Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Tiling a backsplash. For the first time.

Actually, it is the first time I have tiled anything at all! Let me tell you...it was sure a learning experience. Any professional tile setter would just shake their head at me but I don't mind. I am the one who has to live with the imperfections.

Here is the master bathroom before the backsplash went in:

Here it is with the tile set, before grout.

Here is the kids bath before tile:

Again, after thin set but before grout. The tile came with plastic protective film so if it looks funny it is because I hadn't removed it yet. I left it on there while I stuck the tiles on.


More on the bathroom in a later post. I have an issue to deal with in there before I can reveal the final results.

Here are some kitchen photos. This is after the thin set had dried and I took off all the plastic film from the tiles. Ready for grout.


During grouting. See the haze? That is normal.

Here is what it looks like after you buff off the haze with a clean dry cloth.

Outlet covers back on...

Yesterday I worked on caulking. I caulked where the tiles meet the counter, all the edges and corners. So here it is today!


painted kitchen cabinets

glass tile backsplash



Technically, the tiles are "beige" but clearly they lean green. Though I didn't intend it, I don't hate it and it is growing on me. It is kind of nice to have a suggestion of color while everything else is pretty neutral.

There is a 3/4 inch area under the window sill that I didn't tile. When I realized cutting the tiles was causing chipping on the edges, I put off cutting those itty bitty skinny tiles until the end. Good thing too because when I was done I only had 3 tiles left. So I didn't have enough to do it anyway. I have decided I am going to add a piece of trim under the sill. It will still look great and is way less of a headache!

I love how reflective it is. It bounces light around like crazy. I took these last photos this morning at about 9:30 am and there was quite a bit of light coming in the window over the sink. It really brightened up the working area! Overall I am happy with it. I LEARNED A LOT in the process. A LOT!

You might like to check out this post to see what my kitchen looked like just 4 short months ago!

Linking on Remodelaholic:

6 comments:

  1. I love it! The greenish tint looks awesome. My mom will be very proud of you and your new found tiling skills.

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  2. You are so much like my mom! I love it! It looks awesome!

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  3. Looks GREAT! Cannot wait to see it in person!

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  4. I definitely like the color it adds...meant to be

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  5. Awesome! I love the glossy tile you choose, the color is great! I'd love it if you'd stop by my blog and check out the giveaway I'm having for a Dremel Saw Max! I think it would come in handy for any other projects you have in mind! ;)

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