Removing thinset from Drywall.?

Question

In re-doing our kitchen myself I have started by taking the old backsplash down. There is obvisouly a great amount of thinset stuck on the drywall. I was going to cut that part out and replace the drywall but I realize the new cabinets are taller in height and will cover up much of where the old backsplash was. So the plan now would be to scrape all the surface paper off the drywall, skimcoat, prime and take it from there. But as I'm finding you can't just peel this stuff off. I even tried steaming it which helped a little. Any ideas on what I can use besides regular scrapers? Would wall paper remover help at all here? I'm beginging to think it will be easier to cut it out and replace it all together. Then i would have to tear out the counter and base cabinets earlier than expected and prolong not having a kitchen. Thanks for any responses.

Answer 1

cut it out...its easier

Answer 2

Well, first off you don''t scrape off the drywall paper.  That is the finished surface which you paint on.  It hold the gypsum in place.  Why not put on a thin drywall sheet overtop (1/8") or cut out and board/patch or just double sheet the whole wall and be done with it.   I can''t see it so I can't advise otherwise.  But taking drywall paper off iis not the way to do it.

Answer 3

Thinset is a cement based product.  Is it gray?  If so, your best bet is to cut out the section and replace it with new drywall.  If the adhesive is brown, it's mastic.  That can be removed with a heat gun and a stiff scraper.  just warm it up and it will peel right off.  Sorry that there's no magic solution.  Good luck.

Answer 4

Why not just cover it with joint compound and sand it smooth?

Finish it just like a seam or joint.  Just float it smooth.

Answer 5

hi,i would scrape as much as i could then using some quik set mudd i would skim coat the area a couple of times feathering well. sand, prime ,paint