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How to Install a Tile Mural and Backsplash
by janet@decoarttile.com
http://decoarttile.com/
How to install a tile mural and backsplash
In the design of a kitchen, very little thought is given
to the narrow wall space between counters and cabinets. A
tile mural, a few boxes of tile and a free weekend can
bring this dead space alive and become a beautiful focal
point of your kitchen.
Tools Needed:
Tape measure
Level
Tile Cutter
Tile Nippers or Tile Saw
Goggles
Notched Trowel
Rubber Grout Float
Materials Needed:
Tile Mural
Field Tile
Waterproof Mastic
Waterproof Grout
Latex Gloves
Check the walls:
Makes sure wall is dry and firm. Before applying mastic it
is best to lightly sand the painted surfaces.
Decide where your mural will be placed. Mark the center
of the wall where the center of the mural is to be
placed. Layout mural on countertop so you will be able to
see how the mural is to be placed.
Find the center staring point:
You will start placing the mural from the bottom. Usually
you will have tile below the mural and above. So place
the bottom field tile first (centered). You will be able
to rest this tile on the countertop. If you are putting
your tile mural behind a slide in stove, level and nail
and piece of wood behind the stove so that the tile have a
place to rest while it is drying. (When doing this take
into consideration where the tile will fall when it
reaches the countertops.)
Apply the adhesive:
Apply the mastic with a notched trowel. Hold the trowel
at a 45 degree angle and spread a thin layer. Work in 3'
x 3' areas to prevent the adhesive from drying.
Lay the first tile in the center at the base of the
backsplash. Use a slight twisting motion to position the
tile. Use a level to make sure tile is square. Most
ceramic tile is self-spacing, however, if yours are not,
use plastic spacers on each corner of the tile.
Working from the first tile, continue laying the tiles in
a row, flush to the spacers. Wipe off any excess adhesive
the oozes up between the tiles
If you need to cut tile, score the tile with a tile
cutter. Use tile nippers or a saw to cut away the area
carefully.
When you have laid all the tiles, wipe off any excess
adhesive with a damp cloth. Use a rounded stick to clean
between the tiles.
Allow the mastic to dry, usually overnight.
Apply the grout:
Mix the grout. Apply the grout using a rubber float.
Spread the grout diagonally at a 45 degree angle across
the tiles, packing the grout between the tiles. Wipe off
excess grout with a damp sponge when the grout becomes
firm.
Shape the grout with a rounded stick or your finger.
Clean the tile again with a damp sponge and smooth out the
joints.
After the grout dries and a haze has formed, wipe off the
tiles and shine them with a clean cloth.
It's fast and easy. Your new tile backsplash will not
only had beauty, but will make cleaning up a breeze for
years to come.
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