Putting Tin Metal on a Wall as a Backsplash

Repair any chips, bumps or cracks in the wall before installing the tin backsplash. Fill in cracks or chips with drywall mud, then sand to smooth the repairs. The surface of the wall must be flat, otherwise the sheet will look warped after installation.

Measure the wall with a measuring tape to order an ideal amount of sheets, depending on the manufacturer’s size and the space between your cabinets and countertop. With a pencil, mark the location of electrical outlets or light switches directly onto the tin sheets to serve as guidelines for trimming. Drill starter holes on the pencil marks, then cut the holes for the outlets or switches using tin snips. Wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the tin sheets, as the edges are extremely sharp.

Hold a sheet up to the wall and mark the bottom edge on the wall to serve as a guideline during installation. Use that guideline to draw a mark down the length of the wall, and check the line with a level to make sure it's straight.

Spread a thin layer of latex adhesive onto the back of the pressed tin with a notched trowel, leaving an inch-wide margin around the entire sheet. Avoid pressing too hard on the sheets, as they may bend under pressure.

Press the sheet directly on the wall, applying pressure in the center and working your way to the outside edges to accommodate any latex adhesive that may squeeze out past the edge during installation. Continue to install the tin sheets to the wall, overlapping each edge of the sheet to the previous panel. With a damp cloth, wipe away excess glue that seeps out along the edges. Allow the adhesive to dry as long as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.

Seal the edges of the entire backsplash with a clear, silicone adhesive to prevent moisture from getting under the sheets over time. With a damp cloth, wipe away any excess adhesive from the tin sheets.