Installing Tile - Help Needed.
Am removing mirrors on Sink and Stove backsplash and will be installing ceramic tile.
http://www.trims.com/lee/imgp0479.jpg
Removed mirrors which were attached with construction adhesive to what appears to be 1/4" Luan mahogany plywood.
http://www.trims.com/lee/imgp0493.jpg
In deciding if I should use mastic or fortified thinset for mounting tile I found out that Luan is not recommended as a base for tile as it absorbs moisture and the bond will fail.
OK, logical solution is to remove the 1/4" Luan and replace with Hardy Board Tile Backer.
Now, herein lies my problem.
Plywood is attached to wall with both screws and construction adhesive.
How do I remove plywood without destroying my coach? Picture above shows screws around perimeter.
I have removed all screws, attached a drawer pull to plywood and tried to pull it off. No Luck. Don't want to add another layer on-top of plywood because tile will extend beyond Corian back splash.
Any suggestions on how to proceed?
Lee & Wife who wants tile... Now!
1997 40' Liberty Classic
MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN A cat
Lee, Another idea that comes to mind would be: Your deficiency is with the Luan plywood absorbing moisture and possibly de laminating etc.,etc.. You could scuff it up and coat it with epoxy (paint it on with a brush or roller). This would strengthen and waterproof the surface. www.westsystem.com
If you use this method I would apply two coats. Clean the surface with lacquer thinner between coats and after, scuffing also with coarse sandpaper such as used on hardwood floors. If you use a power sander be sure and not sand through. If you don't want to mail order the epoxy check out the large boating supply stores locally, or W W Grainger, or McMaster Carr.
I like the epoxy and recommend it to have on hand in a well equiped shop. It is adversey effected by ultravilot light. They have a special epoxy for uv exposure situations but you only need it if you don't want to cover it, such as with paint. When we were boat racing we used this stuff for many, many things. :) JIM
WEAR A DUST MASK : NOW KEEP HER HAPPY : GO GET HANDY :D