How to Remove Existing Backsplash

A backsplash is a protective surface installed on the wall behind sinks, stoves, and countertops. It shields the wall from water damage, stains, and splatters. While backsplashes enhance the kitchen’s appearance, they can also quickly look outdated. Replacing an existing backsplash allows homeowners to update their kitchen’s style. Removing the old backsplash properly prevents damage to the walls underneath. With some basic tools and safety precautions, you can remove your outdated backsplash and prep the surface for a new one.

Assessing the Existing Backsplash

Before removing a backsplash, examine it to determine what type it is and how it was installed. This helps you understand how to take it down safely and efficiently.

The most common residential backsplash materials are:

Ceramic tile: Individual tiles adhered with mastic, mortar, or grout. Can have a laminated or protective top coating.
Natural stone: Marble, granite, or slate slabs adhered with mastic or mortar. Requires sealing.
Metal: Aluminum or stainless steel sheets fastened with screws or adhesive.
Glass: Individual mosaic tiles or glass sheets set in mastic or mortar. Can be clear, colored, or painted.
Engineered materials: Acrylic, plastic, resin panels adhered with mastic. Water-resistant and durable.

Also note the following:

Is there a waterproof membrane behind the backsplash? This aids removal.
Does the backsplash extend to the ceiling or only partway up the wall? Ceiling tiles are harder to take down.
Is it set on drywall or directly on studs? Drywall removal is easier.
Are there special trim pieces, deco tiles, or accent borders? Remove these carefully to avoid damage.

Now you can plan and prepare for safe, efficient backsplash removal.

Gathering the Right Tools and Materials

Removing a backsplash requires some specialized tools and materials. Gather these before starting to make the process smooth and successful.

Essential tools include:

Safety gear – gloves, safety glasses, dust mask
Pry bar – to loosen tiles and panels
Putty knives – to scrape off old adhesive
Utility knife – to cut through caulk or adhesive
Chisel and hammer – to chip off mortar if present
Spatula or paint scraper – to strip off adhesive residue

Other helpful tools:

Variable-speed reciprocating saw – to cut through fasteners or tiles
Oscillating tool – to cut around accent tiles without damage
Flat bar – to pry off metal backsplash sheets
Wire brush – to remove old mortar thoroughly

Materials you’ll need:

Drop cloths – protect floors and surfaces from debris
Painters tape – mask off adjacent surfaces
Tarp or sheet – catch fallen tile pieces
Garbage bags – dispose of old backsplash waste
Shop vacuum – suck up dust and debris

With the proper gear, you can demolish the backsplash efficiently and cleanly. Avoid makeshift tools that can damage the underlying wall.

Safety Tips for Backsplash Removal

Removing a backsplash involves demolition that creates dust, debris, and sharp edges. Follow these tips to stay safe:

Wear safety goggles, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and a dust mask.
Clear the work area of appliances, food, and utensils.
Turn off electricity to outlets near the backsplash.
Light the workspace well but avoid hazards like dangling pull-chain lights.
Work carefully on a ladder or stepstool to reach ceiling tiles. Maintain stable footing.
Prevent puncture wounds by wearing heavy work gloves. Dispose of sharp tile or metal shards properly.
Contain dust and debris. Use tarps and vacuum as you work to keep it under control.
Have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on hand.
Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Take breaks, stretch, and hydrate to avoid injury from overexertion.
Dispose of waste properly. Seal it in bags or boxes to contain dust.

Follow safety protocols and work deliberately. Rushing increases the risk of personal injury or damage to the underlying wall.

Preparing the Backsplash for Removal

Take preliminary steps to set up for safe, easy backsplash removal:

Empty the area – Clear countertops and remove items on the walls. Move appliances like the stove or refrigerator out several feet to access the entire backsplash.
Protect surfaces – Cover countertops, cabinets, and floors with drop cloths. Use painter’s tape to mask off adjacent walls.
Photograph before removing – Take photos of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other fixtures the backsplash abuts. This aids reassembly later.
Detach fixtures – Remove soap dispensers, racks, grab bars, etc. that attach through the backsplash. Take notes or label for reinstallation.
Prepare to catch debris – Have a helper hold a tarp or sheet below the workspace to catch fallen pieces. Place drop cloths on the floor.
Create access holes – Make small holes in grout lines with a utility knife. This allows demolition tools to grab onto tiles.
Wear safety equipment – Put on gloves, goggles, mask, knee pads, and other protective gear.

Proper setup minimizes damage and makes the removal process faster. With items cleared away and debris containment in place, you’re ready to take the old backsplash down.

Taking Down Ceramic Tile Backsplashes

Ceramic tile is one of the most common backsplash materials. Here are some tips for taking it down:

Cut any caulk lines – Use a utility knife with a fresh blade to slice through caulk at corners, edges, and seams. This frees the tiles.
Start in a bottom corner – Using a pry bar, work the initial tile free from the wall. Take care not to gouge the drywall underneath.
Work in small sections – Carefully pry off one tile or cluster of tiles at a time. Don’t try removing large sections, which can damage the wall.
Watch for hidden fasteners – Some metal trim pieces or deco tiles may have screws behind them. Look for these during removal.
Check for wire mesh – Older tile jobs sometimes used wire mesh. If present, use snips to clip it so tiles come off easier.
Remove old mortar – For tiles set in mortar, use a cold chisel and hammer to chip it away after tile removal.
Clean off residual adhesive – Scrape any remaining mastic or adhesive residue using a putty knife or paint scraper.
Dispose properly – Place tile pieces and debris directly into trash bags as you work. Be mindful of sharp edges.

Work methodically to get ceramic tiles off without wall damage. Take your time – rushing increases the likelihood of cracks in the drywall underneath.

Removing Natural Stone Backsplashes

Natural stone like marble, travertine, or slate requires special care when taking it down:

Check installation method – Mortar, mastic, mesh, screws, or a combination may have been used. Identify this prior to removal.
Score grout lines – Use an oscillating tool or utility knife to cut any grout between stone tiles. This allows cleaner tile removal.
Start in a top corner – Unlike ceramic tile, start removing natural stone from the top down. This prevents cracking tiles below.
Leverage larger tiles – Use wood wedges or pry bars to leverage off larger stone tiles. Take care not to crack them.
Work cautiously around fragile materials – Use hand tools only around marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx. Power tools can easily damage them.
Clean stone dust immediately – Wipe excess stone dust off the wall right away. Letting it accumulate makes removal more difficult.
Double check for hidden fasteners – Marble mosaic sheets in particular may have screws covered by grout lines. Locate these before prying.

Natural stone backsplashes require finesse to remove without breakage or wall damage. Allow extra time for careful removal.

Taking Down Metal Backsplashes

Metal backsplashes like stainless steel, copper, or aluminum use unique removal techniques:

Locate hidden fasteners – Examine corners and edges for screws behind trim pieces. Remove these first.
Start in a top corner – Grip the seam with pliers or a pry bar and work down, bending the metal away from the wall.
Prevent scratches – Use painter’s tape on tools that contact metal panels to avoid deep scratches.
Pull fasteners out – Use pliers to gently twist screws out of the wall. Don’t yank them forcefully.
Watch for sharp edges and points – Bend metal pieces away from you as you disassemble them to avoid cuts. Wear heavy work gloves.
Leverage panels off adhesive – Use a pry bar to carefully lift metal sheets glued to the wall straight out and down.
Clean off residual adhesive – Metals may use adhesive sheets or silicone. Scrape thoroughly after removal.

Metal backsplashes require controlled disassembly. Ripping them down carelessly can damage the underlying drywall.

Removing Glass, Acrylic, and Engineered Backsplashes

Non-traditional backsplash materials each have ideal removal methods:

Glass Tile or Mosaic Sheets

Score grout lines with an oscillating tool before prying tiles off.
Use painter’s tape on removal tools to prevent scratching.
Check for hidden screws attaching accent tiles or trim pieces.
Lift off sheets carefully at an angle to avoid detached tiles falling.
Catch fallen pieces with a tarp – broken glass can cut hands.

Acrylic or Plastic Panels

Cut through caulk lines with a utility knife before removing panels.
Slowly pry panels off at an angle using hand tools to avoid cracking.
Go slowly around screw holes to prevent tearing or warping.
Heat guns can soften stubborn mastic adhesive for easier scraping.

Resin, Faux Stone, or Composite

Verify what type of adhesive or mounting method is used.
Create access holes along grout lines if present.
Use plastic putty knives, spatulas, or wood wedges so as not to damage material.
Work panels off the wall at a low angle to prevent cracking.

Follow material-specific methods for safe removal without breakage or gouges.

Prepping the Wall for a New Backsplash

Once you’ve taken the old backsplash down, prep the wall surface:

Remove any remaining adhesive, grout, or mortar. Scrape and sand a smooth surface.
Wipe away all dust and debris. Clean the area thoroughly.
Fill any gouges or holes in the drywall with joint compound, allow to dry, then sand smooth.
Prime and paint if necessary to create a fresh backdrop.
Replace any underlayment, moisture barriers, or wall protection required.
Reinstall any fixtures like soap dispensers or towel bars.
Trim outlets or switches if needed to be flush with the new backsplash height.

Prepping properly allows the new backsplash to adhere correctly for a seamless look.

Disposing of Backsplash Debris Safely

Removing an old backsplash produces a lot of waste requiring proper disposal:

First, shut off access to the room so debris doesn’t spread throughout the home. Seal doorways with plastic sheeting.
Carefully collect broken shards, tiles, panels, globs of adhesive, grout, caulk, and dust into garbage bags.
Clean any dust and residue off surfaces and tools with damp rags as you work. Vacuum the area frequently.
Seal used garbage bags tightly and dispose of at the end of each workday to minimize dust.
Repeat wiping, sealing, and removing until the area is clean.
Dispose of sharp metal pieces like snipped mesh or screws safely to avoid puncture hazards.
Check if your municipality allows backsplash materials like tile or acrylic sheets to be recycled.
For large demolition jobs, consider renting a dumpster to contain mess and simplify disposal.

Proper cleanup during removal reduces cleanup time later. Follow all local regulations when disposing of home improvement waste.

FAQs About Removing Existing Backsplashes

How do I take down a backsplash glued directly to drywall?

Use a heat gun to soften mastic adhesive and an oscillating tool to slice it away. Move slowly to prevent ripping off drywall facing. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape off remaining adhesive. Avoid abrasive tools that can damage drywall.

What’s the easiest backsplash material to remove?

Self-adhesive, peel-and-stick vinyl backsplash tiles come off quickest. Use a hair dryer to heat and release the adhesive backing then slowly peel them off. Be aware they may damage drywall upon removal.

How do I get rid of old grout and mortar after removing a backsplash?

Use a cold chisel and hammer to chip off leftover chunks. A wire brush attachment on a power drill helps scrub off residue. Wipe the area down with a damp sponge afterward. Let it fully dry before installing new backsplash.

Can I put up the new backsplash right after removing the old one?

It’s best to wait and prep the wall surface first. Remove all adhesive, reseal exposed drywall, fix any cracks, prime and paint. This prevents imperfections from showing through the new backsplash.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when removing an existing backsplash?

Trying to demolish too large an area at once. Removing backsplash in small sections is safer and prevents damage to walls. It also makes debris easier to contain versus removing an entire wall at once.

Removing an Outdated Backsplash – In Conclusion

The process of removing an existing backsplash takes patience and proper technique. With the right tools and safety measures, homeowners can tackle this kitchen upgrade themselves. Always assess which materials are present and plan your demolition approach accordingly. Take care to remove components gradually without damaging the underlying wall. Follow safety tips and contain debris effectively.

With the previous backsplash gone and the wall prepped, it’s ready for a fresh, stylish new backsplash. The improvement is well worth the effort for a beautiful, updated kitchen design.