(Also see Substrates)
Existing VCT should be cleaned with a commercial wax stripper, neutralized with plenty of water and allowed to dry completely. Ceramic, porcelain tile or natural stone can then be installed using a polymer-modified cement-based mortar such as MAPEI’s Porcelain Tile Mortar, MAPEI’s Large-Format Floor & Wall Tile Mortar, MAPEI’s Large Tile & Stone Mortar, or a two-part cement-based mortar and liquid additive such as MAPEI’s Large-Format Floor Tile Mortar mixed with MAPEI’s Polymer Additive, or MAPEI’s Uncoupling Membrane Mortar mixed with MAPEI’s Polymer Additive. Always use a white mortar for installations of new natural stone and clean the grout joints while the mortar is still soft in preparation for grouting.
Note: MAPEI products are not recommended or warrantied over any substrate that contains asbestos.