be old foam backing but now its just bits & pieces of what's still left..I have broken 2 plastic scrapers now. I was thinking there would be some commercial preparation I could apply to soften it up first then scrap with a heavier metal tool. Would my electric sander help and if so, what grade of sand paper? Coarse????

 

[masona]

Metal scraper is a good tool for scraping or you could use a wide wood chisel (must be sharp and flat) and scrape it backward or a sanding knife blade holder and again scrape it backward.

If the carpet has been glued all over then you can buy Floor Glue Remover

 

[Bunncat]

thanks"big all "&"masona", I will give your suggestions a try.

 

[kedsy]

I used a hot air paint stripper and metal wall paper stripper to scrape mine off, it stinks a bit when doing it but it comes off easily.