The old vinyl tile you describe sounds like vct vinyl composition tile and it is tough stuff.
Thinset to go over vinyl.
Here s how to go about it.
Sheet vinyl is sometimes generically and incorrectly referred to as linoleum.
Apply a layer of thin set tile adhesive to the vinyl using a notched trowel.
But it says right on the thinset label ost all of the mainstream manufacturers of tile thinset mortar adhesive offer a product that clearly states on their label that their product is suitable for installation of tile over vinyl flooring.
Some of us think what you re doing is a really bad idea even with a thinset mortar that will stick to the vinyl.
Be careful because thinset sets very fast.
When installing new stone ceramic or porcelain tiles over a vinyl tile subfloor thinset is definitely the way to go.
And there are lots of em.
Vacuum the floor to make sure there isn t any debris and mix the thinset.
Most manufacturers of tile cement thinset have developed a specialty thinset for setting tile that bonds well to sheet vinyl.
I plan to put down interior plywood stapled over the vinyl and then thinset hardibacker thinset and ceramic tiles.
Exposed areas between ridges of adhesive should expose the vinyl flooring.
Archive type of thinset to use over a lino floor tile forum advice board.
Apply thin set adhesive to the vinyl flooring with a notched trowel.
However as with all tile installations the entire subfloor below the tile is important not only the layer to which the tile is bonded.
Screw each piece down around its perimeter with screws about 6 inches apart and place mesh tape over the joints.
However sheet vinyl is a resilient type of flooring and is different than linoleum.
Darn near impossible to get up.
I ll consider both options.
To do this scoop a small amount of thin set adhesive onto the floor then drag the edge of the trowel over it to cover the floor.
Trowel on thin set adhesive.
Under that i found some green 12 vinyl squares good condition which appear to have been stapled directly on the plywood subfloor of at least 1 1 8.
Shot blasting and thinset that will go over it.
Their glue will stick to vinyl.
Spread the thinset using a notched trowel in one direction and set the backer board.
When tiling over vinyl flooring on a wood subfloor you should apply a layer of 1 2 thick cement backer board first.
Btw the shot blasting has a collection vacuum and i would hire a company to do the removal if i choose to take that path.