One of the easiest ways to add gorgeous, sparkly elements in your bathroom or kitchen décor is to install glass splashbacks. Other than improving aesthetic appeal, glass splashbacks protect the wall, particularly from food splatters. These glass tiles come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours and can also be customised to suit your requirements. Usually, glass tile sheets and other installation materials can be found in a local improvement store or from tile suppliers, and the installation process isn't complicated at all. So how do you install glass tiles?
Preparations
First, you need to buy all the materials you require for the task. This includes glass tile sheets, a chalk line marker, adhesive tile matting, a wet saw, grout float, premixed grout, goggles, scissors, a tape measure, spacers, protective gloves, and a soft cloth. Also, remember to prioritise safety since glass is delicate and must be handled with care. For instance, the edges need to be protected, and you must wear protective clothing.
Installation steps
Begin by confirming that the wall is level, flat, and dry. Also, it's advisable to clean the wall thoroughly—glass is transparent, so you don't want to end up with smudges or unsightly marks that are showing through.
In most cases, glass splashbacks mainly cover a specific area of the wall, so take measurements of the area you'd like to cover. Multiply the height by the width to know the square footage that's required for the installation.
Then, measure and cut the adhesive tile matting using the pair of scissors so it fits the tile area. Note that matting is sticky and it adheres to any surface. While holding the chalk line marker at the top part of the area in which you would like to install the tiles, create lines for tile placement.
Then, use a wet saw to cut the glass tiles. Be sure to wear your protective gloves and goggles. Place the tiles on the matting and press and be sure to create spacers, depending on the installation instructions. Cover the tile spaces you left earlier with your premixed grout, then get rid of the excess grout.
Dip a grout sponge in water, wring it out and wipe the tiles to remove any grout. Ensure you clean the sponge after each wipe, and allow the grout to dry. Now you can remove the grout haze using a soft cotton cloth. Don't be tempted to use abrasive cleaners on the new splashbacks. All you need to get excellent results is warm water containing a mild detergent.
