How to remove ceramic tiles from plaster walls?

Question

I want to remove really ugly ceramic tiles from my bathroom walls. I want to do this without destroying the plaster wall underneath. What's the best way to take them off? Is this going to be a "big" job? Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

Plaster indicates an older house. My guess is that the tile also is raised about a half inch above the surface of the wall and there is a nice bull nose tile that curves into the wall. If I'm correct thus far then there is no plaster under the majority of the tile. Back in the day, the plasters would attach lathe down to just below where the top of the tile would be then plaster only that. Then the tile setters would attach a heavy steel mesh the rest of the way down and strike mortar over top to create a proper backing for the tile. When you go to remove the tile it will come off with great difficulty and in large chunks because of the steel mesh, which by the way is nailed to the studs. By the way, the tile you have can be painted or new tile can be installed over it.

Answer 2

remove ceramic tiles plaster walls

Answer 3

Do it very carefully. Use a flat edged mason's chisel and hammer. Lay the chisel against the wall or as close to the wall as possible. Tap on the head with a hammer until the tile comes loose.
No matter how hard you try, you are going to knock some plaster loose. It is a lot of work.

Answer 4

There is no way to not damage walls.
Yes it is a big job, a very big job.
The best way to remove ceramic wall tile is to rent a chipping hammer with a ceramic tile bit from your local equipment rental center.