Asked on Mar 14, 2017

How do I remove the metal strip between my countertop and backsplash?

Valerie
by Valerie
I would like to remove the metal strip and laminate backsplash and replace with tile. Does anyone know what I would need to do to remove that metal piece? Will it pop right off, or is it attached anywhere under the countertop. I'm going to paint the counters so I don't want to damage those. Thank you!

  6 answers
  • Sylvain Sylvain on Mar 14, 2017

    If you don't see any indications of any fastening material (screws, nails, etc.), then it must be glued. I suggest to leave it as is and cover it with painters tape (a kind of masking tape) then paint your countertop. Be sure to remove your painters tape before the paint is completely dry.

  • William William on Mar 14, 2017

    It appears to be an inside corner with channels for the counter and backsplash. I am going to assume, strongly, that part of it is under the counter and part behind the backsplash. May not even be fastened in any way. It slipped over the edge of the counter, then the counter is pressed tightly against the wall, and the backsplash is slipped into its own channel. Eliminates the need to trim the counter exactly flush or caulking against the wall. If it was rounded then it would have been adhered into the corner.

    • See 2 previous
    • Lis32570185 Lis32570185 on Jan 31, 2018

      This is my exact problem as I'm also planning on painting the countertops with chalkboard paint and putting subway tiles on the backsplash. I tried a corner and started to peel the whole laminate and top metal strip away from the wall, but can't yet tell if the metal strip that is at the meeting of the laminate backsplash and the laminate countertop goes under the countertop as well as the backsplash. I've seen pictures of other types that only go in one direction, under the backsplash. I don't want to damage the countertops. Did yours end up going under the countertops as well, as William said? Thanks!


  • Tommy Spencer Tommy Spencer on Mar 16, 2017

    It's probably been stuck on try using a hair dryer (this is because you don't want to damage the other areas, and while your doing this use a scraper to the metal strip.


  • Shelly Van Slyke Muncy Shelly Van Slyke Muncy on Mar 17, 2017

    Mine where tacked every foot or so with little nails under the laminate on the top.

  • Lee Lee on Mar 19, 2017

    Dermal Tool grinding. Attachment. Protect your eyes metal will get hot. Hold metal with needle nose plyer to hold metal


  • Jennifer Bolen Danesi Jennifer Bolen Danesi on Jun 20, 2017

    What did you end up doing? I have these on my counters and I'm going to paint them but I wanted to tile the backsplash.