Removing A Wall Tile Without Breaking It

Pay particular attention to areas around doors and windows where decorative moldings and edging strips change direction.

Removing a wall tile without breaking it.

Next position a chisel in the grout line under the bottom of the tile and tap it gently with a hammer to see if the tile will pop loose be careful not to chip or crack the adjoining tile. In order to remove wall tiles one needs several tools. Of course that you can do this operation mechanically by using a drill machine with hammering function but if you want to remove the tiles without breaking them it is better to do it by hand. A hammer a good chisel with two ends and a scraper.

To remove thinset use a stiff putty knife and some elbow grease to scrape it from the wall. Fill drywall gouges with drywall joint compound and sand it smooth. Take your time to tap out the first one then attack the exposed. The first tile is generally much harder than the rest.

If the tiles are firmly attached you may not be able to remove them without breaking but here s how to give it a try. Have an assistant wearing leather gloves catch the tiles as they come away before they fall. Start by removing all the grout using a grout saw rotary cutter oscillating tool or utility knife. For semi soft adhesive mastic use 120 grit sandpaper to remove it from the wall.

They are often secured with less adhesive. Allow to fully dry. Salvaging ceramic tiles is never guaranteed as they can break easily. If the tiles break instead of coming away try an air chisel instead.

By working along the edge there are always two edges. Corner tiles have two free sides making them easier to access and remove.