Fitting a Glass Kitchen Splashback in your kitchen or bathroom can be a great way to protect your walls from water, grease, and other splashes while also adding a stylish design element to the room. Here’s a general guide on how to fit a splashback:
Materials and Tools You’ll Need:
- Glass Splashback
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Adhesive (e.g., silicone adhesive, construction adhesive, or tile adhesive)
- Caulk and caulk gun
- Notched trowel
- Spacer wedges
- Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses, and dust mask)
- Glass Cutter (When not using toughened safety glass)
Steps to Fit a Splashback:
1. Measure and Prepare:
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- Measure the area where you want to install the splashback carefully. Make sure to account for any outlets or switches on the wall.
- If necessary, cut the splashback material to the correct size using the relevant cutting tool.
2. Clean and Prepare the Wall:
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- Clean the wall thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or debris.
- If you’re installing a glass splashback or an acrylic one, you may need to roughen the wall’s surface with sandpaper for better adhesion. However, this isn’t necessary for all materials.
3. Dry Fit and Mark:
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- Place the splashback in its position without adhesive to ensure it fits correctly and to make any necessary adjustments.
- Use a pencil to mark the top and bottom edges of the splashback and any cutouts for outlets.
4. Apply Adhesive:
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- Apply the appropriate adhesive to the back of the splashback material.
- Spread evenly on the wall.
- For other materials, such as acrylic, use silicone or construction adhesive.
5. Install the Splashback:
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- Carefully place the splashback material onto the wall, aligning it with your pencil marks.
- If you’re installing tiles, use spacer wedges to maintain consistent gaps between tiles.
6. Check for Level:
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- Use a level to ensure that the splashback is straight and level.
7. Secure and Apply Pressure:
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- Press the splashback firmly against the wall.
- If you’re installing tiles, tap them gently with a rubber mallet to ensure they’re level.
8. Caulk and Finish:
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- Seal the edges and gaps around the splashback with caulk to prevent water or dirt from getting behind it.
- Smooth the caulk line with a damp cloth or your finger for a clean finish.
9. Clean Up:
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- Wipe off any excess adhesive or caulk that may have squeezed out during installation.
10. Allow to Cure:
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- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended curing time of the adhesive or caulk.
Remember that the specific steps and materials may vary depending on the type of splashback you’re installing. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your chosen splashback material and adhesive for the most accurate instructions. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional installer.
Its important to note that you can use whatever material your heart desires to protect the walls in your kitchen, just remember tiles have grout which leaves an area prone to attracting oils and grease, and stainless steel can easily become scratched, leaving minuscule gouges which can become breeding grounds for bacteria, even marble and granite can fade quickly.
Glass Splashbacks are now more cost-effective and durable than ever, available in any size, shape, colour, pattern or design, and super easy to fit why would you choose anything else?
Some suppliers will supply Glass splashbacks in Toughened safety glass, this means they are more heat resistant and work well behind Gas hobs Etc, but just like many suppliers offer acrylic, it is possible to get untoughened glass as ceramic and induction hobs have become much more popular meaning you don’t need your Backsplash to be as heat resistant.
None toughened glass is absolutely fine to be cut with a regular glass cutter, but do make sure with your supplier before ordering if you are unsure of what will work best for you.
