Tips For Wall Tile Removal

Wall tile removal can be a messy job. Once you start loosening and chipping away at tiles, shards of ceramic or porcelain can fly around the room, so it’s important to put on a pair of safety goggles and sturdy work gloves.

It’s also a good idea to wear a dust mask, as porcelain can break into extremely sharp fragments. Begin by working from the top-left corner of the tiled area if you’re right-handed.

Start with an Undamaged Tile

Tiles are durable and easy to maintain, but over time they can become outdated and in need of renovation. This is especially true in bathrooms where showers and baths are located. When this happens, the tiles must be removed without causing damage to the surrounding plaster.

Before you start removing wall tile, make sure to put on all the appropriate safety gear – including a pair of protective gloves and eye protection. Next, it is important to cover surfaces that are further away from the primary work area with dust sheets. This is a simple task and can significantly mitigate damage from sharp tile fragments that break off during the process.

To remove the first tile, sit a chisel in place behind it and gently tap on it with a hammer. Repeat this step for each of the remaining tiles until they all come loose. If they prove to be too stubborn, a heat gun or blow dryer may be helpful to soften the grout.

Use a Grout Rake

You can get tools specifically designed for dealing with grout removal, but these are a bit pricey and most people will find that a multitool fitted with a blade that is specially designed to deal with the job will do just as well. Fit the blade, hold it up to a grout joint (horizontally or vertically depending on the position of the seam) and switch it on – it should easily chew through the old grout without damaging the tiles.

If the grout is very firmly in place, you may need to use a cold chisel and hammer to chip away at any pieces that do not want to budge. Always work slowly and carefully so that you do not damage the tiles or tiles themselves. It is also very helpful to use a shop vacuum almost constantly to help clear the grout dust from your work area and minimize mess around the tiles. This will also make it much easier to see what you are doing.

Remove the Adhesive

Tiles are installed using a variety of tough adhesives that dry to rock-hard bonds. Some are water-soluble and easily removed with a wide stripping knife or bolster chisel, but others require chemicals to soften and remove them.

The simplest solution is to use tile glue remover, which can be bought in most hardware stores. Apply the product to the area you want to treat, let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then scrape away the old adhesive. Repeat as needed.

Another option is to use a steamer. Pour hot water over the target area and soak it for a few minutes before attempting to chisel or scrape it off. Work on a small area at a time, since the heat may damage plasterboard. You will also produce a lot of dust, which you must clean up thoroughly. Be sure to seal up gaps around doors, windows and light switches to prevent dust from blowing in.

Remove Spacer Lugs

Certain tiles have what are called spacer lugs—basically built-in spaces. They are located on either side of the tile and are designed to keep adjacent tiles at a consistent distance from one another. This is important because the tile must be able to stack tightly on wall surfaces.

Most tile spacers protrude above the tile surface, making them easy to remove with a pair of pliers. However, if you’re using the type of cross spacer that sit flat on the tile substrate, you will need a pair of needle-nose pliers to get them free. Once the pliers are clamped onto the cross, just tap the head of a screwdriver or an awl against it to pop the spacer out.

Although the job of removing bathroom wall tile can be tedious, working carefully and being patient will make the job go more quickly and efficiently. Sweeping up any shattered tiles right away also helps maintain a clean and safe workspace that prevents accidental injuries.

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