How to Install a Small, Glass Tile Backsplash
Glass tiles are a versatile way to add a splash of color or interest to a kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Mosaic glass tiles are easy to clean yet durable for these areas. Tiles do not only add color to your kitchen, they also help protect the walls behind the sink and stove against water damage. A small, glass tile backsplash should only take a weekend to install. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Chalk line
- Level
- Thinset
- Notched trowel
- Tiles
- Tile spacers
- Rag
- Scissors
- Tile nippers
- Tile cutter
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
- Clean cloth
Instructions
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1
Turn off the breaker to the installation area for the tiled backsplash. Remove any outlet covers and switch plates on the wall with a screwdriver. Remove the stove or pull it forward.
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2
Hold one end of a chalk line against the wall at the midpoint where the backsplash will be installed. Extend the string to arm's length. Check that the string is level then pinch the chalk line with your fingers. Lift the line slightly and let it snap against the wall to leave a chalk mark. Repeat all the way around the area you will be tiling.
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3
Apply a thin layer of thinset to the wall in a three-foot area below the chalk line. Start in the middle of the length of the area that will be tiled. Use a notched trowel to leave texture in the thinset for a good seal with the tile.
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4
Place the first tile or tile sheet along the chalk line and press it into the thinset. Remove any thinset that squeezes out from between the tiles with a damp rag.
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5
Insert a tile spacer at each corner of the tile into the thinset.
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6
Continue adding tile in sections of no more than 3 feet at a time. Smaller, 1-by-1 inch tiles should be done in 1-foot sections at a time. Add only full tiles or tile sheets at this time.
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7
Cut smaller sections of tiles with scissors if they are mesh-backed or use tile nippers to cut individual tiles. Measure the backside of the tile where it needs to be cut and score it with a tile cutter.
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8
Allow the thinset to cure according to the package directions before removing the spacers.
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9
Put on gloves and eye protection before mixing the grout according to the package directions.
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10
Apply the grout to the wall with a grout float and press it into the seams between the tiles. The grout should be just below the top of the tiles.
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11
Wet a sponge after the grout has set up and wipe any excess grout from the face of the tiles. Rinse the sponge and repeat for the entire area.
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12
Polish the tiles clean with a clean, dry cloth once the grout has dried.
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13
Replace the outlet covers and switch plates then restore power to the installation area at the household breaker panel.
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References
Resources
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