Removal Of Ceramic Wall tiles

[ahoey]

I am looking to replace the existing kitchen wall tiles with new ones, any ideas/hints on how to remove the existing tiles with out damaging the plaster behind.

[RogerK]

I use a broad flexable metal paint scraper behind them, bend it flush with the wall and tap with a hammer. If you can't find an edge to start you may have to break a tile first. Watch broken ceramic tiles, they are very sharp - probably best to use gloves and goggles. If you are putting tiles back up again a few digs and scrapes in the wall won't matter at all - it will help the tile adhesive stick next time.

[Philtaz]

Before re-tiling apply a coat of a mixture of 50% Unibond and 50% water all over the wall(the night before is best). This will assist the tile adhesive in making a better 'fix' to the wall.

[nykkieberry]

You could tile over them or paint them as an alternative?