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Stained concrete after removing ceramic tile-Can this be done?

16 years ago

I haven't seen this problem addressed on the forum. Is it possible to scrape up ceramic tile and then stain the concrete underneath? Will there be residue left behind from whatever product was used to apply the ceramic, or can that be sanded off? We are looking at a house with really awful ceramic tile throughout the first floor. I would say it's at least 10 years old. The house is fairly contemporary and I think stained concrete would be perfect- just not sure it is an option. This house is near the top of our budget with just enough left to have the floors done; however, if there will be a lot of hidden expenses to get the job done, Maybe we should keep looking :( Thanks!

Featured Answer

floorman67

16 years ago

it depends on your concrete.

every job is unique, so we have no idea how easy or difficult it will be to remove the thinset, plus the amount of residue that may be left. It also depends how thorough the person(s) is/are who are doing the work and their degree of expertise in this area.

Anotehr consideration is the type of setting bed and type of thiset used (mubbed or thinset, polymer/latex fortified or unfortified regular thinset).

it also depends on your expectations of overall looks as well.

if it was sealed concrete then you have a much better chance of being satisfied with the outcome because the thinset may come up easier than it would on unfinished and/ot rough concrete.

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Comments (6)

mally
16 years ago
I've been talking to a number of companies about just this issue. I have ceramic tile which would have to be removed before applying stain to the underlying concrete. All the companies have stated that, after removing the ceramic tile and scraping off as much of the mastic as possible, they would apply another new thin layer of concrete before staining. So the answer is yes, it definitely is possible. The cost in this area, NE Florida, is about $6/sq ft, for the entire project: tile removal thru staining and sealing.

I would appreciate any comments on this approach, as well as the sealing technique.
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Dreamywhite, We haven't broken ground yet, but are hoping that we can in the next couple of months, at least before the snow flies. I'll be sure to post pictures on this forum when we do! :) I didn't know reg concrete is $3 sq foot installed. That helps my decision -- it should be less than ceramic tile installed, even if I choose a cheap ceramic tile. I just want to add a color. I really like the cola color, but need to spend some time looking at different ones. Now I wish I could see pics of concrete transitioning to wood floor or carpet, since I don't want concrete in my kitchen (a little too hard to stand on for me). I know about the toddlers -- mine are 2 and 4 and keep my busy!!
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Is he going to sand off the surface finish first? That't the only way I know of to ensure a bond. NO chemical stripping. Most people that I know that have had stained concrete opt for a floating type of wood/lineoleum if they want to change out their finish surface. They just aren't up for the labor of sanding the concrete. Of course, I know mostly DIYers who wouldn't think of hiring a professional or don't have the money to hire a professional.
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Be careful with these products. Whink is Hydrofluoric acid. It can cause severe burns and do not inhale any vapours. Wear a mask, goggles and gloves when using it. The suggestion of using a toilet bowl cleaner is a good one. I would try that first. Take the time to read the labels and check the MSDS before using any of these cleaners.
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This requires a site inspection. Call in local contractors for a valid estimate. Ron
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curbside
16 years ago
We are in the process of doing this in our kitchen. The c-tile has been up for some time, and my husband just rented a grinder from Home Depot and ground off the thinset. This weekend over Thanksgiving, we are going to knock out the staining project, put the baseboards in, and get ready to paint the room. All this needs to be done before next month, when we have people in town for our wedding.
jeannekay
16 years ago
I used to work in a store that did this. You could still see where the tiles had been or the marks of the thinset but it gave the floor a really cool look and designs throughout which wouldn't have been there on new concrete.
texasfloor
15 years ago
We were able to get up all the mastic from our kitchen with the grinder. It turned out really nice--my husband took it down to the aggregate, so it's really cool looking.
susanlynn2012
15 years ago
Texasfloor, any pictures?

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