How to remove stone slab on top of fireplace

[vattenmelon]

See pictures below.

I want to replace the stone slab above the fireplace. It is the original from the 60s, admittedly charming, but the previous owner went berserk and painted the beautiful fireplace with white paint, and the stone slab no longer matches the white or the room.

I will try to paint the brick and mortar in more natural colors based on tips from a painter. I also want to replace the stone slab with something else even though it feels a bit sad to remove an "original part."

I think the slab is on top of mortar or plaster; I'm not sure if it's attached more than that.

How would you go about removing the stone slab without causing too much damage? Chisel and hammer from underneath and carefully tap inward?

 

[jonaserik]

Almost looks like the board is set into the wall, and then some plaster is likely to come off. It may end up needing to replaster the entire wall if you're unlucky. The board is probably set with plaster mortar underneath and isn't very securely attached, just resting on top.

 

[AXS]

If the use is not too harsh, I have had success with a multicutter. It goes fast enough not to remove too much material.

Otherwise, maybe a well-aimed blow from underneath will do the trick.

 

[vattenmelon]

If the mortar isn't too hard, I've had success with a multicutter. It's slow enough not to remove too much material.

Otherwise, a well-aimed blow from underneath might do the trick.

Thanks, both options sound worth trying. I don't have a multicutter, but it's always good to have an excuse to buy new toys . I quickly poked around with a screwdriver, the mortar felt medium hard.

 

[vattenmelon]

It almost looks like the board is embedded in the wall, and then some plaster will surely come off. You might have to replaster the entire wall if you're unlucky. The board is probably set with plaster underneath and is not very firmly attached, just resting on top.

Thanks for the reply. I'll start by scraping off a bit more and see if it is, as you say, "embedded in the wall."

 

[jonaserik]

By tapping upwards on the lower edge, the board might loosen from the wall. The board is polished, and regular mortar will not adhere to it. Be a bit cautious and hope for luck that the board can be pulled straight out once it is loose.

 

[vattenmelon]

If the use is not too hard, I have had success with a multi-cutter. It goes quickly enough not to remove too much material.

Otherwise, perhaps a well-aimed blow from underneath will do the trick.

By tapping upwards on the bottom edge, maybe the board will come loose from the wall. The board is smoothly plastered and regular mortar won't stick to it. Take it a bit gently and hope for luck that the board can be pulled straight out when it is loose.

A few not too hard blows with a rubber mallet were enough, and then cut through some paint and mortar. No major damage, shouldn't be any problem to install a new stone slab and paint nicely afterwards.

Thanks for your tips!