How to Install a Removable Tile Backsplash

Learn how to install a tile mural backsplash that you can remove any time you want.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A 3/8" mdf board cut to the size of your mural
• 4 oz tube of liquid nails or 10 minute epoxy
• 4 butterfly wall anchors
• drill

1. 1. Plan your space:
   Once you have all of your tiles, lay them out and measure the exact width and height. Using framing tile is recommended as it hides the installation wall anchors so the mural can be removed at a later date. If you buy the frame tiles that have a hollow underside, these will hide the screws that hold the mural to the wall.

2. 
   Planning the space and cutting the board

   2. Cut your Board
   Cut a 3/8" mdf board (available at Home Depot or Lowe's) to the exact size of the mural and surrounding framing tile. Make sure your board is flat. Once the board is cut, hold it up on the wall where you want you mural to be and draw a line around it on the wall

3. 
   lay out tiles on the board

   3. Line up the tiles
   On a flat surface, place the mural tiles and framing tiles on the board and line everything up. Remove the framing tiles and draw a line around just the mural. Then mark where the edge of each framing tile is on the board.
   Drill a hole in each of the four corners large enough to accommodate the butterfly wall anchors (3/8" to 1/2")

4. 
   corner of mural with framing tile left off

   4. Gluing the tiles onto the board
   
   Using the liquid nails or a 10 minute epoxy, glue the mural tiles onto the board and let dry.
   
   Next, you will glue on the framing tiles leaving off the four corner framing tiles (as in the picture) so that you can attach the board to the wall. Let dry overnight.

5. 
   this is the type of butterfly anchor you should use

   5. Attaching the board to the wall
   You will need two people for this step. Holding the board up the the wall , mark the drill hole locations for the 4 anchors on the wall. Drill four holes and make sure they are large enough to accommodate the anchors. Holding the board in place screw the board to the wall using the butterfly anchors. Note: these murals are heavy, do use any other kind of anchor unless you are placing screws directly into a wall stud.

6. 6. Glue the four corner tiles
   Finally, you will glue on the four corner framing tiles. Use a very small amount of the glue so that these tiles can be popped off at a later date and the mural relocated. Its a good idea to buy extra framing tiles in case you break one.

Resources

• Tile Mural backsplashes by Linda Paul