Removing paint from wall tiles.

[Kazmita]

I have just bought a new house and the entire bathroom is floor to ceiling white tiles. The only problem is that some of the tiles have been painted in awful tile paint which is flaking horribly. The existing tiles are in great condition and exactly to my taste so I do not want to re-tile - how can I remove the tile paint from the painted ones or in anyway restore them?

[ultimatehandyman]

I'll move this to the tiling forum as itmay get more replies there.

You have to be careful with tiles and so the best option is probably to use a sharp scraper, perhaps a glass scraper. You can get them that hold stanley knife blades, one of these should remove it. If it is difficult then I would try softening the paint with a steamer.

Failing that a water based paint remover could probablt be used, but you would have to test it first in an area that can not be easily seen.

[Only-Me]

Also.........if your careful. a hot air gun to soften it up.........but only if your very careful, as to not scorch the grout and tile glaze

[Kazmita]

Thanks for the information. I have had limited success with scraping them off but in some cases the paint it not scraping off. Perhaps I will try the steaming option to loosen it first.

[Keygs]

The tile paint I have put on has a turps base and a turps based undercoat
Try acetone if all else has failed, usually removes paint. Test it out first.
cheers
Keygs

[peteyweakstraw]

Why not try Goof Off or Mostenbocker's Latex Paint Remover, both are under $5.00 can be found at most home improvement and discount stores and neither will cause more problems than you already have. I've used it in the past and maybe it will do wonders for you problem.