How to Remove Grout & Glue
A large part of remodeling a tiled wall is removing the grout and glue used to bond the tile in place and allow for movement of individual tiles without breakage. Removal is a simple but time-consuming process, and you must use the proper tools and materials. Once you're finished, however, your formerly tiled surface will be clean and clear, ready for whatever use you choose. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drop cloth
- Masking tape
- Oscillating power tool
- Carbide grout blade
- Pry bar
- Orbital sander
Instructions
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1
Place a drop cloth on areas surrounding the tiled surface to protect from dust. Use masking tape to secure the cloth.
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2
Don safety goggles and a dust mask to protect your eyes and lungs from the dust kicked up while removing the grout and glue.
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3
Remove the grout from between the tiles using an oscillating power tool with a carbide grout blade. Run the vibrating blade over the grout between the joints of the tiles. As the blade moves over the grout it will strip the grout from the joints, down to the adhesive holding the tiles in place.
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4
Remove the tiles using a pry bar. Place the pry bar at the edge of each tile and apply pressure, lifting the edge. As the edge lifts, move the pry bar farther beneath the tile, applying pressure until the tile pops up.
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5
Remove the glue from the surface using a carbide grout blade held at a 45-degree angle. Push the blade along the glue, cutting it from the surface. This will remove the majority of the glue.
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Use an orbital sander to remove traces of adhesive from the surface. Run the sander in small circles over the glue, grinding it and leaving the surface smooth.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep your orbital sander in motion. Holding it in place for any amount of time will sand through the glue and remove a layer of the surface beneath.
