When thinset mortar is found on a cement board, this can create a situation where it’s difficult to make adjustments.
This includes an individual wanting to remove the thinset from a cement board.
To remove the thinset from a cement board, use a straight-edge spreader, place it against the thinset at an angle, and hit it with a hammer. This will create a small divet in the thinset. Press into the gap with the spreader and pull towards yourself. This will remove the thinset.
When doing this, it’s important to make sure you are hitting the spreader hard enough for it to create a sizable gap.
This is the only way you can get deep enough to create leverage and pull the thinset out cleanly.
Also, you should not hit it straight out. This will create cracks and can also damage surrounding elements.
Always set the spreader at an angle, hit with a hammer, and then pull out the thinset as required.
To learn more, this guide will showcase what’s required as you learn how to remove thinset from the cement board.
Best Trowel For Thinset Mortar (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
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Steps On How To Remove Thinset From Cement Board
1. Press Straight-Edge Spreader Into The Thinset
You have to start by getting the right tools in place.
The first tool you are going to require is some form of straight-edge spreader that will allow access to the thinset once hit into place.
The thinset is going to be difficult to remove with a traditional tool such as a hammer on its own. Yes, the hammer will serve a purpose, but you need something to hit into the thinset so it loosens.
This is where the straight-edge spreader will kick into action.
To get started, you are going to take the straight-edge spreader and press it into the thinset mortar.
You will want to have it held at an angle while doing this.
2. Hit With A Hammer
Now, you are going to start hitting the thinset spreader with a hammer.
Be careful while doing this and make sure you continue to hit the spreader with a hammer until it pushes all the way through.
You are going to notice a small gap start to appear as you continue to hit the spreader with a hammer.
Don’t move the spreader while hitting it from behind. You want to continue to hit it until the gap widens.
For the most part, getting it to go in approximately one inch is a good starting point. This will create enough of a gap for you to wedge the spreader in and then pull out the thinset mortar.
3. Push Spreader Into The Newly Created Gap
Start to gently push the straight-edge spreader into the gap after you inspect it and are satisfied with its depth.
Remember, you want to make sure the straight-edge spreader has gone all the way into the thinset mortar. This means it goes an inch deep into the mortar.
When satisfied, you are going to hold the spreader at an angle and wedge it straight into the gap until it’s in.
When done right, you might not have to keep your hand on the spreader because it will stick into the thinset due to the size of the gap.
4. Pull Out The Thinset
The last step is to begin pulling out the thinset from the cement board.
To do this, you are going to set the straight-edge spreader into the gap and yank it towards your body. Continue to do this until you start to notice the thinset fall off.
Please remember, this is not going to all come off in one go.
You are going to continue repeating the process throughout the cement board until the thinset is completely off.
This is time-consuming but it is one of the best ways to make sure the thinset comes off cleanly.
Can You Remove Mortar From The Cement Board?
You can remove mortar from the cement board. To do this, use a straight-edge spreader, hold it at an angle, and hit the tool using a hammer. This will create a sizable gap, which allows you to pull out the thinset with the spreader.
Final Thoughts
These are the main steps on how to remove the thinset from a cement board.
To remove the thinset from a cement board, use a straight-edge spreader. Press the spreader into the thinset, hit it with a hammer, and then yank the spreader towards your body. This will remove parts of the thinset. Continue to do this until all of the thinset is gone.
The process can take a few hours to complete depending on the size of the cement board.
Doing it this way is clean, efficient, and will work out the way you want it to.
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