How to Install a Glass Tile Backsplash

Glass tile set into a tile wainscoting

Glass tiles of all shapes and sizes are the new rage in home décor. Installing a tile backsplash adds a touch of elegance to any room in your house especially the kitchen or bathroom.

This article will take you step by step address through the process of installing mosaic glass tiles on a backsplash and assumes that the reader has a basic familiarity with laying out and installing tile.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• •Mosaic glass tiles •White modified thin-set •Tile saw •Razor knife •1/4" or 3/8" v groove trowel •Sponge •Bucket of clean water

1. •Glass mosaic tiles come in sheets of approx. 12x12" in size. The glass tiles are glued to the backing paper, which is attached to the finish.

   •The paper is attached to the outward facing side of the tiles. When preparing to start the project, make sure to install the glass tiles with the papered-side facing out.

2. •We recommend using thin-set mortar adhesive for this project as it provides a strong bond and is generally resistant to moisture. Purchasing premixed thin-set can save you a lot of time and effort, but it is more expensive than mixing the mortar yourself.

   •If you decide to purchase powdered thin-set, take care to mix it properly until it reaches the correct consistency.

   •Once the thin-set is ready, use the v notch trowel to spread the mortar evenly onto the backsplash wall. Do not leave any voids in the thin-set, as they will show up once the tiles are installed.

3. •Use the razor knife to cut the sheets of tile so that they fit neatly into the backsplash area.

   •If partial tiles are needed around the edges of the backsplash, use the tile saw to cut individual tiles to the appropriate size.

4. •Press the tiles into the thin-set and use light pressure to smooth the tiles down evenly.

   •Don't spread more thin-set than you can set into within 5-10 minutes or it may dry before you can place the tiles.

5. •Allow the tiles to set up in the thin-set for approximately 30-45 minutes.

   •After the appropriate amount of time, use a damp tile sponge and gently wet the paper backing.

   •As the paper gets wet, the adhesive will begin to release and you will be able to easily peel away the paper from the tiles.

   •If the tiles begin shifting as you wet or try to remove the paper, allow more time for the tiles to set up.

   •If the paper does not peel away easily, wet it more with the sponge.

6. 

   •Once you have removed the paper, carefully re-position individual tiles if necessary.

   •Allow the tile backsplash to set up for at least 24 hours, then sponge as needed to remove any adhesive residue.

   •The tile is now ready for grout.

   Congratulations on successfully installing a glass tile backsplash to room.

   Specialty Home Improvement is glad to be a part of your home renovation efforts. If you want more great home improvement ideas, make sure to check out the rest of our simple "How To" articles.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the tiles to set up for at least 1/2 hour before removing the paper backing.

• If the tiles shift or move when wetting or removing the paper backing, allow more set up time.

• Wait at least 24 hours before sponging as needed to remove the adhesive residue.

• Remember that the wall and thinset will be visible through the tiles, so the wall prep and thinset application will be crucial in achieving the nicest possible appearance.

Resources

• Specialty Home Improvement, Inc.