Formica is a manufactured plastic laminate sold in large, rectangular sheets. The Formica sheets can cover countertops, back splashes and occasionally full walls. It is a durable product that stands up well against moisture, so it works well for kitchens and bathrooms. Since you typically glue Formica laminate sheets into place, removing them requires that you soften the glue enough to pull the Formica away from the bathroom wall.
Instructions
1. Examine the bottom, top and corners of the Formica sheets to see if there is trim material around the seams. If trim is present, remove the screws or nails from it and pull it away from the Formica. If there is a bead of caulk around the Formica, run the blade of a utility knife through the center of the caulk to loosen it.
2. Find a location at the bottom of the Formica where you can lift it up, even slightly. Place a putty knife between the Formica sheet and the wall, thus creating a gap. You can release your hand since the Formica will hold the putty knife in place.
3. Plug in a heat gun and turn it to medium heat. Point the nozzle of the heat gun at the corner of the Formica and hold it for approximately 20 to 30 seconds.
4. Turn the heat gun off and put on a pair of work gloves. Grasp the handle of the putty knife and push it upward underneath the Formica to loosen the softened adhesive. Use a hammer to gently tap the handle of the putty knife, if needed.
5. Grasp the Formica and bend it upward as far as possible without damaging the wall underneath it. Use the heat gun to heat the area under the Formica and soften more adhesive. Continue using the heat gun and chipping away with the putty knife until you remove all of the Formica from the bathroom walls.
Tips Warnings
Be careful when using a heat gun since it emits very high temperatures and will cause severe skin burns.
The Formica will probably break off in sections as you remove it, so be careful of the sharp corners.
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