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Replacing Original Subway Tile in 1930's Bathroom

13 years ago

I want to replace some discolored and cracked white 3x6 subway tile in my bathroom and I want the restored area to look just like the old tile. Would appreciate any info on how to do this and especially reproducing the old grout (that looks like cement). Any info gratefully appreciated. Thanks

Featured Answer

bill_vincent

13 years ago

You've left nothing out that I need to know. I was referring to what you'd posted in your other thread, about the tile detaching from the mud bed.

As for tearing it out, it depends on what you want to do. If you're going to replace the tile, cover the tub (so you don't chip it with falling tile) and take a pry bar, and get behind the tile and pop it. I would imagine once you pop one, the rest of the wall will fall. However, if you want to try and save the tile to reuse it, you might think about doing as lazygardens suggested, and cut the grout joints and remove the tiles carefully. The easiest way to do this would be with a Dremel tool, and their little 1 inch diamond wheel. It does a much better job than their grout kit.

No matter which way you go, though, anything detached from the mud bed must be removed. I have a feeling once you get started, you'll quickly realize you don't have a choice in that matter.

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Comments (6)

User
13 years ago
Basically, you can't. You have 80 years of wear on those tiles that a modern one wouldn't.

Sometimes it's possible to remove some old tiles from an inconspicuous location to use in a repair, and then patch with modern material that is a close match. The patch is not going to match, but it will be less visible.

My sister's method was to remove the top row or two of tiles to use as repair material and replace them with an old-looking banding or listello to make it all look planned.

Removing tiles without breaking them is tricky - you have to slice out the grout all around each tile.
chipster_2007
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks lazygardens for responding. What would be your suggestions for tools and blades for cutting into that cement grout and for using for the new grout?I am really anxious to get this done.
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bill_vincent
13 years ago
Chipster-- you're leaving out a few details that makes this virtually impossible. I'm not posting as a homeowner. I'm a tile contractor with many years under my belt, and when I give advice, I give it by the book. I'm telling you that if that tile is standing off (separated) from the mud wall behind it, there's no way you're going to replace just a section. It's just not going to work, even if you could save and reuse the exact same tile. It won't work. If you're just looking for someone to tell you what you want to hear, let me know, and I'll stop posting to your threads.
chipster_2007
Original Author
13 years ago
Bill,
I respect your word on this. Are you saying that I have to remove the entire section of tile that stands away from the wall? I am willing to do this. What information do you need that I have left out that would be helpful to you in answering my question? Bill, you are the expert, your posted pictures of your work is outstanding. Please advise me. Thanks
chipster_2007
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Bill for the info. The area around the tub is fine. It is the wall in front of the vanity that is the problem I took a good look at the room and this was the only problematic area. I did not like the thought of covering it up with bathfitters or refinishing it. Thanks for the info on the dremel tool. That should be a great help.

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