7
If you want to remove adhesive from laid tiles, you don’t have to laboriously scrape off the residue with your fingers. There are a few tools that will make the job easier. This also applies if you want to lay new tiles and prepare the substrate.
Removing adhesive from tiles: How to prepare everything
Anyone who wants to replace tiles or renovate a room often faces a stubborn challenge: First, you have to remove the tile adhesive. The adhesive residue tends to stick firmly and can be difficult to remove. However, you don’t need too many tools or expertise to remove it. You can find most of what you need in your kitchen. But first, you should prepare your workspace well:
- First, secure the room by protecting adjacent areas, furniture, and floors with painter’s drop cloths or plastic sheeting and securing the covering with tape.
- Then get the right tools ready. A hammer and chisel are suitable for rough work, while a spatula and scraper are useful for smaller residues.
- For large areas or very stubborn adhesive layers, power tools such as a hammer drill with a chisel attachment, an electric chisel, or a concrete grinder can be a valuable aid.
- Keep your work area clean with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a fine dust filter. Since fine dust is produced during removal and grinding, a respirator is recommended, ideally a dust mask with a fine dust filter.
- Also, be sure to wear personal protective equipment. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from splinters and sturdy work gloves to prevent cuts and crush injuries. If you are working with loud power tools, hearing protection is also advisable.
Remove tile adhesive before and after laying new tiles
First, you need to remove the old tile adhesive before laying new tiles and finally grouting them. However, adhesive residue can sometimes still be visible on the new tiles. Begin your work by carefully securing the entire work area. Remove all loose objects, cover the floor and surrounding areas with plastic sheeting, and ensure that the room is well ventilated.
- Then start by removing the coarse adhesive residue. To do this, use a hammer and chisel or, if available, an electric chisel. Hold the chisel as flat as possible to avoid damaging the substrate.
- The next step is to do a thorough cleaning. Use a scraper or spatula to remove any remaining adhesive, especially in hard-to-reach corners and along edges.
- Then smooth the surface, for example by lightly sanding or filling it, so that the substrate is even and you can lay the new tiles on it.
- If there are still stubborn residues, use an angle grinder or a sander. Work in sections so that you can keep track of your progress. Keep checking that you are not damaging the substrate.
- Finally, clean the entire area thoroughly. Vacuum up the dust with a vacuum cleaner with a fine dust filter and dispose of the removed adhesive residue properly. It does not belong in the household waste, but in the local recycling or construction waste collection. Only when the substrate is clean, smooth, and dry have you created the ideal base for the new tiles.
- If the new tiles are in place and the adhesive is still visible, you may need to use a ceramic hob scraper. Hold it at a 45-degree angle and you should be able to scrape the adhesive off the tile without damaging it.
- You can make the job easier by heating the adhesive before scraping it off. This works quite well with a standard hair dryer.
- For smooth and glazed tiles, you can also use alcohol or benzine.
Put some alcohol on a cloth and rub the adhesive off thoroughly. It often helps to let the alcohol soak in for a short time. A spray bottle is a good way to moisten the adhesive with a thin layer. - For smooth and glazed tiles, butter can also help to remove the adhesive. Rub a thin layer of butter onto the adhesive and leave the fat to work for about an hour. The fatty acids in the butter will then dissolve the adhesive. You should then be able to wipe off the butter and adhesive residue with a paper towel.
The different types of adhesive and their properties
Not all tile adhesives behave in the same way. That’s why it’s important to first know what you’re dealing with:
- Cement adhesive is very widely used and hardens extremely firmly. If you want to remove it, the best way to do so is mechanically with a hammer and chisel, an electric chisel, or a concrete grinder.
- Reaction adhesives such as epoxy and synthetic resin are particularly durable and resistant to water and chemicals. To remove them, you usually need heavy equipment or special grinding machines.
- Dispersion adhesives contain synthetic resins and remain somewhat more flexible. They are easier to scrape off or remove with hot air and a scraper.
- Our tip: You can often identify the type of adhesive by the age of the tiles and the hardness of the material. If in doubt, consult a specialist. If you want to do the work yourself, don’t forget to protect yourself: safety goggles, work gloves, a respirator mask, and possibly ear protection should be part of your standard equipment.
