How to Remove Tile Backsplash Without Damaging Wall?

Do you feel it is time for your kitchen tiles to receive a makeover? But you don’t really have the required budget to conduct a full renovation. In such scenarios, where you are facing monetary issues with an urgent requirement to change kitchen tiles. 

Choosing to conduct a kitchen tile backsplash renovation might serve your needs. Compared to changing the complete look of your kitchen space where certain things might not have required change. 

A new backsplash can provide your kitchen with a look that might have been missing for a long time. Nonetheless, before starting the process of removing and changing tile backsplash, you need to learn how to remove tile backsplash without damaging the drywall. 

In this article, we have mentioned every necessary detail that you need to understand before conducting the removal of the tile backsplash. Check out our Modern Drop Ceiling Tiles 2×4 to upgrade your home.

Few things to consider before removing the Tile backsplash

When it comes to tile backsplash, it is attached to the drywall using a thinset, which is a mortar that sticks itself to drywall and tiles. This thin set almost feels like cement or glue, which is required during the installation of tile backsplash. 

Therefore, whenever you are looking to remove the tile backsplash, remember you cannot completely protect the wall. Some parts of the wall will be damaged, but your goal would be to limit such mess with utmost precision. 

For starters, you need to break the thin-set bond which holds the drywall and tiles together. Some of the equipment which you need to use while removing tile backsplash are: 

• Caulk removal tool
• Electric oscillating multi-tool
• Putty knife
• Pry bar
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• 4-inch drywall knife
• Utility knife
• Multi-tool grout removal blade
• Glasses or goggles
• Thick gloves with long sleeve top and pants

Some instructions to follow for removal of Tile backsplash

1. Turning off electricity

One of the first things you need to do before starting the process of removing the tile backsplash is shutting off electricity. There might be several cables that are running behind the drywall. On touching them accidentally, you might receive an electric shock. 

2. Protecting countertop area

Try and place a few stoppers in the sink, which can stop tiles from entering into the drain. Moreover, lay a few plastic coverings and cardboard over the counter top, which can soften the damage from falling tiles. This would also help in limiting the tile shards during removal. 

3. Removing obstructions

During the start of the tile removal process, you might have a screwdriver and prybar, which you need to use for removing non-tile obstructions. These non-tile obstructions include a light switch, PVC trim, faceplates, cabinets, and other similar items. On removing them, you will have better access to the tile’s backsplash. 

4. Getting rid of caulk

With the help of a caulk removal tool, you need to remove or scrape away the caulk that is present between the tile backsplash and countertop. 

5. Loosening grout

Using the multi-tool grout removal blade, you can loosen the grout present in between the tiles. This would help in breaking the bond that is created between tiles to keep them in place. Try not to break the grout, as it would help in minimizing the damage caused to drywall. 

6. Detaching borders

The tile backsplash is bordered with tile perimeters like listellos, ropes, quarter rounds, pencil liners, and more such items. Therefore, you need the help of a putty knife to break the bond between the tile and the wall and remove them as per your requirement. 

7. Unfastening first tile

Once you have followed each of the instructions mentioned above, you need to start the modern drop ceiling tiles 2×4 removal process with the first tile. Try to hold the putty knife against the top of your tile, where you can easily remove it from the drywall. 

During this process, you need a hammer, which will help in pushing the handle of your tool between the tile and wall for extra help. 

8. Removing remaining tile backsplashes

Following the above step, you need to start removing the other tiles. But ensure you do it one at a time. 

9. Scraping away thinset

On successfully removing the tile backsplash, you might see some sections of thin-set persisting on the wall. For those, you are required to use a putty knife for scraping away the thinset. But in doing so, you need to hold the putty knife at a lower angle to ensure it is carried out properly. 

10. Repairing damaged areas

Even though you might have followed every instruction closely, there could be some places which will require some repairs. For instance, fill in the scrapes, small holes, and large holes with the help of equipment you have in your possession. 

Conclusion – How to Remove Tile Backsplash

These are a few instructions that you need to follow to ensure the tile backsplash removal is conducted accordingly. Not following this set of instructions while removing the tile backsplash from drywall could produce a great deal of damage.

Also Read: Ceiling Transformation – How to Replace Ceiling Tiles