When Removing an Old Splashback Is Necessary: Lessons from a Tough Installation
Why Sometimes You Can't Just Install Over Existing Tiles—and the Challenge of Tempered Glass.
In most kitchen renovations, installing a new splashback is a straightforward process. Typically, you don’t need to remove the old splashback or tiles; the new one can be fitted right over the existing surface, saving time, money, and a fair bit of mess. That’s especially true if you’re working with glass splashbacks, which can often be glued directly onto the previous layer with minimal fuss.
However, every so often, a unique situation crops up that forces you to take a different approach. In a recent installation, we encountered exactly that—a scenario where removing the old splashback was unavoidable. The reason? The client wanted to upgrade to a 6mm thick glass splashback behind the cooktop, but there simply wasn’t enough space to add that thickness on top of the existing tiles. Sometimes the dimensions of the kitchen or placement of appliances leave you no choice but to strip everything back to the wall.
Complexities of Splashback Removal
Removing an old splashback isn’t always as simple as it sounds, especially when you’re dealing with tricky materials and stubborn adhesives. In this case, the walls behind the splashback were solid concrete—already a tough canvas to work with. On top of that, the previous installer had used an excessive amount of silicone to fix the glass in place. Silicone is fantastic for waterproofing and flexibility, but it can be a nightmare when you need to pry something loose. There was no gentle way to get the splashback off; smashing was the only option.
How Tough Is Tempered Glass?
This installation provided a great example of just how strong tempered glass can be. Tempered glass is designed to withstand knocks, heat, and everyday abuse in the kitchen, so it’s not surprising that after several hours of hammering, the glass refused to break. It was both frustrating and impressive—just goes to show the quality you’re getting with a glass splashback!
Eventually, I found a weak spot and, with the help of a crowbar and a heavy hit, managed to break through. If you ever need to do something similar, make sure you’re prepared for a workout and have the right tools on hand. It’s certainly not a job for the faint-hearted.
Safety First
Whenever you’re dealing with glass, especially when breaking it, safety is paramount. In this case, I used a vinyl sticker to cover the glass before attempting to smash it. This simple precaution helped prevent shards from flying everywhere, making the clean-up much easier and reducing the risk of injury. Of course, safety goggles were a must as well—protecting your eyes from stray fragments is non-negotiable.
Final Thoughts
While most splashback upgrades can be done without removing the old one, there are exceptions. If space is tight or there are structural concerns, removal might be the only way forward. When faced with tough materials like tempered glass and stubborn silicone, patience, the right equipment, and a focus on safety will get you through. And if you ever doubt the durability of your glass splashback, just remember—it might take hours of hammering before it finally gives in!