How to Install a Splash Sink

Spray the surface around the kitchen sink with a household cleaner to loosen or remove accumulated grime, debris and food particles.

Wipe the sink surface and countertop with a small towel to remove loosened grime and debris. Rub stubborn sections until loose, or reapply the degreaser. Wipe the area with a clean towel to remove residual degreaser, so it is completely dry and clean before splash installation.

Scoop tile adhesive on a trowel and apply it at a 45-degree angle onto the wall. Avoid spreading the adhesive over an area larger than 2 or 3 feet square, or it will dry before you install the splash tile.

Rake the adhesive with a notched trowel to create grooves that make it easier for the tiles to adhere.

Press the center tile for the bottom row into the adhesive so it sets. Install 1/8-inch spacers around the tile before placing a tile on each side. Check that the tiles are level, or readjust if required. Continue this process of installing tiles until you complete the row.

Wipe away the adhesive that spreads over the surface of the tiles with a wet cloth. Hold another tile over the center of the row directly above the last and press it over the adhesive. Install spacers on either side and repeat the process of installing tiles until you complete the row.

Pile more adhesive over sections of the wall and continue installing tiles and spacers until you fill the area. Check that the tiles are level, or readjust before the adhesive dries.

Hold the tile for the topmost row up against the wall without pressing it into the adhesive. Determine whether you need to cut the tiles in this row before installing them. Mark on this tile where it touches the wall edge. Extend the mark to form a straight line along the length of the tile and cut over it with a tile saw.

Apply adhesive over the wall and install the top row of tiles with spacers. Remove the spacers after six to eight hours, but leave the adhesive to dry according to the time specified on the label directions.

Insert prepared grout into the gaps between the tiles with a putty knife. Wipe away excess grout from the tile surface with a wet rag and leave to dry.