Can this plasterboard be salvaged?

[3xAAA]

I’m removing an old kitchen before my new one is professionally fitted.

I’ve removed the tiles, which will be replaced with a full-sized quartz splashback. Most have come off with ease, leaving only residual tile adhesive. Others damaged the plasterboard as they came away.

Do you think I could get away with using an orbital sander to remove the old tile adhesive and then some plaster filler to repair the holes, or should I just get a plasterer in to fit new plasterbord?

I presume quartz splashbacks are fitted dot and dab style, so any minor imperfection in the wall can be compensated for. The window ledge is a bit far gone, mind.

Still, I’d welcome some opinions on the best sensible route.

[Mr Pointy]

I think you could get the walls skimmed rather than cut out all the old plasterboard. Just get it as flat as you can without doing too much more damage.

[w1bbles]

Agree with the skimming. We had this skimmed:



…to this:



I slapped on some PVA and the plasterer made an amazingly neat job of it in a day. We threw the towel in on the left hand wall and re-plaster boarded it.

We re-used the carcasses and put on some new doors - and then hid the beautiful new skim with MDF!

Edited by w1bbles on Sunday 12th May 22:38

[Simpo Two]

Plasterboard is cheap and easy to fit... when doing my bathroom I just cut out rectangles of plasterboard with the tiles still stuck on.

[Pheo]

Depends - how much will be covered by the quartz?

If all of it just flatten it off with bonding or gyproc easyfill. The latter probably a bit easier to use the former stronger and MUCH cheaper (it’s a backing plaster not a finish).

If bonding do it in two coats, using a flat edge each time to rule it off.

If you’re gonna have visible areas, ideally get it skimmed or overboard

[Rob.]

Mine was in a similar state after removing the tiles. I elected to cut out the damage and dot and dab new sections of board in foe the plasterer to skim over

[R6tty]

You could cut out the plasterboard that's going to be tiled and replace with Hardiebacker (cement board). No skimming required and dead flat.

[Chipstick]

Rather than using a sander to remove tile adhesive, I have always had success using a bladed scraper such as the below.

[OutInTheShed]

Chipstick said:

Rather than using a sander to remove tile adhesive, I have always had success using a bladed scraper such as the below.

I have a set of 'Pound Shop Chisels' which I'd try.

[3xAAA]

OutInTheShed said:

I have a set of 'Pound Shop Chisels' which I'd try.

As luck would have it, I randomly tried some chisels this morning. They were very effective!

I’ve cut out the damaged bits of plasterboard and will fill with filler then sand flat. I think I will just about get away with it.

[Little Lofty]

A wallpaper steamer is best for removing that type of tile adhesive.