How to Install a Backsplash Using Plastic Ceiling Tiles

Any type of water-resistant tile, including plastic ceiling tiles, can be used to create an easy-to-clean backsplash for a kitchen or bathroom. Whether you use a simple grid of uniformly colored and sized tiles or mix and match tiles to create a mosaic pattern, you should always measure the area of your desired backsplash and plan the tile spacing and placement before you begin. You can use a piece of butcher or kraft paper cut to the size of your backsplash as a “map” for placement.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Damp rags
• Mastic or thinset
• Putty knife
• Plastic tiles, cut to size
• Grout

Instructions

1. Pry away any old tile and remove switch plates or outlet covers using the screwdriver.

2. Sand the backsplash area using 80-grit sandpaper.

3. Wipe area well using a damp rag to remove any dust, dirt, paint flakes or old mastic and grout.

4. Apply a thin layer of mastic or thinset to the backspash area using the putty knife.

5. Place the plastic tiles in the desired pattern, pushing them into the mastic or thinset to achieve a good seal.

6. Clean off the putty knife and allow the tiles to set overnight.

7. Apply grout to the gaps between the tiles using the putty knife. Push the grout into the gaps as deeply as possible.

8. Wipe away excess grout using a damp rag. Allow the grout to dry completely, per the manufacturer’s instructions, before using the backsplash.

Tips & Warnings

• To cut or trim plastic tiles, score the tile on both sides using a sharp utility blade. Then snap the tile along the score line.