This post, we’re covering the steps for the installation of a recycled glass tile backsplash. This backsplash is perfect for the kitchen or bathroom, and with the proper tools, you can do it all yourself! Another bonus is that if you opt for recycled glass, you can feel good about being environmentally sustainable and participate in the recent eco-friendly trends of home decor. If this project sounds interesting to you, keep reading to find out how it’s done!
First, if you’re going to use recycled glass, it’s good to know how the recycled glass becomes usable again. Companies that use recycled glass for their tiles use glass bottles to make them. They crush the bottles into a fine cullet. Then, the cullet is melted at the very hot temperature of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit until the glass becomes molten. When the glass is molten, the desired colors are added, as this ensures that the color distributes evenly throughout the glass.
Next, the hot glass is put into a mold to achieve the desired shapes and textures, and is let to sit until it is cool. Once it is cool, an employee hand-cuts each piece of glass so that it doesn’t break. This makes for a labor intensive process, which contributes to the expense involved in recycled glass tiles. Each piece’s edges are ground down until smooth – they’re razor sharp until that happens, making them dangerous to handle! Then, any artisan handwork necessary is applied.
Okay, now that we understand how recycled glass is processed, let’s dive into the project. First, you will want to lay out the pattern before glueing it to the wall so you can see what it will look like. Use a variety of shapes to make for interesting backsplash.
Now, it’s time to start installing the tiles onto the wall. Since the glass tiles are clear, the adhesive can be seen through it, making it very important that there are no air bubbles in the adhesive. Just be sure to be careful! Now apply a thin-set adhesive, making sure not to put more than you can lay tile in 5 minutes – otherwise, it may dry before you get to it. Use a 3/16 inch square-notch trowel to even out the adhesive and smooth over the comb marks left behind without changing the depth of the adhesive.
The wall is ready for the tiles now! Use a margin trowel to apply a consistent layer of thin-set to the back of each tile then set them onto the wall. Make use of spacers to ensure tiles are set evenly across the wall.
Keep going in a consistent manner and you’ll have your backsplash up in no time! Depending on the pattern you opt for, you may need to cut the tiles. For information on how to do that and other details for this project, watch the video below. We wish you luck in this project – it’ll look great when you’re done, so keep at it!
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