...it's fairly impossible to match 50 year old tile...even though this peppered white tile is still made...we ordered samples from all the major manufacturers...and it just doesn't match...
...and we knew that in order to patch the rather large area where we had removed the heater (we'd need 12 tiles) that it'd really stand out if the tile there was a different shade or pattern of peppering...
...so we started brainstorming ideas for 'harvesting' some of the existing tile for this very visible patch...
...we considered a border of a contrasting/coordinating colour...and I kinda liked the idea of just randomly taking a tile off and replacing it with a different coloured one...but then I realized that there's really no way to take off a single intact tile...
...in the end we came up with the idea of a decorative tile inset...with a diamond of the existing tile in the center of four coordinating tiles...evenly spaced around the room...
...so we'd need to remove 4 tiles in a square...6 times around the room...to make them evenly spaced...and look like they were always there...and to give us the twelve intact tiles we'd need for the patch...
...I got started removing the tile by getting rid of the grout between the tiles...I used a
regrout tool...it basically vibrates and chips away the grout...it has different bits and settings...and it worked perfectly...
...then with the grout removed...I took a nail punch and a hammer...
...and broke up the first tile...that's the only way to get underneath the tiles and pry away intact ones...so for every 4 tiles...you kinda have to 'sacrifice' one to actually get 3 tiles...
...I used different tools...a punch...a screwdriver...a chisel and a paint remover tool to get under that first tile...
...because I really wanted to save 'enough' of the broken tile to make the little diamond insert...
...and it worked...you can see that I've got a big enough chunk with and intact corner to make my little one inch square diamond...
...then it's just a matter of carefully prying off the remaining three tiles in the square...
...it's a little bit nerve-racking...
...but if you're careful...you'll get three intact tiles and one piece at least big enough for a little diamond piece...
~Have a lovely day!
I wonder if you could have saved the 4th tile by using these new fangled tile cutters? I've seen them on tv from time to time and have wanted to order one. I can't remember the name now. I wish I could but I'm sure I can find it if I search for it. I like your idea about how to fix your tile situation. I think that is what I would do also. Best of luck with your tile work. xx
ReplyDeletecool idea - never would have thought of that! love, k
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyeMFSzPgGc
ReplyDeleteGood solution!
What a clever solution. I am always impressed with your handy work.
ReplyDelete