How to Glass Tile for a Backsplash Without Cracking the Glass
Glass tiles make a statement on any backsplash, whether covering the entire area, or just as a border. In either case, steps must be taken to ensure that the glass is installed properly. Because glass tiles cannot flex and are naturally brittle, take several precautions as you work to ensure that the tiles will not crack. When the installation has been completed successfully, the glass tiles will enhance the look of any kitchen design. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Liquid crack-reducing membrane
- Paint roller
- Razor blade (for glass mosaics)
- Glass tile nippers (for mosaics)
- Tile wet saw with diamond blade for glass tiles (for larger tiles)
- White, latex additive thinset mortar
- Trowel
- Small, flat board
- Rubber mallet
- Sanded grout
- Epoxy grout float
- Grout sponge
- Latex caulk
- Caulk gun
Instructions
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Paint a layer of liquid crack-reducing membrane over the entire area that the glass tiles will be installed on. Because glass cannot flex with the installation, in the event of the house settling, the membrane will flex for it and help prevent cracks. Roll the membrane on with a paint roller and allow it to dry completely. Wait until the area is no longer tacky before tiling.
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2
Lay out the tiles on the counter in front of the backsplash to determine the best layout. Trim mosaic tile sheets with a razor blade between the tiles to help get the best fit. Cut individual glass mosaic tiles with glass tile nippers. Turn the wheels of the nippers as they get dull to avoid chips.
Cut larger glass tiles on a tile wet saw fitted with a diamond glass tile cutting blade. Turn the tiles upside down to help minimize chipping on their surface.
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3
Spread a layer of white, thinset mortar that has been modified with latex onto the wall. Key the mortar with the trowel to achieve the correct depth for the size of tiles being installed, then smooth out the trowel marks with the flat edge of the trowel.
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Press the glass tiles into the mortar and smooth them into place. Once several tiles have been installed, place a flat board over them and gently tap them into the mortar with a rubber mallet. This will ensure that the tiles will adhere to the mortar.
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5
Allow the thinset to dry for 48 hours, then grout the glass with sanded grout using an epoxy grout float. Spread the grout over the entire installation, scraping off the excess with the side of the float. Wait 10 minutes, then wash the tiles with a slightly damp grout sponge.
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Fill every expansion joint and 90-degree angle where the glass meets another plane with latex caulk. This will further help absorb movement in the walls and prevent the tiles from cracking due to movement.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the walls are extremely level if installing tiles larger than 4 inches. Uneven walls could cause larger glass tiles to crack over time. Mosaic tiles can be installed over uneven walls with better results.
