The wall behind the cooking area and the counter is the main area that is affected by the splattered greasy food in the process of cooking. This gives an untidy look. Therefore, the walls have to be protected from back splash. The ceramic tile is the best material to use for the walls, as it can be easily installed and can also be kept clean in the long run. It also gives the walls a beautiful look. The work can be done in one or two weekends and will save the bother of repainting and cleaning the walls that have been affected by the back splash.
You can contact the local store and get their opinion as to how many tiles you might need, what type of tile can be used and also how to fix them on to the kitchen wall. There are many types of tiles available in the market. The best is the ceramic tile. Recycled glass tiles in rainbow colors are available which will give a beautiful effect and is also easy to maintain. Metal tiles are also available. These can also be installed for the kitchen back splash. Whatever material is used, you should get expert opinion, get more tiles than necessary that will be needed in case of breakages and when cutting to adjust to fit the exact area. A glazed tile will be better than an unglazed one, as it will not allow grease and dirt to stick easily on it.
The area where the back splash has to be installed should be fully clean and flat without dirt particles and paint left behind. You might have to scrape with sandpaper to make it completely flat. Then you should spread a newspaper over the counter, covering the area, before installing the kitchen back splash. The counter top should be clean. The hood and all the other kitchen appliances must be removed.
The measurement should be exact so that the tiles can fit properly.
The materials needed are: tiles, mastic or any adhesive, grout, caulk, level, a notched towel, tile cutters and nippers, rubber grout float, a large sponge, soft cloth and a pencil
The necessary amount of the right type of adhesive or mastic should be bought to suit the tile that you have selected. This will help to stick the tile to the wall. You should also decide on the grout you want to use. It can either be the color of the tile or can be of a contrasting color which will make each tile stand out. You will know the size of the notched trowel that has to be used for the mastic by reading the instructions given with it. The grout will also contain instructions as to whether you require a float or whether you can apply it by using rubber gloves. A large sponge will help you in cleaning the grout that has got on to the tile's surface.
You will require a tile nipper, a tile cutter and a tile saw. If a diamond blade is used, the chances of the tile damage will be minimal. It will be best to cut the tiles to the right size right at the beginning, so that there will be minimal damage to the tiles. The tiles that are placed around electrical outlets have necessarily to be cut to the right shape and placed on the back splash.
The center of the back splash should be marked and a perpendicular line should be drawn through it, using a level to check plumb. The central area will be the main are that will be affected by the back splash.
It would be best to first arrange the tiles in the order that you want and placed on the counter and see whether you like the effect. If you want any changes to be made, it will be easier to do it at this stage. It is best to start sticking the tiles from the center, in a horizontal line with the mastic. The tiles should not be pressed too hard, otherwise the mastic will leak and stick to the tiles. Care should be taken to see that all the tiles are at a level. The mastic should be completely dry, before the grout is applied.
Clean the surface of the tile with a moist sponge so that any grout sticking to it is taken off. If there are any edges exposed to moisture, then you should use matching caulking around the edge of the back splash. The mastic should be allowed time to stick before the grout is applied. Care should be taken that no part of the wall is seen after the back splash is installed.
Once the back splash is ready, it will be very useful and also give the kitchen a beautiful look.
