How to Make a Steel Backsplash

Clear away everything from the surface of the wall, including switch plates, picture hooks or anything else that you may have attached to the wall.

Wash the wall with a solution of trisodium phosphate and warm water and a clean rag, wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin. It is not necessary to remove wallpaper as the steel backsplash will not be pulling away from the wall enough to dislodge the wallpaper. Dry the wall with paper towels or clean rags.

Measure the surface area of the wall that you plan to cover. You want to install the backsplash in one sheet if possible. Plan on tucking the steel behind the countertop, behind the refrigerator and behind any other appliances along the wall, so add the extra inches into your plan.

Transfer the measurements to an unrolled section of 26-sheet metal. You can use standard 300-series sheet metal with a polished finish or choose from a variety of finishes available to match your kitchen decor. Use a marker and a straightedge to transfer the measurements to the steel sheet.

Cut the outline marked on the steel with aviator snips. Work slowly with gloved hands to keep the edge as straight as possible.

Measure the position of any outlets or light switches that you need to cut from the backsplash. Measure from both sides of the wall to make sure that you position the holes in the right position. Cut the opening smaller than the size of the wall plates. Drill a hole at the corners of the opening and then slide a jigsaw blade into the opening to cut out the hole.

Sand out any rough spots along the cut surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper.

Apply construction adhesive to the surface of the wall in a zigzag pattern so that about 60 percent of the wall is covered, using a caulk gun.

Set the steel in position, bending it slightly if necessary to tuck it behind the counter or appliances. Smooth it against the wall to make contact with the adhesive. Tape the edges with masking tape to prevent the sheet from slipping before it dries.

Allow the adhesive to dry for 24 hours before removing the masking tape.