How to Lay a Mesh Backing for a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Mosaics or smaller tiles on your kitchen backsplash make a larger impact than many larger tiles. While many of these smaller tiles or materials come preinstalled on mesh backers, a do-it-yourself mosaic or tile backsplash may require that you install the tile on the mesh yourself. The process is not overly difficult but will take some time and concentration. You can purchase the fiberglass mesh from online mosaic supply stores and some hardware stores.

Marker
Translucent parchment paper
Painter's tape
Tile or mosaic fiberglass mesh
PVA or specialty glue
Tile adhesion product
Grout

Instructions

- 1
  Draw your pattern for the tiles, and tape translucent parchment paper over the pattern. The pattern will help guarantee that you are setting your tiles in the correct place -- especially if you are using oddly shaped tiles. To ensure proper grouting lines, use a wide-tipped marker to draw your pattern and make sure the tiles fit within the lines.
- 2
  Cut the mesh into squares no larger than 1 foot by 1 foot. While individual tiles or stones may not seem heavy, putting so many on one sheet of mesh will make it hard to handle, and you'll risk losing your tiles or stones if you use larger mesh squares.
- 3
  Lay the mesh squares on the parchment paper, and tape them down. The parchment paper will protect you from gluing the mesh and tiles onto your work surface.
- 4
  Paint the mesh squares with PVA glue or specialty glue. There are many different types of glue available; water-based glue typically works better than others.
- 5
  Attach the tiles to the mesh according to the pattern, and allow to dry.
- 6
  Apply the tile adhesion product to your wall, and attach the mesh-and-tile squares to the wall. Depending on the products and materials used, you might need to press and hold the tiles on the wall for a small amount of time to ensure adhesion.
- 7
  Grout the backsplash.

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Kitchens