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Weekend Warrior

04:14AM | 01/30/06
Member Since: 11/29/02
106 lifetime posts
Bvflooring
In the process of replacing leaking tub/shower faucets I found the previous owner had apparently ignored the pesky leak for some time. I ended up havig to pull some tile and replace a section of backerboard.

Although there is a complete remodel of the bathroom in the future, it is not in the budget right now. The bathroom appears to have been last redone in the 70s as the tile is a hideous pink.

Since I cannot find these 'circa 1972' tiles, ny question is this:

How can I clean the old grout off of the edges as well as the thinset off the back of the original tiles so I can reuse them temporarily?

Thanks in advance!!

fugazi48

02:30PM | 03/27/06
Member Since: 03/08/06
192 lifetime posts
We used a regrouting kit to do the exact same thing you discribe. The kit had a tool to dig out nasty grout and pop out old tiles to be reqlued and remortored.

We had a bunch of the tiles off the walls and they all seemed to clean up pretty well and stuck back to the walls.

just be gentle.

Tileguybob

03:47PM | 03/27/06
Member Since: 07/03/05
281 lifetime posts
The old grout along the edges can be removed by running a utility knife along the edge of the tile in a shaving motion. Or you can use a pair of tile nippers or needle nose pliers to snap the grout off. Keep the pliers off of the tile so the edges dont chip.

As far as the back of the tile goes, sometimes you can soak the tiles in a bucket of water overnight. Add some sulfamic acid crystals to the water if it is a cement based adhesive on the tile. The next day use a putty knife to get the crud off. If it does not want to budge a grinder should be used.


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