How to Remove Tile Backsplash
How to Remove Tile Backsplash
Preparation is key to a successful tile backsplash removal project. Begin by laying plastic sheets over your countertops, sink and stove.
Protect yourself by wearing safety glasses and thick gloves. Sharp tile shards can become projectiles during the removal process.
Force a putty knife or drywall blade behind each backsplash border, breaking its bond with the wall. This will allow you to remove it without removing the entire tile backsplash.
Prep the Area
The area where the tile backsplash is to be removed should be cleared of any furniture or kitchen appliances. The faceplates of all outlets and light switches should be removed and the counters covered with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect them from any falling debris. Then shut off the electricity to the area at the circuit breaker and make sure no one is going to use the sink.
It is a good idea to wear gloves and eye protection. It is also a good idea to use a dust mask, especially for anyone with respiratory sensitivities.
Using an all-purpose bit on your multitool, cut around the entire perimeter of your old tile backsplash. This will remove the caulk that connects the backsplash to the wall and any raised sections of drywall. Next, loosen the tile with a hammer and chisel. Sometimes only a few taps will be enough to break the bond between the backsplash and the drywall.
Remove the Caulk
The first thing you need to do to remove a backsplash tile is to cut away the caulk around it. Shut off the electricity to the area by shutting off the circuit breaker at the electric service panel (multiple cables may run behind the wall). Place stoppers in your sink to prevent clogs and cover your counters and floors with canvas drop cloths, tarps or plastic sheeting to limit scattered debris as you work.
Use a putty knife or scraper to start prying the tile off the wall, trying to avoid cracking or damaging the tiles or dinging the drywall. As the tile loosens, slide a pry bar underneath, ideally right above a stud.
If the backsplash is adjacent to wall cabinets, consider removing the cabinets to provide more working space and better access to the drywall. Fit your multitool with the grout removal blade and run it along each grout line between the tiles.
Remove the Adhesive
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen for a new look, or repairing damage to your backsplash, you’ll need to remove the old tile. This can be a messy job, but with the right tools and techniques you can do it without causing much damage to your walls or countertops.
Before you start working, be sure to turn off all the electricity that runs behind your walls. Every year, thousands of people are electrocuted in their own homes, and a lot of these accidents happen around backsplashes. It’s just too easy to knock over an outlet or switch and cause a short circuit.
Next, use a multitool to plunge-cut through the drywall perimeter around your tile backsplash. This is where you’ll find a lot of the remaining adhesive. Be careful not to cut too far in, or you’ll rip up insulation on exterior walls and risk cutting into wires or pipes. Also, be mindful of the location of any studs near your backsplash.
Remove the Tile
A backsplash is an attractive addition to any kitchen but the tile can become damaged over time. Replacing the backsplash is a simple project that can greatly improve the look of your home. It also may increase the value of your property because a kitchen that looks upgraded is attractive to potential buyers.
Before you begin removing the tile, you must protect the area by shutting off the electricity to the backsplash area and removing outlet and light switch faceplates. You should also put a stopper in the sink to prevent any backsplash pieces from falling into the drain and clogging it. You should also lay cardboard or plastic sheeting on the counters and floor to limit scattered tile shards.
To start removing the tile, find a loose tile and use a hammer or putty knife to pry it off the wall. This will break the thinset bond that holds the tiles to the wall. Continue removing loose tiles and the adhesive with your tools until the backsplash is completely removed from the wall.
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How to Remove Tile Backsplash Preparation is key to a successful tile backsplash removal project. Begin by laying plastic sheets over your countertops, sink and stove. Protect yourself by wearing safety glasses and thick gloves. Sharp tile shards can become projectiles during the removal process. Force a putty knife or drywall blade behind each backsplash…