With so much attention paid to stainless steel appliances and granite counters, it’s easy to miss the backsplash as you style or renovate your kitchen. Despite its second-class standing, the backsplash really has an important role in your kitchen, protecting walls out of grease and moisture when functioning as a decorative element in its own right. If you are unsatisfied with your existing partial backsplash, think about extending or replacing it with one crafted out of tile to update the look of your space.
Tiling Most of the Backsplash
Many countertops arrive with a partial seams which goes 4 to 6 inches above the surface of the seams. This feature, average with laminate, granite and solid surface countertops, typically consists of the exact same material as the countertop. If you’d like your backsplash to stretch up to the bottom of the cabinets, simply add tile beginning at the peak of the existing backsplash. Pick from shingles made of synthetic tin or other metals, glass mosaic or traditional ceramic in colors that complement your current backsplash and countertops. Use a wax of tub-and-tile caulk between the very top of the existing backsplash and your very first row of tile to seal moisture out. For maximum aesthetic appeal, then choose caulk that fits either the partial backsplash or the tile grout you pick.
Tile to Tile
Some kitchens feature a partial seams produced from tile which goes from the countertop to some distance up the wall. If you want the added protection and ornamental appeal of a full tile backsplash, then look at adding tile to bring the flooring all the way to the bottom of the cupboards. Start by removing any bullnose or edge tiles. It is often difficult to match existing tiles perfectly, but you may have some luck with simple materials, such as white subway tiles. If you do not believe you can match your current tile backsplash, then start looking for tiles which complement, as opposed to match what is already there. Use wood or metallic transition strips, accent or border tiles to transition between both materials.
Tiling Over Laminate
If your partial backsplash is made of laminate, you can frequently tile directly over it to make a more customized look. Inspect the laminate to be certain it’s completely secured to the substrate. Sand the surface utilizing 50-grit sandpaper to make a rough texture, which helps the tile stick. Utilize a latex-modified thin-set mortar or tile mastic to guarantee the tile to the laminate. You’ll probably have to cut the shingles to wrap round the borders of the existing backsplash for a more finished look. Small mosaic tiles help simplify this process. A great edge or transition strip can also help you produce a finished look between your freshly-tiled backsplash as well as the wall.
Remove and Refinish
In certain applications, it is best to begin from scratch when installing a new tile backsplash to make the look you desire. To remove a partial laminate backsplash, use a pry bar to pry it from the countertop. If it proves too difficult, try reaching under the countertop to unfasten it from the cupboards so you can lift it up, then unscrew the backsplash from the countertop. If your partial backsplash is made of tile, then use a hammer and putty knife to pry each tile from the wall, beginning at one end. After you’ve eliminated the existing backsplash, then cover the drywall with cement backerboard and use tile mastic or thin-set mortar to set up your tile backsplash.