Tidying up the top of a tile splashback

[DIYHaveaCrack]

I feel like this is a dumb question but I'm a bit flummoxed as to the best approach. I'm renovating the kitchen but the white tiles of the splashback will stay in situ as they are in good condition. However along the top of the tiles I can't quite work out if it's grout or silicone or both! I want to remove it back to the flat top of the tile so I can either redo and paint or I'll actually add an edging tile to finish it off properly. One part has chipped back to the flat top of the tile but another section looks like silicone but hard. Just trying to work out the best way to tidy up this edge back to the flat top of the tile. Pics for reference. Note...not cleaned yet!

[JacobZ]

Hi @DIYHaveaCrack,

It looks like silicone to me, but I can't physically touch it to know. If you poke it, is it spongy and flexible, or hard and inflexible? If it is spongy, it will be silicone, if not it will be grout.

Regardless of what it is, you should be able to remove it using a utility knife. Before starting work, ensure you are wearing gloves, long protective clothing, enclosed shoes and eye protection to minimise the risk of lacerations. Start by running the blade down the back of the silicone by holding the blade as flush to the wall as possible. Once this cut has been made, turn it horizontal and run it along the top edge of the tile. Once it has been cut, you should be able to peel it away fairly easily.

If any troublesome bits remain, a Paint Scraper should help.

Once removed, you can use a bit of sandpaper to clean up before either painting or tiling.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob