How to remove tile glue?

[ewan]

So my first attempt at tiling hasn’t gone so well. The tiles were loose so I have removed them. How do I get rid of the glue so I can retile? Any ideas on what I have done wrong with the tilling so I don’t make the same mistake? 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @ewan,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it's brilliant to have you with us.

You should be able to remove most of the tile adhesive with a QEP 4" Floor And Wall Razor Scraper. Keep the scraper at a sharp angle to avoid damaging the surface beneath.

It looks like the issue is because you are not using enough tile adhesive and the ridges in your tile adhesive are not being broken. On your second attempt, I'd suggest using a QEP 8mm Square Notch Handyman Adhesive Trowel and applying the adhesive so that the ridges are much larger. You should then "back-butter" the tiles by applying a smooth coat without any ridges to the back of the tile. You can use the non-notched side of your trowel, or a separate 4" Plasterboard Joint Knife.

The idea of having ridges of tile adhesive is that when you press the tile onto the ridges, they collapse, forcing the air out and creating suction. When putting the tile onto the wall, move it back and forth slightly to ensure the ridges collapse. This compression of the ridges, combined with the layer of tile adhesive on the back of the tiles will force the air out, creating a vacuum that will make the tile suction to the wall.

Let me know what you think and if you need further clarification.

Jacob

[ewan]

Thank you. I did a quick Bunnings trip and picked up supplies. Unfortunately I could not save the top layer of the paper, it seemed to still be a bit wet from the tiling glue so was coming off with the glue is this going to be a problem when I reapply the glue?

[EricL]

Hello @ewan 

Now that you've removed the tile adhesive, I suggest letting the plasterboard dry out first before starting again. Can you please post a photo of the current state of the plasterboard wall. We'll then be able to offer recommendations on what your next steps should be.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[ewan]

 Thank you for the advice. This is the current state now that the wall has dried out.

[EricL]

Hello @ewan 

It does not appear to be badly damaged; I believe that the tile adhesive will still anchor onto the plasterboard. Please follow Jacob's recommendations regarding the installation of the wall tiles.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric