Adding paneling to your kitchen is a great way to create ambiance, color and texture. Fortunately, the process of creating a security panel is simple. Here's the best way to create a splash shield using the traditional tile and self-adhesive method.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Installing a Traditional Tiled Panel
Step 1. Take all the tools
Installing a traditional tile backsplash in your kitchen requires several different items. Make sure you are fully prepared before starting work.
- The material that you should have prepared in advance, you start attaching to the tile, tile adhesive and grout.
- Make sure you have all the tools you need, such as a notched trowel, tape measure, sponge, level, knife, and tile cutter. You may need tile spacers in unconnected sections.
- You can cover the countertops with something to keep them clean.
Step 2. Clean the walls
In order for the tile adhesive to adhere to the walls, they must be cleaned of dust or grease. Wipe them with a damp cloth and wait until they dry completely.
Step 3. Take measurements
It is important to make sure that you have taken accurate measurements so that you know exactly what size the tiles need to be trimmed to.
- Pick a starting point, either directly below the cabinets or at an arbitrary point on the wall.
- Make sure you have enough tiles to fill the measured space and have some extra tiles to spare.
- Use a level and ruler to mark a starting line along the wall.
Step 4. Apply tile adhesive
Using a trowel, smooth the tile adhesive over the wall, working in small areas. If you apply too much glue at a time, it will dry out before you can apply the tiles.
- Always start gluing tiles from the bottom center point and work upward.
- Do not apply glue to the tile itself, as this will make it difficult for you to attach it to the wall.
Step 5. Attach the tiles tightly
Press it against the tile adhesive on the wall, use a level to make sure it is even. Press it down a few times to make sure the tile sticks to the wall.
- If your tiles are not held together in sections, use spacers to make sure they are evenly spaced.
- Wiggle the tiles slightly along the wall to ensure better adhesion.
Step 6. Cover the wall completely
Attach any remaining tile to the wall using this method until you reach the edge. Before gluing corner tiles, trim off any excess or excess corners and make sure the shape fits perfectly.
- Always cut out holes for sockets or extra edges before attaching the tiles to the wall.
- You can fill all the voids with pieces of excess tile cut with a tile cutter or sharp knife.
Step 7. Apply grout
Use your (cleaned) trowel to spread the grout evenly between the tiles. Don't worry about the tile coverage, it does. You will remove unnecessary grout later.
- Rub the grout at a 45-degree angle with broad strokes.
- Leave the grout on for a few minutes to set, then use a damp sponge to scrub off excess grout. All gaps between tiles must be filled and the tiles themselves free of unnecessary grout.
Step 8. Wipe down the tiles
After the solution is completely dry, wipe it again with a dry cloth.
Step 9. Sealing the tiles
If you prefer, you can apply a sealant grout to protect the tiles. Add some silicone putty to the bottom edge of the tile to keep out water and prevent mold growth.
Step 10. Enjoy your new tile panel
Once you've completed all the installation steps, caring for your new panel is simple. Wipe it down occasionally with a kitchen or glass cleaner to keep your panel in good condition.
Method 2 of 2: Installing a self-adhesive tile splash panel
Step 1. Collect everything you need
You will need a self-adhesive tile, a tile cutter or sharp knife, level. Pretty much basic, right? If your tile is not assembled into a panel, you may need spacers to make sure all of it is evenly distributed.
Step 2. Clean your walls
The sticky backings on your tiles won't stick to walls if they're dusty or greasy. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the walls and then let them dry completely.
Step 3. Measure your space
It's important to make sure you get accurate measurements so you know exactly what size you should trim your tile to.
- Pick a starting point, either directly below the cabinets or at an arbitrary point on the wall.
- Make sure you have enough tiles to fill the measured space and have some extra tiles to spare.
- Use a level and ruler to mark a starting line along the wall.
Step 4. Glue the tiles to the wall
Remove the protective film from the tile, and apply it to the desired location. Always start gluing tiles from the bottom center point and work upward.
- Press the tile firmly each time you glue it to the wall to make sure it adheres firmly.
- Place a square or level on your tile to make sure it's not skewed.
Step 5. Finishing fixing the tiles
Work from edge to edge of the wall until you completely fill the space. Cut holes for rosettes or edges and corners before attaching the tile to the wall.
Step 6. Enjoy your new tile panel
In order to keep the panel in good condition, sometimes wipe the panel with clean water or a kitchen cleaner.
Advice
- Many hardware stores offer a wide variety of decorative screen protectors. They are installed like tiles, but do not require individual squares to be installed.
- Correct any unevenness on the wall before installing the cover plate.
- New tiles can be glued to wallpaper, but not to old tiles. It can be glued to concrete, but the process can be problematic when using grout. Grout seeps into the porous concrete surface.
- You can use materials other than tiles for the backing panel. Many protective panels are made of fireproof plastics, stainless steel, and even granite.