Removing hard tile adhesive from walls - any tips?

[DIYNotIan]

The jobs continue...

This time I'm trying to prep some previously tiled walls (kitchen and bathroom) ready for decorating. The old adhesive is very hard and stuck on very well, especially in the kitchen (the one in the photo that has been painted). I've had a brief go with hammer and chisel but it wasn't a great success and would take a long time.

- Are there any other tools or methods for removing the adhesive?
- Is there anything that can be painted on to soften it?
- Or is the only option to plaster over (which I'd rather not if it can be avoided)?

I should add that I don't need a perfectly smooth final wall. In fact, I'd prefer it to be a bit rough and pitted as it would suit the character of the house better.

Any suggestions most welcomed.

Many thanks

 

[BlueLoo]

If its just bog std plasterboard, rip it out and replace it?

 

[Lower]

Wallpaper steamer will often soften it.

 

[Deleted member 292770]

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[DIYNotIan]

Thanks for the suggestions. Someone also recommended a long handed scraper. I've just dug around and I have one, the type that takes a 150mm blade. Just given it a whirl and it works pretty well. So elbow grease it is And mine at that. Haven't got a wallpaper steamer, but think I could manage without. Or else I'll get the other half to have 6 baths a day.

Once I'm back to plaster, does it need a mist coat or does that only apply to new plaster? Does it need priming / or undercoat? Or straight on with the emulsion?

Thanks again