Updating tiles in shower

Linda
by Linda
We have beautiful white tiles in the shower but after 20 years we want to update it a little. Is it easy to take out a few tiles and replace with one of a different color or can we just go over with some other tiles and pencil tile around it? Thanks for any info. :)

  4 answers
  • Ken Ken on Feb 16, 2018

    Process is the same as if you were replacing a damaged tile:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnIcMJlr73o

  • William William on Feb 16, 2018

    New tile will not adhere properly to old tile. The added weight can tear both off the wall. Removing some and replacing with another would work.


    While removing more grout will always help, most people save time and only remove it in the most important areas:


    When removing a single tile, remove the grout on all sides of it to avoid damaging the others around it.


    If you are removing an entire wall of tiles, just make sure to remove grout next to the ceiling and floor.


    Scrape the grout away with a utility knife. This method takes a while, but comes with a low risk of damaging the surrounding tiles. Fit your utility knife in a sturdy holder if you have one, and run it carefully and repeatedly around the tile or tiles you plan to remove.


    An ordinary grout saw typically does not work for wall tiles, because of lug spacers that connect adjacent tiles underneath the grout.


    Remove grout until the spacer lugs are visible. You don't need to remove every speck of grout, but get rid of most of it to make tile removal feasible.


    Chisel tiles away from the wall. This approach should let you save more of your tiles for reuse, unless the tiles are unusually well-adhered or a relatively recent installation. Give it a try by inserting a chisel, putty knife, or other flat tool in between the tile and the wall, almost parallel to the wall. Tap the handle of the tool with a hammer until the tile comes away from the wall. You may need to pry it off in two or three places if firmly attached.


    Break the tile if necessary. If your tiles are set directly into the mortar, you'll probably need to give up on saving it and crack it into pieces. Start by using a hammer and chisel to make a hole in the center of the tile, then chisel the cracked tile pieces away, being careful not to damage the surrounding tiles.


    Eye protection is especially important for this method.

    Porcelain tiles will break into extremely sharp, glass-like shards. If this happens, consider breaking them from the side with a hammer and chisel instead, to reduce the number of fragments.






  • Shari A. Reno Shari A. Reno on Feb 16, 2018

    When using a hammer and chisel, work carefully or you may make a hole in the wall behind the tile. I Googled and found this article on how to remove and replace damaged tiles. It is complete with pictures of how to do it. https://www.wikihow.com/Quickly-Repair-Bathroom-Shower-Tiles


    If you do make a hole you can repair if it is small. I Googled and found many articles on how to repair such damage.


    Google is your friend! :-)


  • Olgabolga Olgabolga on Feb 17, 2018

    I did replace the old white tiles here and there and discovered that the ordinary tiles are no longer same thickness or perimeter. Just a tad off which ruins the look of the wall as the grout lines will be either wider or narrower. My input: If it ain’t broken, why mess with it?