1930s bathroom tiles just discovered! But how on earth do I go about restoring them?

[HMVR]

Yesterday we pulled off some blown 70s/80s tiles from our bathroom wall in our new house and were very excited to find the original green 30s tiles underneath. I would love to keep them but have no idea where to start. The main problem is that they are covered in tile adhesive. What is the best way to remove this? Thank you.

 

[Flintstone]

I would be very supprised if they were all in tact and none had been chopped to accommodate a change in pipe work or bathroom fittings, I would try removing all the top layer and see what you have first then

 

[One Day]

Hot water, lots of it, will usually soften the old acrylic adhesive. Combine with a scrubbing brush.

 

[HMVR]

Hot water, lots of it, will usually soften the old acrylic adhesive. Combine with a scrubbing brush.

Brilliant, thank you. I'll try that. Sounds more doable than some of the things I thought we might run into - like acid...

 

[HMVR]

I would be very supprised if they were all in tact and none had been chopped to accommodate a change in pipe work or bathroom fittings, I would try removing all the top layer and see what you have first then

Yes, I wonder if we might have to reuse them in some way rather than keep them where they are.

 

[Dan]

Behind them might be laths rather than brick or render. Might struggle to get them off without bringing pars of the wall with them if that's the case.

 

[LauraCTW]

Never know it they will come off whole though for re-use! Good luck. Hot water and a strong arm but try and clean an area which looks "damaged" or "imperfect" underneath would be horrible to do all that work for nothing if you end up tiling over it!

 

[Lithofin BOB]

Could also Use white or green pads to aid removal with your hot water, if you need an acidic based product if stubborn and they are ceramic , use a specific tile grout remover , not hydro - brick acid

 

[Dumbo]

I have heard wall paper steamers are effective at removing adhesive .

 

[NZ_Tiler]

Depends what the adhesive is. If it's an organic type adhesive and none of the above work, try some acetone.

Make sure you have plenty of ventilation...