Removing Laminate Backsplash without damaging countertop.
I am considering installing a tile backsplash in place of the current laminate one to update the house for resale. The current one is about 4 inches tall and appears to be glued to the countertop and the wall, then caulked along the seam between it and the countertop. The laminate countertop is in good condition so I don't want to damage it in removing the backsplash. I don't want to spend a great deal of money, just give the kitchen more appeal. I've done tile backsplashes before so am not concerned with completing that if I can get the laminate one off. Thanks for any suggestions you can provide. If it's done in the manner you suggest, you shouldn't have any trouble getting it off. If there is a metal strip in back, it may be a little more complicated. And if the backsplash runs down behind the counter, that would complicate matters too. But usually the backsplash is done last and it just sets on top. After a few swipes with a utility knife, it should be clear whether or not the silicone is covering a tiny gap between the counter and the backsplash or not. Tearing the laminate off will probably rip up the paper on your drywall pretty good, but if you are careful, you shouldn't be putting any holes in the drywall itself. Many tile layers will have no problem applying tile to drywall in a location that never gets wet (like a kitchen backsplash), and it sounds like you have that handled in any event. The biggest problem is probably just getting started. So if you remove the outlet plates, that's usually a good place to start. A thin 4 putty knife and a hammer will often help you separate the laminate from the drywall. Don't worry about tearing the paper... but don't dig into the gypsum. Once it's off, oil based paint can be applied to the torn paper... then it's ready to skim with drywall mud. Depending on how it looks, replacing the drywall may be in order, and then you'd probably opt to use DensShield or a similar product. If the laminate happens to extend below the surface of the countertop (as in if they applied the laminate to the wall FIRST, prior to installing the countertop) then you'd need to carefully score the backsplash where it meets the counter, using a carbide laminate knife. Protect the counter with several layers of masking tape... and you will probably need to score the backsplash multiple times. You don't need to cut all the way through it necessarily, but you DO want it to make a clean break at that line.
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