How to Remove Kitchen Backsplash

Introduction

Removing a kitchen backsplash can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be with the right planning and tools. A kitchen backsplash protects the wall from splashes and stains while serving as an aesthetic focal point in your kitchen. Over time, backsplashes can become outdated, damaged, or you may just be ready for a new look. Whatever your reasons for wanting to remove the existing backsplash, this guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from prepping the workspace and gathering supplies to taking down the old backsplash and preparing the wall for new tile or other materials. With some time and effort, you can remove and replace your kitchen backsplash successfully as a DIY project. Let’s get started!

Things to Consider Before Removing a Backsplash

Before beginning demo on your existing backsplash, here are a few things to keep in mind:

What material is it made of? Tile, metal, glass, and other materials each have their own removal requirements. This will impact the tools and techniques you need to use.
How was it installed? Mortar, mastic, adhesive, and grout will need cleaning off the wall. Know your backsplash installation method.
What will the new backsplash be? Removing the old one provides an opportunity to alter the style or size. Plan accordingly.
What’s behind it? Make sure wires, outlets, or plumbing don’t get damaged when taking down the backsplash.
How will you dispose of it? Some backsplash materials can go in the trash, others require recycling or disposal at a facility.
Is there moisture damage? Fix any leaks prior to installing a new backsplash to prevent ongoing issues.

Thinking through these aspects will prepare you to remove the backsplash correctly and set the stage for a smooth installation of the new one.

Gather Necessary Supplies

Removing a backsplash requires several specialized tools and materials. Be sure to have all of these supplies on hand before getting started:

Safety Gear

Dust mask – Protects from inhaling tile shards or other debris
Safety goggles – Shield eyes from flying shards when breaking up tile
Knee pads – Cushions knees when kneeling on hard flooring
Work gloves – Provides protection when handling sharp edges

Demolition Tools

Flat pry bar – Useful for prying off tile and scraping adhesive
Tile chisel – Removes stubborn tile pieces and adhesion material
Hammer – Breaks tile and concrete backer board into smaller pieces for removal
Utility knife – Cuts mesh backing off tile pieces
Putty knife – Scrapes off thinset, mastic, grout, and adhesive
Oscillating cutter – Optional for controlled cuts through tile

Cleanup Supplies

Paint scraper – Removes thinset mortar and adhesive residues
Wire brush – Scrubs leftover debris and adhesion material
Shop vacuum – Sucks up tile pieces, dust, and other demolition debris
Bucket – Holds tile fragments, grout, and other debris
Sponge – Wipes wall clean after backsplash removal
Cleaning solutions – Removes residues and cleans the wall surface

Backsplash Removal Tips

Wear eye protection – tiles can shatter when pried off the wall
Work methodically in small sections for best results
Expect adhesive remnants to remain and require scrubbing off
Take pictures of wire placement before disconnecting anything
Disconnect electrical at breaker box to be safe when removing outlets
Use drop cloths below the work area to contain debris
Have a disposal plan for the old backsplash pieces and materials

Equipped with proper gear and the right tools for the job, you can confidently tackle taking down that outdated kitchen backsplash.

Prep the Work Area

Before beginning demo, you’ll need to completely clear the backsplash area and take some preparatory steps:

Remove everything from counters and shelves below the backsplash.
Cover countertops with drop cloths to protect from debris.
Clean the backsplash thoroughly to remove dirt and grease.
Turn off power to outlets that will be removed at the breaker box.
Carefully detach any outlets, switches, or under cabinet lights in the backsplash area.
Use painter’s tape to section off the backsplash demo zone from the rest of the kitchen.
Cover nearby appliances like the stove or refrigerator to protect from dust.
Place a drop cloth below the entire backsplash workspace.
Have trash can or bucket ready to collect backsplash debris.

Safety is paramount, so be sure to wear eye and hand protection along with a dust mask to stay clean and injury-free.

Tile Backsplash Removal

The technique for taking down a tile backsplash depends on the installation method:

Tile Set in Mortar

If the tile is set directly in thinset mortar, follow these steps:

Use a flat pry bar inserted at a grout joint to gently pop off whole tiles if possible.
Tap a chisel along grout lines to break adhesion and loosen more tiles.
Use pliers to extract any intact tile pieces and pry off partially loosened tiles.
Once tiles are removed, chisel or scrape to remove thick mortar from the wall surface.

Tile on Mesh Backing

For backsplashes with tile on mesh sheets:

Use a utility knife to cut through the mesh backing and remove entire sheets if possible.
Peel the mesh from the wall once cut. Remove individual tiles still stuck with a chisel or pry bar.
Clean off residual thinset mortar thoroughly after removing mesh sheets.

Removing Grout

Use a grout saw or oscillating cutter to slice through grout lines and break tile free.
Chisel out all remaining grout once tile pieces are dislodged.
Thoroughly clean grout residue off the wall with a scraper and wire brush.

Removing grout first makes prying off tile much simpler and minimizes damage to the drywall.

Other Backsplash Materials Removal

Methods similar to tile apply for taking down backsplashes made of:

Natural Stone

Score grout lines with an oscillating multi-tool before prying off pieces.
Opt for removal of entire sheets if stone was on a mesh backing.
Use a chisel and hammer to break stone free if necessary.

Metal

Remove screws anchoring metal panels to wall studs.
Pry panels off carefully to avoid tearing drywall paper.
Fill holes and sand smooth after removing screws.

Glass

Score between glass tiles with a glass cutter then gently pry off.
Tap chisel point between glass pieces to break adhesivefree.
Peel off any plastic mesh backing sheets.

Mirror or Penny Tiles

Lightly tap chisel point under tiles to pop off without shattering.
Place painter’s tape over mirrors before prying off to prevent glass shards.
Use a single-edge razor blade to score between tiles and cut adhesive.

Follow material-specific precautions and techniques for best results removing challenging backsplash finishes safely.

Clean the Wall Surface

Once the backsplash is fully removed, thoroughly clean the exposed wall to prepare it for new tile or backsplash materials:

Scrape off all residual grout, mortar, adhesive, and mastic with a putty knife or paint scraper.
Scrub with a wire brush or abrasive sponge to remove stuck-on residues.
Wipe the wall down using a heavily diluted adhesive remover solution on a rag.
Rinse with clean water and let fully dry.
Sand uneven areas or patch holes to create a smooth surface.
Carefully reinstall any electrical outlets or plumbing fixtures previously removed.
Finally, vacuum up all remaining debris and dust before applying primer.

Proper cleaning and wall prep now allows for successful installation of your new kitchen backsplash.

Safe Tile Disposal

Don’t just toss broken-up tile pieces in the trash. Follow these backsplash disposal guidelines:

Check if removed backsplash materials can be recycled. Many building supply stores accept scrap tile.
Confirm whether local regulations require demolition debris to go to a disposal facility or transfer station.
Rent a covered dump trailer to haul tiles sheets for proper disposal if needed.
Place tile shards in boxes sealed with duct tape prior to disposal to contain dust and debris.
Schedule pickup by a waste removal service trained to handle home renovation projects if desired.

Disposing of backsplash demolition waste correctly avoids environmental impact and debris around your property.

Preparing Walls for New Backsplash

Once the original backsplash is fully removed, prepare walls for the installation of your new backsplash:

Seal surface with primer to improve adhesion of thinset mortar.
Apply fresh drywall mud to any gouges or uneven spots and sand smooth when dried.
Paint walls with semi-gloss latex enamel if not tiling from counter to ceiling.
Install cement backer board if code requires for ceramic tile installations.

Take time to properly prep and treat walls before applying your new backsplash. This provides the smooth, primed surface needed to achieve a quality finished project.

Conclusion

Removing an outdated or damaged kitchen backsplash takes planning, patience, and persistence. With the proper tools and safety precautions, you can tackle this project as a DIY homeowner and save on labor costs. Breaking down tile by hand or using power tools requires care to avoid damaging walls oraviating debris.

Thoroughly cleaning adhesive residue and preparing the wall surface prevents future problems with the new backsplash installation. Dispose of backsplash demolition waste correctly based on material and local regulations.

Follow this complete backsplash removal guide closely when taking out your old backsplash tile or panels. Pay attention to details like shutting off electrical lines, taping drop cloths below, and wearing eye protection. Soon you’ll have a smooth, clean wall ready for applying stylish new backsplash tile or alternative finishing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Kitchen Backsplash

Removing a kitchen backsplash brings up many questions for homeowners doing a backsplash replacement project. Here are helpful answers to some of the most common FAQs:

How difficult is it to remove tile backsplash?

Removing tile backsplash can be very labor intensive, especially for large surface areas. The demolition process involves a lot of scraping, chipping, and prying off of tile and grout. Expect the project to take at least several hours up to a full day depending on how much surface area you are removing tile from.

What tools do I need to remove backsplash tile?

Useful tools for removing tile backsplash include a putty knife, utility knife, chisel, hammer, pry bar, grout saw, oscillating multi-tool, safety gloves and goggles, and drop cloths. Have a shop vacuum handy to contain dust and debris as well.

What is the best way to remove kitchen backsplash?

The best method is to first cut any grout lines and scrape off as much grout as possible. Then remove whole tiles if they come off easily. Use pry bars and chisels to break tile free from underlying adhesive or mortar. Peel off any mesh backing rather than removing tiles individually.

How do I remove mastic from backsplash?

Use a putty knife, paint scraper, or oscillating tool to scrape off old mastic adhesive. Wipe the wall down with mineral spirits or another adhesive remover solution. Scrub with a wire brush to fully remove stubborn mastic residue.

Can I put new tile over existing backsplash?

It’s not advisable to install new tile over an existing backsplash. Removing the old tile allows inspection of the wall surface and preparation for proper adhesion of the new tile. Covering over old tile often leads to failure of the new tile job.

How do I remove a glass tile backsplash?

Use a glass cutter to score between tiles, then gently pry up. Use painter’s tape over the surface to prevent shattering. Tap a chisel under tiles and carefully pop them off row by row while removing any mastic. Use caution since glass can easily break.

What backsplash is easiest to remove?

Sheet metal backsplashes are the easiest to take down. Simply unscrew panels from the wall, patch screw holes, and clean off any caulk remnants. Tile sheets mounted on a mesh backing also come off easier than tiles set directly in mortar.

Carefully removing your outdated or damaged kitchen backsplash is very doable with the right approach. Follow these tips to successfully take down tile, glass, stone, or metal backsplashes in preparation for a whole new look.