How to remove tiles stuck to wall with silicone?

[Annie42]

Hi,

Unfortunately I was told by handy person that using silicone to stick tiles to an aluminium splashback would work, there are some problems with pattern not matching etc, how difficult is it to remove same. Tiles 150 x150.

Difficult to see in this photo but very bottom row, plus his grout lines leave a bit to be desired. 

Thanks for help.

 

[Jason]

Hi @Annie42,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We're pleased to have you join us. 

Sorry to read that your handyperson's work didn't meet your expectations. Can I please ask what you plans are once you've removed the tiles? That might affect how careful you might need to be in removing the tiles....

Jason

[Annie42]

I would like to be able to re use if I can, otherwise I guess will have to source same. Thanks for replying.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Annie42,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you join us.

Unfortunately, it would be extremely difficult to only remove individual tiles without breaking them. If you have some replacement tiles, you could break the individual tile with a hammer and pry the pieces off, but this is only an option if you have a replacement.

If the bottom row of tiles is the issue, you would need to remove the full wall of tiles to have the best chance of not damaging them. If you start by removing the grout with a grout saw and then work from the top of the tiles down, you can slip a Craftright 18mm Snap Off Knife with the blade fully extended behind the tiles to cut the silicone and then gently lever the tile off with a pry bar. Ultimately, there will still be a risk of damage to the tiles, but this will give you the best chance to remove them without shattering them.

Make sure you wear your personal protective equipment including eye protection, gloves, long work clothes and enclosed shoes.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Annie42]

Hi Jacob Z,

Thank you for your advice.

I am thinking of using a guitar string to loop around back of 150 X 150 tile once grout removed as the tiles did stand proud of aluminium splashback before grouting, and saw with it to cut silicone. I hope !

He didn't prime splashback so that's probably a God send. 

I do have left overs and think can still get the same.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Annie42.

This is honestly a brilliant idea, I reckon this will work fantastically. Give it a crack and let me know how you go. 

Once the tile is off, you'll need to remove any silicone that is left on the wall. For this, you can use a Paint Scraper and if it is particularly troublesome, Selleys Silicone Remover will help.

Jacob

[Annie42]

Thank you,

Wish all my ideas were good.

Letting him do it wasn't the best one I have had !

I reckon because they are stuck to a shiny surface might be easier to get residual silicone off to.

I might get a tiler to have a look as well so I don't create anymore chaos.

Thank you for the input, much appreciated.