How to Mosaic Tile a Backsplash in the Kitchen

Mosaic made from broken tiles.

A mosaic tile backsplash is an attractive addition to any kitchen. Use brightly colored tiles for a striking, cheerful look, or use tiles in neutral, earth-tone colors for a subtle look. You can purchase an assortment of mosaic tiles, or make your own from larger tiles. Arrange the mosaic tiles in any way that pleases your sense of aesthetics.

Things You'll Need

• Old towel
• Hammer
• Field tiles
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Scrap paper
• Mosaic tiles
• Mosaic tape
• Mastic
• Notched trowel
• Grout
• Rubber spatula
• Wet sponge

Instructions

1. Wrap tiles in an old towel and hit them with a hammer, breaking them into smaller pieces. If you purchased small mosaic tiles, skip this step.

2. Measure the backsplash and mark the borders on the wall in pencil. Cover a work table with scrap paper and mark the paper to create an area the same size as the backsplash.

3. Arrange mosaic tiles on the work table until you are happy with the design. To create images, draw shapes on the scrap paper and fill them in with tiles of a specific color.

4. Press transparent mosaic tape on top of the arranged tiles. This may require several sheets of mosaic tape, depending on the size of your backsplash.

5. Spread mastic on the wall with a notched trowel and scratch grooves in the mastic with the edge of the trowel.

6. Pick up the mosaic tape holding the tiles in place. Carefully move the tape and tiles to the backsplash. Press the tiles into the mastic in the correct spot on the wall. Repeat with the other sheets of mosaic tape.

7. Let the mastic dry overnight. Peel off the sheets of mosaic tape.

8. Press grout into the spaces between the tiles with a rubber spatula, removing excess from the tiles as you work. Let the grout dry for 10 minutes, and then wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge. Let the grout dry overnight, following manufacturer's instructions.

References

• "Tiling"; Editors of Sunset Books; 2009