How do you install tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom?

One of the biggest improvements you can make to your kitchen or bathroom is to install a new tile backing. Add shine to dull walls and protect them from flooding. You can also add a …

One of the biggest improvements you can make to your kitchen or bathroom is to install a new tile backing. Add shine to dull walls and protect them from flooding. You can also add a beautiful tile backing to increase the overall appeal and value of your home.

Use the right base

Before you start laying tiles, make sure you have the right materials for fixing the tiles. Like other rooms, most bathrooms and kitchens use drywall (or chair lock) as standard on the walls. It is recommended to use “green plate” or concrete backing plate in the kitchen or bathroom. Green board has a gypsum core that is similar to gypsum board but is waterproof and therefore moisture resistant. It is not completely waterproof, so make sure the bathroom tile backsplash  are properly sealed to prevent rot. The concrete backplane has a solid concrete core and is reinforced with fiberglass mesh. Good material for shower rooms, but may not be necessary for kitchen areas. Therefore, green wood is probably the best choice for this type of work. Install and finish like a standard drywall.

Tile selection

There are several options to choose from when determining the tile type. Ceramic tiles are a classic choice with almost unlimited colors and patterns. Natural stone such as slate gives an elegant yet casual look, but is often offered in larger sizes. With its various translucent colors and clear tiles, glass has become a hugely popular choice in modern kitchens. Tumble marble is also very popular in kitchens with its classic appearance. Therefore, you can choose from many options depending on the look you are trying to achieve.

Tile installation

The first thing to do is to lightly polish the painted surface (if painted) by hand without removing the paint. It is best to use 80 grit sandpaper for this. Due to the slightly rough surface, the mastic adheres to the wall much better. Be sure to measure and sketch the tiled area before doing anything else. Also draw a vertical line in the middle of the tiles so that you have a starting point when you start placing them. Now you want to use some tile sealant, which you can find at any hardware store. Take a notched trowel, pick up the sealant and apply it to the wall. Then use a wide sweep to spread the sealant evenly. Be sure to use a notched edge and hold the trowel at a slight angle. After the mastic is completely applied, you can start laying tiles from below the midline. Install each tile using tile spacers, making sure the grout lines are uniform. Work in a diagonal pattern first, then start working row by row, inserting the spacers each time. Press firmly on the tile so that the sealant is embedded in it. Cuts may be necessary to square the space or avoid cabinetry. For large tiles, use a wet saw and for smaller tiles, use a tile cutter to cut the tiles so they don’t break or break.

Finish the job

You will want to dry the mastic overnight to make sure the tiles are still in place. Now it’s time to add the row. Mix sand-free sealant for smaller caulk lines (less than 1/8 inch) and sand-covered caulk for larger caulk lines. Remove the sealant from the bucket and apply it to the tiles with a rubber sealant to align the sealant. It should be applied diagonally to the joint line, not horizontally or vertically. Make sure the sealant is properly packed and that the sealant is not dented. When the grout is ready, remove the damp sponge with clean water and wipe the tile surface at a diagonal angle to the grout line. Rinse the sponge frequently to prevent the grout from getting on the tiles. Use a thin bead of grout to move between the backsplash tile and the counter to keep water and other substances out between the counter and the backsplash. Once the sealant is dry, apply at least one coat of sealant such as Seal-Crete to avoid dirt problems. Now that the tiling process is finished, you now have a kitchen or bathroom you can be proud of.