This article is about how to remove wall tile. Removing a wall tile is a basic techniques which is very useful for any home improver, as there are cases when you have to replace an old, poor-looking ceramic tile. Consequently, you have two alternatives: to hire a qualified professional (which will charge you a couple hundred bucks, according to the surface) or to get the job done by yourself, by using our guidelines. In this step by step article we show you how to remove wall tiles without breaking them.
Nevertheless, there are some cases in which you might want to remove a wall tile without breaking it, which represents a more complex task. However, if you pay attention when working, you will be able to remove the tile from the wall without breaking it, in several minutes. Tough, you should understand that this operation is possible only when we speak about an ending row of wall tiles, otherwise it is almost impossible to remove a tile in the middle of the room, without breaking it. Therefore, before starting the project, you should pay attention to these aspects, as to take the right decisions for your needs.
As to protect yourself from possible injuries, you should wear safety gloves and glasses. In addition, you should work with great care and attention, as to learn how to remove wall tiles in a professional manner. Removing wall tiles requires just a few basic tools and a little of concentration, as virtually anybody is able to finish this project. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the tile projects, if you want to see more step by step guides.
Made from this plan
In order to remove wall tiles, you need the following:
Materials
- Water
Tools
- Safety gloves, Eye protection
- Chisel, Hammer, Scraper
Tips
- If you want to remove the tiles without breaking them, you should first remove the grout
Time
- 10 minutes for each tile
How to remove a wall tile
In order to remove wall tiles, one needs several tools: a hammer, a good chisel with two ends and a scraper. 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.
In this image you can see the wall tiles we are about to remove without breaking them. You might notice that there is only one row of ceramic tiles on the wall, but this aspect is secondary, as the techniques are the same.
Next, you have to use a scraper to remove the grout between the wall tiles. This step is very important if you don’t want to break the tiles during the removal process. You should go along the grout between the tiles several times, by using the edge of the scraper.
Next, you should use the wider end of the chisel and tap it with the hammer, along the upper edge of the wall tile. If it doesn’t fall from the first attempt, you shouldn’t force it as you risk breaking it in half. Instead, you should tap the chisel incrementally, along the width of the ceramic tile, until you have removed it from the wall.
After you have removed the first wall tile, if necessary, you should continue the process by removing the tiles on the same row. Consequently, you should use the same techniques as to remove the tiles from the wall.
Work with patience, as an amateur diy-er could easily make a mistake. Nevertheless, if you are attentive you should be able to get the job done in a professional manner. In most of the case, you can remove the tiles without breaking them, but there are cases when the bond is to strong.
The essential aspect of this project is to use the chisel properly. Consequently, do not apply too much force when tapping the chisel or else you risk breaking the wall tile.
You should use the chisel along the upper edge of the wall time, from one end to the another. Nevertheless, this projects depends also on the type of adhesive behind the ceramic tile. If it a strong type of adhesive, then you might not be able to remove the wall tile without breaking it at all.
Last but not least, you should remove the tile adhesive from the wall and from the back of the ceramic tiles. Therefore, you should use the same chisel to remove the adhesive from the wall, by tapping it with a hammer progressively.
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