how to remove cement from tiles

davef

Hi - can anyone help.

Currently renovating an old house and restoring the period fireplaces. One which was boarded up has cement on the beautiful old tiles in the hearth (circa 1907).

I have tried to scrape if off but weary of scratching the tiles.

Any suggestions on how to remove this cement with minimal damage is greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Dave

HugoSP

Use a clean very sharp 2" wallpaper scraper and a pin hammer.

Working from the base of the lumps of cement, tap the scraper almost in line with the cement/tile interface to loosen the base of the lump. If the cement is hard, it should all or mostly come off in one go.

ormus

try a rotary wire brush in an electric drill. take it easy to start with and see how it goes.
ceramic tiles are pretty tough, esp if you use a brass or copper wire brush.

missile

Try dilute hydrochloric acid, or you can get proprietry acid removers at builders merchants.

davef

Thanks all - will try each in order and see how I get on.