I would like to know how do I remove the old tile on the walls in the bathroom. Is there a machine ,chemical etc?:( I plan to redo the bathroom in slate. I know I can put it on the floor but can I put on the walls in the Shower/Tub area? :confused:

You might as well start from scratch by installing durock or other cement board to mount the slate or other tile on. First pull off the old tile and whatever board it is mounted on. Use a hammer (& safety glasses), bash a few holes and start pulling. Careful around the plumbing.. otherwise its just brute force.

I can't think of ever seeing slate on a bathroom wall. You do have to seal it before first use, and again every year or two, but I'm not sure how well it would stand up on a shower wall. It doesn't sound like a good idea to me, but I'm sure others have more informed opinions.

I agree that trying to save the old wall is a waste. If you tile in the shower you need cementboard, Wonderboard or Hardibacker but the rest of the bathroom only needs greenboard.

I have to agree w ballenger on not using slate in a true wet application--too porous. You might be able to get away with it, but I would probably put about 4 coats of sealer on it and be sure to redo it EVERY year.

To be honest, I always thought green board was kind of a farse, even though I always used it for bathrooms. Go with the new paperless stuff they sell now at the big box stores. It's pretty much the same price and I really like the idea behind it. It hasn't been around long enough to really know for sure, but the idea behind it makes a lot of sense.

Oops. I agreed w RTW on this one--about not using slate in a wet area. Not to say I don't agree w ballenger--i've read quite a bit from you--seems like you know your stuff.

Its all good Art, I think we know what you are saying. Maybe go back to rtw's post and give him an accurate rating would be helpful. Thanks, Bob