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
Clear the area of any furniture or kitchen appliances. Remove the faceplates from all outlets and light switches, and cover the counters with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to catch falling debris. Shut off the electricity to the area at the circuit breaker and make sure no one uses the sink while you work.
Wear gloves and eye protection. A dust mask is a good idea too, 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 removes the caulk connecting 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 break the bond between the backsplash and the drywall.
Remove the Caulk
Start by cutting away the caulk around the tile. Shut off the electricity at the circuit breaker (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 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 give yourself 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 are remodeling your kitchen for a new look or repairing damage to your backsplash, you will 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, turn off all electricity running behind your walls. Every year, thousands of people are electrocuted in their own homes, and many of these accidents happen around backsplashes. Knocking over an outlet or switch and causing a short circuit is a real risk.
Next, use a multitool to plunge-cut through the drywall perimeter around your tile backsplash. This is where most of the remaining adhesive will be. Avoid cutting too deep, or you will rip up insulation on exterior walls and risk cutting into wires or pipes. Also keep track of any studs near your backsplash.
Remove the Tile
A backsplash can become damaged over time. Replacing it is a straightforward project that can improve the look of your kitchen and may increase your property value - buyers notice an updated kitchen.
Before you begin, shut off the electricity to the backsplash area and remove outlet and light switch faceplates. Put a stopper in the sink to keep backsplash pieces out of the drain. Lay cardboard or plastic sheeting on the counters and floor to catch tile shards.
Find a loose tile and use a hammer or putty knife to pry it off the wall. This breaks the thinset bond holding the tiles in place. Continue removing loose tiles and adhesive with your tools until the backsplash is fully off the wall.
Floor Busters of Central Florida can make backsplash or any tile removal pain and dust free.
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