How to Glue a Backsplash
Backsplashes are a decorative component of kitchens that also protect the wall surface. They can be comprised of many different construction materials, including tiles, metal and laminate. When installing sheet style backsplashes, such as laminate, special adhesive holds the sheet to the wall. Gluing a backsplash is a task any home owner can accomplish, but proper glue selection is critical so that it can withstand the high moisture conditions inherent in a kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Grease pencil
- Protective eye wear
- Tin snips or laminate shears
- Polyurethane construction adhesive
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife (optional)
- Laminate roller
- Rag
- Water
- Screws (optional)
Instructions
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1
Measure the area of the wall where you are installing the backsplash to determine the proper width and height. Lay a single sheet of the backsplash material on a work table and transfer the measurements to it using a grease pencil.
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2
Don protective eye wear and cut the backsplash out using the cutting tool appropriate for the material. Cut metal with tin snips and cut laminate with laminate shears.
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3
Insert a tube of polyurethane construction adhesive into a caulk gun and cut 1/4 inch of the tip off using the tin snips, laminate sheers or a utility knife. Squeeze the trigger of the caulk gun until a small bead of the adhesive emerges from the tip.
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4
Flip the backsplash over so that the finished side faces down. Place the tip of the caulk gun on the material 1/4 inch from the edge. Squeeze the trigger with continuous pressure to apply a 1/4-inch wide bead of adhesive around the perimeter.
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Fill in the center area of the laminate with more adhesive, using a zig zag pattern to achieve complete coverage.
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6
Set the caulk gun aside and lift the backlash up into position on the wall. Place your hands in the center of the backsplash and push them out to the sides to smooth out air bubbles.
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7
Secure the backsplash further by using a laminate roller to press the surface of the backsplash down firmly.
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8
Wipe around the edges of the backsplash with a rag dampened with water to remove excess adhesive.
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Tips & Warnings
If your installation wall consists of drywall, install particleboard or plywood over it using screws inserted into the wall studs before gluing the backsplash on to provide a better surface for the glue to bond to.
