How to Make a Glass Tile Back Splash

Glass tile comes in a variety of styles and colors.

Glass tile is a colorful addition to any kitchen. When used as a back splash it can add character and charm to the room. Pair colorful glass tile with white counters to add a splash of bright color or match the other vivid colors in your kitchen. Glass tile comes in a range of colors and sizes. The easiest to install are glass sheets. Because they are constructed from little squares and mounted on paper backing, you won't need a fancy tile cutter. Customize the size of the sheets with scissors to make your back splash 100 percent original.

Things You'll Need

• Large piece of cardboard
• Trowel
• Glass tile sheets
• Scissors
• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Grout float
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Spread out a piece of cardboard. Measure your back splash dimensions and draw a sketch of the back splash area on the cardboard. Add light fixtures and any other items that are on the wall to your drawing.

2. Set your tile sheets on the cardboard. Cut the tile sheets with a pair of scissors and arrange the sheets to create your design. Move and adjust colors and patterns until you are pleased with the results.

3. Spread a tarp or plastic sheeting across the top of the counter to protect it from drips.

4. Spread ¼ inch of tile adhesive along the bottom of the back splash with a notched trowel. Glass tile is translucent and the adhesive may alter the color of the tile. Choose white adhesive.

5. Remove a sheet of tile from your template and press it into the adhesive. Tap on the glass tile with a rubber mallet to set it firmly in the adhesive. Set all remaining tiles from you template in the same manner. Some glass tiles have paper cover on the front to protect the tile. Let the adhesive set for 20 to 30 minutes. Wet a tile sponge and saturate the paper sheet. Peel the paper from the front of the tiles.

6. Smooth grout over the tops of the tiles, moving the grout float back and forth to evenly distribute the grout. Choose a non-sanded grout.

7. Dip a clean sponge into water. Clean the fronts of the tiles to remove all grout residues. Let the grout dry for 48 hours. Buff the surface with a clean, soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• The small size of the individual glass tiles should eliminate the need for cutting. If you find that you need to cut a one inch tile, use a tile cutter.

References

• Anchor Bay Tile: Installing Glass Tile