BIG DILEMMA!!! Need help removing mosaic backsplash in kitchen.

12 years ago

So, my mother decided to take on a big project she couldn't handle herself, so now I am here for the holidays trying to help her remove this disaster backsplash boo boo she did. Luckily, she didn't mess up the entire kitchen, but it's big enough to shake my head in despair. lol

In these 2 photos, you can see the big mess. (Yea, I also need to help her paint.) The other pic is of the sticky product she used to stick the backsplash onto the wall. I don't know what to do. It's hard to break off the mosaic (which I managed to break off a few) and then peel off the sticky thing from the wall.

HELPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Tileworks LLC

12 years ago

Well that is a mess. Removing tile is very difficult especially glass. So with that said you can do a couple of things.
You can use a heat gun that gets very hot and heat up the tile. Once the tile is heated up you should be able to put a putty knife behind it and remove the tiles.
If all else fails you can cut the Sheetrock out and replace the pieces you remove.
I would try the heat gun first. You can purchase them at Home Depot or Lowes.
What ever you do make sure you where eye protection and gloves. Glass tile will shatter and it is extremely sharp.

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Comments (10)

PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
12 years ago
Yep. Heat gun first; leather gloves; 3" or 4" putty knife to help peel away the peel-and-stick product. If that doesn't work you get to cut out the drywall, install new, tape, patch, paint and then go for a new backsplash...preferably with the use of a tile setter.
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PRO
Davee Renovations & Design
12 years ago
Hi xazilizax,

We always remove and demolish the drywall for cleaner and nicer finishing. Best option would be removing it and putting up new drywall.
if you require assistant you can contact us at info@daveerenovations.com or (647) 518 - 0330

Regards,

Davee Renovations & Design
PRO
Catherine Belan
12 years ago
It looks as if it is also grouted?

I've never seen a tile job come off without damaging the sheetrock. You might just accept the inevitable and cut out the sheetrock, install new, tape and float.

The goal is to create a smooth, even surface so the new tile installs without bumps and dips.
PRO
Decorative Philosophy
11 years ago
This is why you call pros for certain projects.....sorry.
Regards,
Karen & Joseph
for Decorative Philosophy
Take the above advice from the others, it is just what we would have offered.
sunnydrew
10 years ago
So how did you all do in the kitchen? Did you get the backsplash removed and replaced?
charleee
10 years ago
But wait, there's more....years and years ago my father decided to remodel the kitchen while mother was away. Men, never do this. He covered perfectly good wood cabinets with plastic laminate; tiled the countertops with this horrid yellow tile and installed an induction cooktop. Induction cooktops are tricky things and mother's pots and pans danced all over it til she bought new ones.
Vi Truvian
9 years ago
Got to love that man, though!
Vi Truvian
9 years ago
HI, sunnydew, still waiting for the second tile guy. We will be removing the sheetrock.
Y. M
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Somebody stole your photo and used it on their site …