Before starting, review the features of the area. What color are the walls,
countertop, floor and appliances? Are the cabinets light or dark? What
type of lighting is present, and what does it illuminate? What color
and type are the fixtures? If your cabinets are dark, you may want to
lighten-up the area. If you have under-cabinet lighting, the
backsplash could probably be done in a medium color tone so it doesn’t
contrast with the cabinetry.
Surface Preparation
Tile can be installed over most substrates if they are clean, smooth and
dry. Check with your supplier to see if the tile you have chosen
requires a specific underlayment. Repair and level any damaged or
uneven areas. Make certain your countertop is level. If not, insert
shims between the lower cabinets and the countertop. Turn off power
and water to any outlets within or near your work space. Be careful!
Electric wires and plumbing run between studs in walls. Don’t make the
mistake of cutting into either while they are still live.
Layout and Cutting
Dry fit your tiles and carefully mark with a pencil or felt-tip pen. Make
straight or diagonal cuts with a tile cutter and curved cuts with a
nipper. For best results on curved cuts, only chip small pieces at a
time. Smooth sharp edges with a carborundum stone.
Applying Adhesive and Setting Tiles
Select the right adhesive for the substrate. If in doubt, ask the supplier
for the correct type. Follow all instructions and precautions on the
adhesive or mortar package. Mix only enough to be used within 30
minutes. Using the type of trowel recommended on the adhesive package,
spread a 1/4″ coat on the surface using the flat side of the trowel.
Next, hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle and use the notched side to
comb adhesive into ridges. Remove excess adhesive. Don’t spread a
larger area than can be set in 15 minutes. Place tiles with a slight
twisting motion. Insert tile spacers as each tile is set. Excess
adhesive can be removed from joints with a utility knife.
Grouting Joints
Allowing for sufficient drying time as specified on adhesive package.
Then you are ready to grout. Follow all instructions and precautions
on the grout package. Mix only enough grout to be used within 30
minutes. Remove tile spacers. Using a rubber grout float, spread grout
over the tile surface, forcing it down into the joints. Tilt the float
at a 45-degree angle and remove excess grout from the surface. Tilt it
at a 90-degree angle and scrape it diagonally across tiles. After
approximately 15 minutes the grout will have set slightly and you can
use a damp sponge to clean residue from tile surfaces and smooth the
grout joints. Rinse your sponge and change water frequently. Let the
grout dry until it is hard and a haze forms on the tile surface, then
buff with a soft cloth. Continue rinsing with clean water until the
haze is completely gone. Apply sealer as required and recommended by
the tile manufacturer.