How to Protect the Kitchen Wall From Stove Damage

Spread newspaper over a flat work surface to protect it and lay the tin tiles on top of it with the finished side facing upward. Open a can of clear polyurethane and use a paint brush to apply a light coat over the surface of all of the tiles for added durability. Allow the tiles to dry completely overnight.

Examine the wall behind the stove to identify any depressions or uneven areas. Fill the areas with joint compound and a putty knife. Allow the joint compound to dry and then don safety glasses and a dust mask before sanding it smooth with a medium-grit sandpaper.

Measure the length and width of the wall behind the stove using a tape measure. Put on work gloves and arrange the tiles on the floor in the desired pattern. Use the tape measure to determine where they require cutting to fit, and draw a line on them using a dry-erase marker.

Cut along the marker lines using tin snips.

Cut 1/2 inch off the tip of a tube of high-tack, latex-based adhesive and insert it into a caulk gun. Flip all of the tiles over so the backs face up. Apply adhesive over the entire back of the tiles in a zig zag pattern. Then apply a solid line around the perimeter 1 inch from the edge.

Press the first tile against the wall at the bottom left edge and hold it for five to 10 seconds. Place the next tile directly beside it overlapping the edge by 1/4 inch. There is a small raised lip along each tile edge to assist with overlapping the tiles.

Continue installing the tin tiles in the same manner until the entire wall is covered.