excess thinset mortar removal

[brian_r]

I recently finished laying tiles on a bathtub enclosure and while removing realize I did a bad job of cleaning up mortar. It is now dry, hard and tenacious. How do I remove excess from narrow grout lines (1/16")? surface of tiles--3"x6" subway tiles? How deep does grout have to be? (Note, this problem is made worse by an initial wettish batch of mortar.)

(This is my first post on this forum and first tiling project--if that wasn't apparent from problem.)

Any advice, other than rip out and start over, would be greatly appreciated.

Brian

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[Davestone]

Bummer, Brian....H.D. and Lowes sells grout saws...little hand sized tools just for this purpose.As you're sawing the grout be careful not to twist the tool from side to side, otherwise you'll chip the edges of your tile.Next time use a sponge as you tile to keep it clean. :)

[doitright]

Hi Brian, Welcome! :)

Dremel has a grout removal bit available in both 1/16" and 1/8" tips. Feintool also has a 1/16" diamond blade. The Fein is the best if you have some money to burn. :nod:

If the subway tiles are glazed ceramic, first use a single edge razor blade to get the big stuff off. Finish up with a stiff brush and vinegar. If that doesn't work, get back with us. There's stronger acidic products available.