Safely Detaching Adhered Trim from Surfaces
Trim that has been attached with adhesive can be taken off without harming the underlying surface, but the process calls for care. Simply yanking the trim loose risks damaging either the trim itself or the material it sits on. Applying heat softens the bond, allowing the trim to be separated while keeping both the trim and the surface in good condition.
By Finley Davis5 steps
Removing molding without damage keeps the molding intact for reuse elsewhere.
Adhering trim with glue creates a decorative finish on a surface while avoiding the harm that nails would cause. Taking that adhered trim off without marring the surface, however, tends to be harder than putting it on. If you simply pull the trim loose, either the trim or the material underneath may end up damaged. A heat gun offers a way around this: it softens the adhesive that holds the trim, and once the glue has softened, the trim can be peeled away, leaving both the surface and the trim undamaged.
Step 1
Connect a heat gun to the closest electrical outlet. Choose the lowest heat setting and position the gun roughly 3 inches above the trim's surface.
Step 2
Switch the heat gun on and aim the hot air at the trim. Sweep the heat back and forth over a 12-inch section of the trim. Keep the motion steady so the heat is distributed evenly rather than concentrating in one place. Keep a close watch on the trim's surface for any indication of scorching. Should you see signs that the trim is getting too hot, switch the heat off right away. As heat reaches the trim, the adhesive securing it begins to soften.
Step 3
Insert the blade of a putty knife into the softened adhesive between the trim and the underlying surface. Use the knife as a wedge between the two surfaces, prying the trim away as you slide the knife along.
Step 4
Continue along the full length of the trim, applying heat as you proceed so the adhesive keeps softening. Once you reach the end of the panel, pull the trim free.
Step 5
Clear adhesive residue from the back of the trim or from the subsurface by brushing on a coat of adhesive solvent. Let the solvent break down the glue, then use the edge of the putty knife to scrape the glue off. Wipe away any remaining glue residue with a sponge moistened with clean water.
