Karla News

How to Make a Custom Backsplash

Backsplash, Mastic

I love shopping in DIY stores. I hate going with friends while they shop. That sounds like an oxymoron, but I tend to go with friends who like “nothing.” They can never seem to find anything they like. That’s okay- they say the same about me.

Recently, I was handed a “hint” by a friend. “You usually wind up making something your self, don’t you? Why don’t you build it (whatever it is) for me? My reply is usually, “If I can learn to build it, you can too. Of course, I can build it – for a charge.” This made my friend buy a couple of books and do it himself.

I jokingly pointed out that his new countertop needed a backsplash. He suggested I go with him to the DIY store. I went, listening to how this one “wasn’t right” and that one “was just wrong.” I pointed out glass tiles- nope. I said, “Why don’t you just make one yourself?” He stood, dumfounded and said, “Like the box you made for my wife last year?” I replied yes. But that required a few different supplies and techniques.

We looked it up, and I’d like to share it with you. You can make a backsplash for your bathroom, kitchen, use it for a tabletop or anywhere you want a unique decoration.

You will need:

  • · Mosaic tape, paper or fiberglass backing- choose the best for your particular application, mounting surface and materials
  • · Mastic for your materials- this will depend on the materials used
  • · Grout for your materials
  • · Grout sealer and application tools such as paintbrushes
  • · Notched trowel
  • · Bucket for mixing grout
  • · Utility knife
  • · Rubber float
  • · Measuring and marking tools
  • · Tile sponge and bucket, rubber gloves
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Step One:

Decide what items you will use for your backsplash. The glass globs sold in dollar and craft stores make incredible backsplashes. They come in a plethora of colors and sizes. You can use different colors, all of one color or anything you choose. Use mastic and grout made for glass.

You can use lightweight, small stones, coins, hardware or anything else you can think of. If you want to use stones, invest in the services of a lapidary to cut your stones into slices. The lapidary can polish the slices as well. A lapidary is someone who works with stones. This gives you more pieces to work with and makes a relatively lightweight backsplash. Check with your DIY store for the best mastic and grout.

Step Two:

Set up your pattern on a tabletop. If you have a large backsplash area to cover, set up your design in pieces. This allows you to have smaller sections to work with that will allow the work to proceed easier. Attach your items to your backing sheet. If you are using a backing that will double as webbing, face your items outward. If you are using paper backing that you will peel off, place your items face down on the paper.

Mark your areas on the backsplash.

Step Three:

Mix and spread your mastic on the backsplash section or area. The mastic is the adhesive that holds the items- tiles, stones and so forth in place. Use the notched trowel to create ridges. For glass pieces, research the best way to mount glass tiles. Ridges behind glass will show through and look funny.

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Step Four:

Attach your item sheet to the mastic and press gently and evenly. Set your next piece in place.

Allow the mastic to set up according to the instructions. Peel off paper backing. Check the mastic for firmness.

Step Five:

Mix the grout according to the instructions. Put on the rubber gloves and using the rubber float, press the grout into the spaces around and between the items.

Allow the grout to set up (according to the instructions) and appear as a glaze across the items.

Use the sponge and plain water to gently remove the excess grout from the face of the items. Do not scrub hard- this will wash the grout out of the backsplash.

Allow to set up completely.

Step Six:

Apply grout sealer according to the directions. Allow to set up completely. Your backsplash is now ready to use. Using a grout sealer prevents water from infiltrating and loosening the items. It also prevents mold growth which will stain the tiles.

Notes:

  • ·. Press your items into the mastic, wait a few minutes and then peel the paper off. If an item falls of the backsplash, it will have to be glued in place individually.
  • ·. Any combination is possible- use your imagination.
  • · Different grouts and mastics are used for different types of materials. Always use the correct materials for your items.
  • · Anything can be used- seashells, rocks, pencils, crayons- you name it.

When friends admire your new backsplash and “hint” that they would love to have one as a gift, you can show them how to make their own. There is an incredible sense of accomplishment and empowerment (as well as “Thank-goodness-it’s-over”) when you do something yourself.

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Source: Staff Article, “Weekend Project: Make a Backsplash From Pebbles, Shells, or Leftover Hardware,” Mother Earth News website, 8 July 2011