What Kind of Substrate Is Needed for a Tile Kitchen Backsplash?

Substrate Options

• A backsplash can be installed on wallboard, painted or plastered walls, drywall or glazed, porcelain tiles that are untextured and nonporous. Raw, untreated wood, wallpaper and deeply textured drywall or plastered surfaces are too porous for the tile glue to adhere to and must be sanded and primed before installing a backsplash.

Surface Preparation

• Before starting the backsplash project, thoroughly clean the wall surface to remove any grease, dust, wax or other materials that might interfere with the adhesion process. Let the wall air dry for an hour or two. If there are nail or screw holes in the surface or if it has any nicks, gouges, cracks or other imperfections, repair them with spackling or wallboard filler, let the compound dry and sand the area smooth with fine sandpaper. The more uniform the substrate, the better the tiles stick to it.

Adhesive Options

• Different types of tiles require specific adhesives. Ceramic and vinyl tiles may be secured with polyurethane construction adhesives, available in tubes at hardware stores and home improvement centers. Work in small sections to prevent the glue from drying out and lightly spray the adhesive with water before applying the tiles to make it cure better and last longer. Instead of glue, double-sided high bond tape can be used to attach the tiles to the wall. Traditional tile backsplashes are often installed using inexpensive thinset or mastic. For a quick and easy-to-install backsplash, use peel-and-stick tiles, which require no adhesives and usually fit together so snugly that no grout is required.

Hints and Tips

• Although backsplashes can safely be installed on the wall above the range, they should not be extended down the wall behind the stove since the heat from the oven could warp or otherwise damage them. Keep toaster ovens and other heat-radiating appliances three or four inches away from backsplashes. If you are using transparent glass tile for the backsplash, you may need special clear glue that will not show through the tile after it dries, a product widely available at craft supply centers and tile stores.