Tired of that drab, unimaginative kitchen? Need a remodel but
can't afford to do the whole room? How about a colorful tile
backsplash? Not only can it spice up a dull kitchen, it is
practical for a messy cook. No wallpaper to ruin with the
splatter of tomato sauce or grape juice! And you can install it
yourself! All you need is courage, a willing friend and the
following instructions:
To install a new backsplash:
1. Since the tile will be heavy, make certain all surfaces are
well-prepared so the tile will successfully adhere to the wall.
Sand the walls with a coarse sandpaper wrapped around a sanding
block. This will enable a better bond. Wipe down all surfaces
with denatured alcohol to remove any oily debris that may have
been left behind from normal kitchen use.
2. Apply the adhesive to the wall. It is best to use the flat
edge of a trowel for this job (last year's model will do!).
3. Create ridges in the adhesive by making little squiggles
(squiggles - that's technical term!) with the edge of the trowel.
4. If the area you are tiling doesn't have a countertop or a
piece of trim along its lower edge, you will need to put a
temporary strip along the bottom to support the weight of the
tiles.
5. Press the tiles into place. Even if you think you have the
tiles straight, do yourself a favor and use a level to make sure.
Use those little plastic thingies (thingies - that's also a
technical term!) to make certain the spaces between the tiles are
even.
6. Tap each tile with a rubber mallet to set them. Careful! Not
too hard or you will be having mosaics instead of square tiles!
7. Allow the adhesive to set (see the manufacturer's instructions
for times) Yes, you DO have to read the instructions!
8. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions or
buy ready-mixed grout.
9. Spread grout over the tiles with a tool called a rubber grout
float (it doesn't float, so why do they call it a.oh, never
mind!) Work on about 5-10 square feet at a time.
10. After the grout partially sets, wipe it off with a damp
sponge. Be careful that you don't pull the grout from between the
joints.
11. After you have gone over the grout once, use the sponge to
level the joints between the tiles.
12. When the grout has completely dried, remove the haze you see
on the time by rubbing it with a cheesecloth or other soft, clean
cloth.
13. In two to four weeks, apply a sealer to the grout.
Voila! You have done it! Your tile backslash is a wonder to
behold! Now, what shall we try next?
About the Author:
Pamela Cole Harris is an editor and writer with 35
years experience. Her interest in do-it-yourself
projects dates from the time she helped her
father, who was a builder, work on new homes after
school. Visit her website HomeandGardenMakeover.com,
for a free newsletter
with remodeling, home improvement and decorating ideas for the
financially challenged, creatively deficient and technologically
illiterate.
