wb@mtx5a.UUCP (Werner Baumgartner) (10/14/86)
> I'm replacing the wall tiles in my bathroom as part of a remodeling > project. The tiles popped off relatively easily, but the mastic is a > lot more difficult to remove. When I just scrape it off, it removes > some of the wallboard paper. > > Any suggestions to remove the mastic? Would heating it up with a torch > or heat gun help? Try washing it off with various solvents. Use a mild one first and work up to more potent ones until you find one that works. For example: Water, Alchohol, Mineral Spirits, Acetone. You may find a solvent that removes all the mastic or just softens it enough to smooth out. Sanding is another way to prepare the surface for refinishing. Or, if the old suface is sound use it as is after cleaning it. Werner B. @ AT&T