How to Remove Tile Adhesive From Plaster

Remove all items from the work area. Cover the countertop, floor or bathtub with plastic drop cloths followed by a layer of paper drop cloths. The paper drop cloths will keep the adhesive remover from running off of the plastic drop cloths.

Saturate the mastic with adhesive remover and allow it to sit for the manufacturer's recommended amount of time. Times will vary depending on the strength and chemical makeup of the product. Periodically check the wall at 10-minute intervals to make sure that the adhesive remover is not drying. Spray adhesive remover on any dry areas.

Scrape the mastic off of the wall with a metal scraper. Plastic scrapers may dissolve with the use of some adhesive removers. Place the scraped mastic into a cardboard box. Repeat step 2 if the first application of adhesive remover does not clean off all of the mastic.

Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and wash the adhesive and mastic residue from the walls. Rinse with clean, warm water.