When it is time to remove the backsplash behind your countertops, it becomes important to figure out the right way to do it.
A lot of homeowners make mistakes during this process that can damage the countertops.
This is why you may wonder, can you replace backsplash without replacing countertops?
To replace a backsplash without replacing the countertops, it’s important to first cover the countertop and then begin prying each tile individually. This will ensure the countertop isn’t exposed to damage during the removal process.
It’s important to do this delicately to ensure the results work out as intended. You don’t want to be in a hurry as the edges of the countertop can get damaged when you are pounding away at the backsplash tiles.
Be careful and you should be able to get rid of the backsplash without damaging the countertop.
This article will explain some of the tips associated with removing backsplash without the countertop getting damaged.
Table of Contents
Best Pry Bar To Remove Backsplash (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
No products found.
Tips On Removing Backsplash Without Replacing Countertop
1. Use a Flat Ply Bar
The first thing you are going to want to do is to invest in the right tools.
To remove backsplash tiles without damaging the countertop, you will want to have a flat pry bar in hand. The reason for using a flat pry bar has to do with being able to get into the gaps of the tiles and lift them.
This will be hard to do and you are going to require a bit of force. Backsplash tiles are not going to be easy to pry out.
By doing this, you are going to eventually start to lift them off the wall. Put a bit of force into it and the tiles will come off as intended.
When you start getting closer to the countertop, it becomes important to cover it. This will allow you to easily lift the tiles one by one and see the results you are hoping for.
If certain tiles are too hard to get out, you will want to use a hammer to break them. This can take a bit of practice but hitting the tile in the right spot will loosen it enough for the pry bar to do the work.
2. Cover the Edge of the Countertop
As you look to remove backsplash tiles in the kitchen, you will have to focus on protecting the countertop.
It is not the center of the countertop that is going to be the problem. Instead, you are going to have to worry about the edges of the countertop.
This is where most of the damage tends to happen if you are not careful.
Take the time to seal the edge of the countertop using a sheet that is strong enough to withstand the use of a ply bar.
As long as you do this, you are going to be good to go.
There is no need to replace the countertop then.
3. Pry Each Tile Individually
A common mistake is to try to immediately hammer the tiles off.
Yes, you can do this if there is nothing underneath the backsplash. This is why a lot of homeowners replace the countertop, but what if you don’t want to do that?
You are going to have to find another way and that is to use a pry bar to pry each tile.
Take the pry bar and press it against the edge of the tile. You may have to hit the end of the pry bar with a hammer to loosen the tile. Once you do this, it is going to allow you to put enough leverage into the motion to lift the tile.
Be careful when you are doing this so it doesn’t get damaged.
You don’t want to ruin the countertop, which is why doing it individually is the way to go.
Related Questions
1. Can You Put New Backsplash Over Old?
Yes, it is possible to put a new backsplash over old. However, it is important to test the tiles and make sure the surface is smooth and nothing has been damaged. If that is the case, you can install the new tiles over the old ones.
2. How Do You Remove And Replace a Backsplash?
To remove and replace a backsplash, you are going to need a flat pry bar and hammer. You will hit the edge of the tiles to remove them individually. From this point, you will scrape the wall and smooth the surface before installing the new tiles.
Final Thoughts
Can you replace backsplash without replacing countertops?
There is nothing wrong with replacing the backsplash without replacing the countertop. Just carefully remove each tile using a pry bar and you will be good to go.
Here’s more on kitchens –