The 2X2 ceramic tiles in my shower stall have come loose. I then pryed them all off using a screw driver. I now want to lay new tiles. The problem is that the tile grout adhered too well to the scratch coat under the tile. The grout is very rough and I can't get it smooth to be able to apply the new tile. Do I have to rip up the whole shower floor and start again. Or is there something I can use to level the floor with out redoing the whole project.
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There are a variety of things you can use, all work to varying degrees depending on how easy the thinset releases.
A scraper called a 5-way tool, a stiff putty knife, a hammer and chisel are all hand held manual tools used to scrape the surface clean. A grinder with a cup wheel is much more aggressive but will definitely work in a very short amount of time. Buying a grinder can cost $50 or more, the cup wheel is at least $70 and I have only seen them in online tile supply stores like contractorsdirect.com. That would also give you a smooth surface but it will create a lot of dust so wear a mask and goggles, especialy being in a confined area. After that, a total rip out of the mud base is needed. You should tyr to find the reason the tiles let go or it may happen again. If your mud pan is soaked then rip it out build in a new preslope so the water drains out and put the second layer of mud over the first also with a pitch to the drain.
A scraper called a 5-way tool, a stiff putty knife, a hammer and chisel are all hand held manual tools used to scrape the surface clean. A grinder with a cup wheel is much more aggressive but will definitely work in a very short amount of time. Buying a grinder can cost $50 or more, the cup wheel is at least $70 and I have only seen them in online tile supply stores like contractorsdirect.com. That would also give you a smooth surface but it will create a lot of dust so wear a mask and goggles, especialy being in a confined area. After that, a total rip out of the mud base is needed. You should tyr to find the reason the tiles let go or it may happen again. If your mud pan is soaked then rip it out build in a new preslope so the water drains out and put the second layer of mud over the first also with a pitch to the drain.
