quarry tile - removing cement

[Anonymous]

Could anyone give any advice on removing old cement which is on quarry tiles (red and black ones). Have tried chipping off with chisel but am now very near to damaging tiles! is there anything that could be put on which would dissolve it? The cement is on the top surface as the tiles were originally covered with Italian type tiles which had been cemented on top of the quarry one which we have uncovered.
any advice gratefully received
Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately no, there is no miracle product. I could do with it for my garden path! Please do not use brick acid as I have learnt you are left with salt deposits which endlessly seep out of the tiles.

Just use a hammer and chisel, unless they are are of a poor quality (are they pitted) they should easily endure this!

Good luck!

Peter

 

[Anonymous]

I used brick acid on my pamments and my flagstones (at least I suppose that's what it was - smelt pretty toxic, but fizzed in a most satisfying way when it encountered the cement) for the thinnish bits, and haven't had any problem with salts.

 

[Ian Millington]

I've had the same problem. In the end I think it's down to taking it slowly.

Wooden scrapers, I use old clothes pegs, do not damge the tiles but work quite well at removing all but the most stubbon bits of cement.