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Installing a Traditional Tile Backsplash

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Bring everything you have. There are several different items required to install a traditional ceramic back panel in the kitchen. Before you start your project, make sure you are well prepared. Materials to be prepared before starting include tiles, tile adhesives, and grout.


Make sure you have the necessary tools, including a notched trowel, tape measure, sponge, level, utility knife, and a tile cutter. You may need spacers for tiles that are not attached together in sections. You may want to use something to cover your countertops during this process to keep them clean.


Clean your walls. In order for the tile adhesive to stick the walls, they must be free of any dust or grease. Wipe them down with a damp rag, and give enough time for them to completely dry. Measure your space. It is important to make sure you get a good measurement so you know exactly what size you should cut your tiles.


Choose a stopping point, either directly below your cabinets or at an arbitrary point on the wall. Make sure that you have enough tiles to fill the measured space, as well as a few extras for precaution. Use a level and straight edge to mark your stopping point along the wall.


Apply the tile adhesive. Use your trowel to smooth the tile adhesive across the wall, working in small sections. If you apply too much at once, it will begin to dry before you get a chance to attach the tiles. Always start applying your tiles from the bottom center, and working outwards from there. Don’t apply the tile adhesive to the backs of the tiles, as it will be more difficult to attach them to the wall.

Doing a General Cleaning Before Clean Stone Tile

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Sweep the tile. Begin the cleaning process by sweeping the tile. Sweeping stone tile is especially important because it removes small particles, like sand, that can damage the floor. You can use any type of broom, but a dust mop is ideal because it helps the cleaning process go by faster. Do not drag furniture when moving it for cleaning the floor. Instead, have someone help you lift it and move it.

Use a mop with dish soap. The easiest way to clean your wall tile is with a mop and dish soap. Use a few tablespoons (30-45 ml) of a pH-neutral dish soap instead of a harsh and acidic cleaner. Combine the cleaner with water in a bucket, and use a mop to wash down the floor until all of it has been cleaned. Seventh Generation and Method are a few brands of dish soap that you could use.

Rinse the floor. You can use the same bucket and mop you used to clean the floor, but make sure to rinse them out thoroughly. There shouldn’t be any detergent left. Fill the bucket with warm water. Use the mop to rinse the floor. Going over the tile with warm water prevents streaking caused by leftover cleaner. Rinsing the floor also helps to remove leftover sand and debris.

Dry with a towel. Drying the floor by hand is better than allowing it to air dry because air drying can cause water spots. Grab a clean towel and dry the floor by hand. It takes a while, but it gives your floor the best result.

Give the floor a shine. Complete the cleaning by giving your floors an added shine. There are several ways to do this. An easy way to do this is by using a few tablespoons (30-45 ml) of salt. Use the salt with a wet cloth and rub until the cloth is soft and dry. You can also use self-shining wax or extra virgin wax. Avoid using too much wax or you could cause your floor to appear yellow. To remove excess wax, scrub with water and neutral soap, or use a wax remover.You can use black shoe polish for black stone.