Re-using tiles?

Dave-M · Post by **Dave-M** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:16 am

Hi folks,

I've removed a few tiles from a wall in the kitchen (without breaking them) so it can be re-plastered, the plastering has been done and there's a nice flat wall to put some of them back on.

The tiles I've removed are all in good order, aside from the fact they have adhesive on the back. The original job was done by a professional and the adhesive on the back of the tiles is quite even and has the grooves in it, but really is rock solid.

Is there a way to remove this adhesive without breaking the tiles? The reason I ask is that I only need to redo about 9 tiles at most and this will save re-tiling the rest of the kitchen. They don't make the tiles any more unfortunately, or I'd buy new.

Any suggestions are welcome and I can do photos of the tiles if required, thanks :)

Dave.

Simon Site Manager · Post by **Simon Site Manager** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:21 am

Hi Dave,

Don't know if these will work, but worth a go, first, sand them down- get an orbital sander on them (perhaps with wet and dry paper). Second, soak them for ages then try scraping 'em.

Let us know how you get on.

S

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:21 am

Put them in a bucket of water to soak for a few days. This will soften the adhesive and it wil scrape off.

DWD

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:22 am

chuck em in a bucket full of water for about 2 weeks [protect from frost]
then the adhesive will fall off /come off easy or need scraping
dependant on glue and conditions

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:27 am

Beat you by a minute All

DWD

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:28 am

simon didnt do bad either

Dave-M · Post by **Dave-M** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:40 am

Thanks for the replies :)

I don't have an orbital sander, so I'll give the water a try first.

Cheers,

Dave.

Dave-M · Post by **Dave-M** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:21 pm

Warm water, and then lft to soak over night did the trick thanks, the adhesive just came off dead easy with a wallpaper scraper.

Thanks for the help :)