How to Install Nickel Tile

Brushed nickel accents have become a modern standard in homes. Light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and drapery hardware all commonly have the look of nickel. But what about your kitchen backsplash? Nickel tiles are now widely available to allow you to cover your kitchen backsplash with the clean, modern look of nickel. Nickel tiles install much like traditional ceramic tile, with a much more striking result.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nickel Tiles
• Acrylic Tile Adhesive
• Tile Spacers (1/8 inch or less)
• 1/8-inch V-Notched Trowel
• Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Dust Mask
• Circular Saw with Metal-Cutting Blade
• Metal File or Sandpaper
• Non-Sanded Grout or Acrylic Caulk

1. Choose a tile pattern for your backsplash. Remember that it is easier to install a pattern that eliminates a lot of tile cutting. Before beginning installation, arrange some tiles to make sure that you are happy with pattern.

2. Prepare the tile adhesive according to package instructions. Typically, the consistency should be like that of peanut butter. Some adhesives are pre-mixed and do not require mixing.

3. Apply a layer of adhesive to a small area of the wall with the trowel, maintaining an even consistency. Work in a small area to ensure that the adhesive does not dry out. Drag the notched edge of the trowel through the layer of adhesive to form rows of ridges.

4. Press the first nickel tile into the adhesive. You can use tile spacers to form consistent grout lines between the tiles or, if you do not want grout lines, you can choose to set the tiles as close as possible. Repeat this process to install all the whole tiles.

5. Protect your eyes, hands, and mouth from sharp metal edges and flying metal shards with safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask prior to cutting tiles.

6. Cut all tiles for placement in edges and corners. Using a circular saw with a blade designed to cut metal, cut the tiles with the finished side of the tiles facing up. Smooth the cut edges with a metal file or sandpaper. Install the cut tiles in the same manner as the whole tiles.

7. Grout between the nickel tiles with a non-sanded acrylic grout or an acrylic caulk.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a row of nickel tiles to accent glass and ceramic tiles.
• Always protect your eyes, hands, and mouth when cutting metal tiles.
• Never install nickel tiles directly onto your wall surface without first reading the adhesive instructions or consulting an expert. Some adhesives will not hold if applied directly to wood or drywall.
• Always face the finished side up when cutting nickel tiles.

[1citygirl]

on 8/18/2008 good article. here is another artcile on choosing metal backsplashes. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/837513/how_to_install_a_metal_back_splash.html?cat=30