Remove cement from tiles

[svenstad]

I have taken down some tiles in the kitchen and want to reuse them in another place in the kitchen. There is still cement on the back of the tiles and I want to remove it before I put them up in the new place. I have tried to dissolve the mortar with citric acid and to some extent it worked, but most of it still remains. Does anyone have good tips for removing it?

And no, it's not an option to buy new ones instead, because I haven't been able to find the same color and size as the old ones.

 

[vectrex]

I believe unfortunately the only option is to scrape, tap with something sharp.

The know-it-all also points out that it is indeed a cement-based product on the back of your tiles but in everyday language it is usually called fix!

 

[slaskman]

Diluted hydrochloric acid, citric acid is too weak.

 

[Stefan N]

The know-it-all also points out that although it is indeed a cement-based product on the back of your tiles, it is commonly referred to as fix!

The know-it-all might need to be a little cautious since tiles used to be set in cement mortar in the past, and we don't know from which time period this is.

 

[Liteavvarje]

Placing the tiles with a lot of adhesive on the back, definitely lifts them a bit and maybe needs to set before the next layer is applied.

 

[f91jsw]

Small angle grinder with diamond blade, and work carefully so that the tiles do not crack.

 

[f91jsw]

The know-it-all might need to be a bit careful since, in the past, tiles were set with cemet mortar, and we don't know from which time this is.

But if we're being precise, it is then cement mortar, not cement. Cement is the binding agent in concrete and cement mortar.

 

[vectrex]

But to be precise, it is actually cement mortar, not cement. Cement is the binder in concrete and cement mortar.

Exactly my point. Cement is also one of the ingredients in adhesive.

 

[svenstad]

Going to test hydrochloric acid. Where can you buy it?

 

[svenstad]

Time for an update.
Here’s how I did it:
1. Let the tiles sit for 24 hours in diluted hydrochloric acid.
2. Scrape and wire brush away everything that is loose and softened.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 once more.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Done.
Note: Use rubber gloves and safety goggles.

 

[mellow monday]

Time for an update.
Here's what I did:
1. Let the tiles sit in diluted hydrochloric acid for 24 hours.
2. Scrape and use a wire brush to remove everything that's loose and softened.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 one more time.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Done.
Note, use rubber gloves and safety goggles.

How diluted was the hydrochloric acid you used (realizing this is four years later)? No damage to the front of the tile?

 

[svenstad]

I don't remember exactly, but maybe 1+6 (6 parts water and one part from the drum of hydrochloric acid I bought at the paint shop). If you feel this is too weak, try stronger. The total amount of water was probably just over 10 liters.