How to fix this backsplash tiling job

tiling

We purchased 1' x 1' tiling sheets. The tiles are about 2" x 1".
The tiling guys didn't use spacers everywhere. They taped the sheets and sometimes used spacers where the sheets met (and not everywhere they met).

spacing issues 1
spacing issues 2

Some of the tiles were also not flat with the plane of the other tiles.
not flat with plane

Also, how come there is so much thinset(?) between the tiles right now? The grout hasn't even been applied.
Too much thinset?

How would all these issues be fixed? We are going to be using a dark contrasting grout so all of these mistakes will be magnified.

update 11/24

The contractor basically removed individual tiles and fixed 99% of the tiles.
We still haven't grouted yet. Going to carefully inspect.
fixed backsplash

Best Answer

For the tile spacing issue, I don't think there is much you can do at this point short of ripping it all out and starting over.

For the tiles not set in plane correctly, I think you could carefully remove those tiles (just the individual tile), scrape out the hardened thinset behind them, and then re-apply with new thinset.

For the thinset squeezing out, perhaps you could grind that out with a oscillating tool with a grout removal attachment.