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View Full Version : Removing old grout from the edges of OLD tiles


thebigdiver
May 12, 2014, 05:35 PM
I am repairing our old tile shower. The tiles are just slightly larger than today's 4 1/4 standard so I'm re-using the tile but I have the grout on the edge problem. Any ideas on how to remove the grout from the edges so I can use spacers and get a clean straight line look when I re-install them?

Thanks for any ideas as I'd like to get the bathroom back together. It was a partial removal since most of the shower tiles were firmly attached to the cement board.

Thanks

Alty
May 12, 2014, 05:38 PM
Just to be clear, the old tiles have been removed? They're no longer on the wall?

My husband and I once helped demo a tile store, with many displays. The tile in the displays was adhered to the wall, and grouted. Removal was simple, but afterwards we ended up with tile that had grout, mastik, and drywall attached.

Simply soaking the tile in warm water for a day or two, replacing the water when it became cold with more warm water, removed everything. The mastik and drywall required a bit of scraping in between soaks, and it was a lot of work, but when finished, we ended up with tile that looked brand new, ready to install again.

ballengerb1
May 12, 2014, 05:45 PM
Can I safely assume you mean ceramic tile with hard grout? If so soaking will not help this kind of grout, it is unlike mastic, it is cementacious. You can use a tile nipper or tile saw to break and cut off the grout. Tile Saws by QEP - Masonry Saws by Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies (http://www.zoro.com/g/00057780/k-G1013074?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&kpid=G1013074&gclid=CJLk4O3Vp74CFchFMgodREoAFA) A tile saw can be rented or cheap one go for about $50