How to prepare a wall for retiling?

[tara1]

I have a very small laundry that has a few large tiles around the sink with the remainder of the wall being normal painted gyprock. I want to remove the existing tiles (as I’ll be adding a bench over the washer/dryer) then lay fresh tiles that will cover the whole wall. 

Once I remove the existing tiles, I’m expecting to have leftover plaster/grout etc. and the wall will not match the other side quality wise. Do you have any suggestions on how I should prep the part of the wall that I remove the tiles from? Sandpaper it to the gyprock where I can’t chip it off?

thanks in advance!

[EricL]

Hello @tara1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about tiling.

There are two schools of thought in regards to removing the old tiles. You can either use a Craftright 380mm Wrecking Bar and slowly slide this down the back of the tile and see it can be lifted without too much damage. However, if the wall is damaged too severely then it would be better to cut that section out and replace it with a new panel. 

But if you get lucky and the wall is not too badly damaged, it might be possible to replaster the surface on order to ix the damaged surface. I suggest using Gyprock CSR 2.25kg Less Mess Multi-Purpose Joint Compound in combination with Builders Edge 150mm Plastic Joint Knife. Once the plaster repair is dry, you'll need to sand the surface square before tiling it.

Here are a couple of helpful guides: How to lay floor tiles and How to grout wall tiles.

Let me call on our experienced members @AlanM52 and @Nailbag for their reaction to the grubs.,

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi @tara1,

Here is a video using the wrecking bar that @EricL recommended and I also use a chisel and putty knife.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX3F7R4l3Gc

Cheers

[tara1]

Thanks Eric, Alan. Really appreciate the help on this one!