Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - kiitchen tile
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larryk
05-08-08, 03:39 PM
I have a new home and an old kitchen. whoever did the kitchen put formica on the wallwith what looks like an aluminum quarter round, maybe a quarter of an inch wide. it looks like the formica fits into this from the counter and the wall. How can I get this up without ruining the counter top? can I tile over the formica? I have never seen this aluminun strip so i don't know how it works , nailed down or glued or what. Thanks for any help someone can give me.
twelvepole
05-08-08, 03:53 PM
Does the plastic laminate on wall and trim meet at top of counter or extend behind?
larryk
05-08-08, 04:07 PM
At the top, it does not extend below. appears to just fit into this aluminum strip from the counter and from the wall.
twelvepole
05-08-08, 04:22 PM
I'd take a small pry bar and gently pull off the metal strips. Then, see if I could lift the laminate with the pry bar. If it was applied with silicone, it will likely be easier to remove than if they used liquid nails. It may be necessary to take a blow dryer to soften the adhesive or a heat gun. Expect some damage to wall. Adhesive will have to be scraped from wall. Any damage can be repaired with drywall compound. You will need a clean, smooth surface to which to apply the mastic and wall tile.
larryk
05-08-08, 04:56 PM
Thanks, I will give it a try .
cwbuff
05-09-08, 09:11 AM
Larry - You can tile over laminate. Just make sure it's spiffy clean and scuff it up with a coarse sandpaper before tiling. I would use mastic for this application.
HeresJohnny
05-09-08, 09:22 AM
Larry - You can tile over laminate.
Larry, what do you know about how the laminate is adhered to the wall. Tiling over the laminate is doable, however if the laminate is not well adhered, the weight of the tile could cause the laminate to separate from the wall causing your backsplash to become your countertop:D . You can use mastic for ceramic tile, but dont use mastic if your tile is a natural stone.:)
Larry, what do you know about how the laminate is adhered to the wall. Tiling over the laminate is doable, however if the laminate is not well adhered, the weight of the tile could cause the laminate to separate from the wall causing your backsplash to become your countertop:D . You can use mastic for ceramic tile, but dont use mastic if your tile is a natural stone.:)
larryk
05-09-08, 05:11 PM
I did take one small section off the wall , it was glued very well. The rest I am going to tile over the laminate as it will be easier. Again thaks for all the help. This is a great place to not only learn but to listen to smart people. THANKS