Glass Backsplash Installation

Preparation

• 1

  Check the surface that the tile will adhere to and make sure that it is dry and clean.

• 2

  Measure from the counter to the height you intend the tile to run. You may want to make your mark coincide with the tile dimensions to avoid cutting the tile. If you are taking the tile up to the cabinets, skip to the next section.

• 3

  Mark the height of the tile backsplash with a pencil every few feet.

• 4

  Use a level to connect the tile height marks in a straight line. This line will serve as your stopping point when tiling. If the tile needs to be cut, mark the cut location on the tile with a grease pencil. Use a tile saw to cut these tiles to the desired length.

Laying the Tile

• 5

  Mix the thinset with water in a bucket, using a pointed trowel to stir it up. The thinset should have the consistency of wet sand.

• 6

  Use the flat part of a notched trowel to apply the thinset so that it is 3/16- to 1/4-inch thick. Use only as much as you can work with in five minutes before it dries out. Try a 1-foot square area first then, if practicable, try working in larger sections.

• 7

  Go over the thinset with the notched side of the trowel to create diagonal patterns. The notched texture offers better adhesion once the tiles are laid.

• 8

  Start at the countertop and lay the tiles onto the thinset, working up to the cabinets or pencil line. Use spacers between the tiles, if they are not spaced on a mesh backing or between sheets of tile, to maintain consistent spacing.

• 9

  Allow the thinset and tiles to set for 24 hours.

Grouting

• 10

  Mix the grout in a bucket with water and stir it with the pointed trowel.

• 11

  Use the pointed trowel to apply grout to a foam float.

• 12

  Apply grout to the tile with the foam float, moving the grout diagonally across the tiles.

• 13

  Fill a second bucket with water.

• 14

  Dip a sponge in the bucket of water and use it to wipe off the excess grout from the tiled surface, rinsing it often. Repeat, after the grout dries, if there is still a haziness over the tile.