When renovating a bathroom or kitchen, the hardest part can be removing the plaster from the existing tiles. The plaster is composed of water, cement and sand, which hardens over time to form a granite material. It is the strength of this mortar that makes the tile very firm and prevents it from moving. Learning how to remove plaster can save you a lot of money because otherwise you would have to hire a bricklayer.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Before Removal
Step 1. Get the tools you need
There are a variety of tools you can use to remove the grout. Which to choose depends on how much money you want to spend, how much and what type of plaster you need to remove and how often you want to remove it.
- You can use powerful tools. There are several tools, called milling machines, that help remove grout quickly and with much less effort. These are useful if you need to remove a large amount of plaster or if it is very thick.
- You can also use hand tools. If for some reason you can't use the powerful tools, but have a fair amount of plaster to remove, use a manual putty remover tool. It is similar to a small spatula.
- If you only have a small amount of plaster to remove or if it's a fairly soft material like silicone putty, you can use a common razor blade, such as a scraper.
Step 2. If you want to keep the tiles and only remove the grout, cover the edges of each tile with paper tape
- Cover the surfaces of any appliances or fixtures you plan to keep. When you remove the plaster, flying debris can cause damage. Cover the appliances with a large blanket or cloth and make sure you don't leave any exposed parts.
- If necessary, use duct tape to secure the edges of the blankets.
Step 3. Put on protective clothing before starting the removal job
These include safety goggles, dust mask and cut resistant gloves. For added comfort, you should wear knee pads, as it may take some time to remove the plaster.
Part 2 of 3: The Removal Phase
Step 1. Make an incision in the center
Make an incision in the middle of each line of plaster using a plaster saw, preferably tungsten carbide. Do this for all the grout lines you want to remove.
Step 2. Remove the plaster
Remove it between the tile pieces with a scraper, using the incision as a starting point. Insert the triangular tip of the scraper into the cut you made with the saw. Apply firm pressure and drag the scraper along the plaster line about the length of a tile. Lift the scraper, return to the starting point and repeat the process until you have removed all the grout in that area.
If you don't have a scraper, use a chisel and hammer. Tilt the chisel away from the edge of the tile and tap it with the hammer until the grout comes off the floor and tile edges
Step 3. Refine the edges
Clean the edges of the tiles of any remaining plaster residues. Hold the chisel so that it is parallel to the floor and the cutting edge of the chisel touches the edge of the tile. Tap the chisel lightly with the hammer until the mortar is removed. Collect the broken pieces from the crevices using a broom.
Part 3 of 3: After Removal
Step 1. Remove the tape and clean the lines
Peel off the paper tape from the edge of the tiles, then wash the joints with soap and water. You may need a scouring pad to remove any plaster residue from the edges of the tiles. Gently scrub the edges until the plaster is completely removed.
Step 2. Clean the tiles
Clean them right away if you plan to keep them. Plaster residues can quickly harden on the tiles and then it can become difficult to remove without damage. Fill a spray bottle with a solution of water and vinegar (50 and 50). Spray the tiles and let the solution sit for a couple of minutes before drying with a clean cloth.
If the plaster hardens on the tiles, you can try to remove it using vinegar, a chisel or a diluted solution of sulfamic acid
Advice
If you plan to keep the tiles it may be a good idea to ask for help from someone who already knows how to remove the plaster. There is a risk of damaging the tiles if you are not familiar with using the saw and scraper
Warnings
- Tungsten carbide blades are very sharp. Always wear cut-resistant gloves, otherwise you risk losing a finger if your saw slips.
- Always wear safety glasses when trying to remove the plaster. Pieces of mortar and tiles could hurt your eyes when they splash quickly.
