Problem: Water splashing onto the wall behind a sink can damage the wallboard.
Solution: A ceramic tile mosaic backsplash will help protect the wall behind the sink, and it's a great first tile project for homeowners.
Equipment list:
Tape measure
Level
Tile cutter
Rod saw
Tile nippers
Eye protection
Notched trowel
Rubber grout float
Hammer
Mastic tile adhesive
Grout
Decorative tiles
Tiles with rounded edges for use when edges are visible
* At some point in this project, you are likely to have to cut tile. A tabletop tile cutter is useful for straight cuts. Simply score the tile once or twice and then snap it by pressing down on the lever. A rod saw works well for making curved or irregular cuts, and tile nippers are useful for rounding off edges or making small cuts. Be sure to wear your safety glasses whenever you cut tile.
Establish a layout for the backsplash
- Measure the area to be tiled, and locate and mark the center point.
- Perform a "dry run" by placing one tile on the center point, then working outward with additional tiles until you know how many tiles you'll need. By starting from the center, you can make sure both ends of your tiling project will be the same. Because this project will use tiling fragments, extreme precision won't be necessary.
- Place the tiles you plan to break into a towel. Be sure you cover all the tiles completely.
- Use a hammer to break the tiles to the general sizes you want. Be sure to wear your safety glasses when you break the tiles.
- Lay the broken and whole tile pieces out in the pattern you prefer. You may want to lay the tile pieces out on paper and trace around them to make a template for future reference.
Put the tiles on the wall
- Remove any electrical outlet covers from the wall and turn off the power to the outlets.
- Use a notched trowel to apply mastic adhesive to the wall. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle when you apply the mastic.
- Place your first tile on the center point and work your way outward as before. Use a slight twisting motion when you set the tiles into the mastic. Use tiles with rounded edges anywhere the edges might be visible.
- As you work, use a level to make sure the surfaces are flush.
- If you place tile around an electrical box, be sure the cover plate will hide any exposed tile edges. Also, be sure you leave room to remove the outlets or switches in case it becomes necessary.
- Allow the adhesive to cure overnight.
- Apply grout using a rubber grout float held at a 45-degree angle. Work the grout into all the joints. Cover the entire area, wiping off excess grout with a damp sponge periodically. Grout can irritate the eyes and skin, so be sure to wear safety glasses and latex gloves when working with it.
- After the grout dries, wipe off the haze from the tiles and buff them with a soft cloth.
- Adjust the position of any electrical outlets or switches to compensate for the thickness of the tile, then replace the covers.
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