How to Install a Glass Tile Backsplash

Glass tiles of all shapes and sizes are the new rage in home decor. This article will address 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 thinset
• tile saw
• razor knife
• 1/4" or 3/8" v groove trowel
• sponge
• bucket of clean water

1. Make sure that you are installing the glass tiles with the right side out. Glass mosaic tiles will come in sheets approximately 12"x12". These sheets are comprised of the glass tiles glued to a backing paper. The paper is attached to the finish or outward facing side of the tiles.

2. After mixing your thinset to the proper consistency, use the v notch trowel to spread the thinset evenly onto the backsplash wall. Do not leave any voids in the thinset, as they will show up once the tiles are installed.

3. Use the razor knife to cut the sheets of tile to the appropriate size needed to fit your installation. If partial tiles are needed around the edges, use the tile saw to cut individual tiles to the appropriate size.

4. Press the tiles into the thinset and use light pressure to smooth the tiles down evenly. Don't spread more thinset than you can set into within about 5-10 minutes.

5. Allow the tiles to set up in the thinset 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 the paper will peel away from the tiles very easily. If the tiles begin shifting when wetting or removing 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 the paper has been removed, individually re-position tiles if necessary or if they have shifted. Allow the tile to set up for at least 24 hours, then sponge as needed to remove any adhesive residue. The tile is now ready for grout.

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.

[consignmentchic]

on 3/18/2009 Easy to follow directions. Glass tiles are beautiful! Thanks! 5* Recommended you!

[SchoolOfLife]

on 3/14/2009 Very well written, great information. Keep up the good work! :P

[stefanie720]

on 2/26/2009 yes. im so glad u wrote this--a glass tile backsplash is so beautiful and classy. thanks for writing! 5* rcmnd

[OBigDaddyO]

on 2/25/2009 Yes, veryfaraway, the trowel should be a 1/4" or 3/8" V groove trowel, as listed in the items you'll need section. Good luck with your project!

[veryfaraway]

on 2/25/2009 Any suggestion as to the depth of the trowel? Glass tiles are pricey, I'm afraid of them.