Tools Needed:
• Tape Measure
• Tin Snips or Scissors • Utility Knife • Steel Straight Edge • Construction Adhesive • High-Bond adhesive Double Sided Tape • Isopropyl Alcohol
Preparation: Before Installing Begins:
- Clean Surface. Before starting, make sure all surfaces are clean, dry smooth, and free from dust, grease, wax, etc. Lightly sand any glossy surface to remove sheen. We strongly recommend priming the substrate for proper adhesion. Clean the back surface of the panels by wiping with a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol.
- Understand the overlap feature. Prior to installation, it is important to understand the overlap feature of each panel. Each panel has two ½" flat edges (the longer flat edge is the top of the panel and shorter flat edge is the right side of the panel). Arrange all panels this way so additional panels can be added to the top or right side of any panel.
- When installing two or more panels vertically. When overlapping 4 panels, it is necessary to cut a ½" notch in panels 2 and 3 (the middle panels) to avoid an overlap buildup that causes a "bump. "
- Work from the bottom left. Start from the left side at the bottom and work either upwards or to the right. An excepting to this rule would be designing a layout of panels to be centered at a focal point, such as behind a sink or stove area, then build out form both sides of the focal point.
- Cutting the panels. Cut the backsplash panels to size using a sharp utility knife, scissors or tin snips. When using a utility knife, score the finished side of the panel using a steel straight edge as a guide. Apply light pressure on the first pass with the blade and then gradually increase the pressure on a few more passes. There is no need to try to cut through the panel. Then bend back and snap like a sheet of glass.
Installation Using Tube Adhesive:
- Installing your first panel. Remove protective film and clean the back side of each panel using isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel or cloth. Make sure the first panel you intend to install fits. Make any cuts as necessary as described above. Make any cuts as necessary as described above. Apply adhesive to the back of the first panel. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's directions for the adhesive. Apply panel adhesive according to drawing to right, using approximately 3⁄16" to ¼ " bead. (10oz. adhesive tube covers approximately 4 backsplash panels).
- Squeeze out trapped air. Place panel and press against substrate using a soft cloth to apply pressure firmly and evenly across the panel and squeezing out excess air.
- Wipe off excess adhesive. Use mineral spirits and a cloth. Clean off any adhesive residue that is visible while it is still wet. Do not allow this residue to dry as it will be very hard to clean up when dry and could damage the finish.
- Finish installing your panels. Add additional panels in the same fashion.
- Finish the edges. If the area to be covered ends on a flat wall, and you desire to finish the cut edge of the last panel, use a piece of matching Edge J-Trim. This trim piece slides over the cut edge of the panel. Also, if you have an inside corner, it is recommended you use a piece of Inside Corner Trim. (See trim profile drawings below). The Edge J-Trim can be bonded to the wall using tube adhesive by applying a ⅛ " bead to the back of the trim and pressing firmly into the drywall. Staples can be used to tack trim in place until adhesive is cured (24 – 48 hours). Drywall screws can also be used to attach trim to wall. Do not over-tighten screws. Inside corner trims don't require attachment.
Installation Using Double-Sided Tape:
- Apply adhesive strips. Apply three horizontal strips of tape on the top, middle, and bottom of the wall where each panel will be installed. Do not remove film on tale yet. Note: Carefully locate each panel location prior to installation, as the adhesive tape is very aggressive.
- Squeeze out air bubbles. Press all the applied tape strips firmly onto the wall (use toll of tape adhesive to squeeze out all air bubbles).
- Remove protective covering. Remove protective film from top layer of tape strips to expose the sticky adhesive surface.
- Install first panel. Apply first panel and press firmly into place when alignment is correct.
- Bond overlap areas. Ass a few 1" x 1" squares to the overlap area of each panel to get the seams to bond rightly. Make sure all protective film (if any) on the face of the panel is removed prior to adding adhesive squares.
- Finish installation. Continue to add panels in this fashion until complete.
- Finish the edges.
- Tip 1) Leave protective film on panels until installation. The protective film can serve several helpful uses. Use film surface to place cut marks or notes using a fine-tip marker. Also, it adds additional protection to panel finish while handling it during preparation.
- Tip 2) Finish the edge under cabinets. Before installation, paint the wall area just under the cabinet to match the darkest color in the panel finish. This will hide any areas where a small m thin area of wall is exposed due to the panel not fitting perfectly along the entire cabinet's bottom edges. Or use Edge J-Trim along the top edge of the panels where it meets the bottom of the cabinets. Here the trim can be adjusted to butt perfectly along the bottom edge of the cabinets.
- Tip 3) Cut panels for outlets and light switches. Measure and mark the border of where the opening has to be with a marker on the protective film. Score along the entire border using a utility knife, making a few passes with a bit more pressure each pass. Then in the center area to be removed, cut a ½ " to 1 " triangular hole all the way through the panel. Next, using sharp scissors or tin snips, cut angled cuts from the edges of the cut triangle to the corners of the border scores. Then carefully bend each corner area along the scores until they break free.
- Tip 4) Clean only with warm soapy water. Never use abrasive cleaners. Using a high quality auto polish can help protect the finish. Caution: Even though these panels are "Class A " fire rated, they can be deformed with excessive heat. Never expose to heat over 140 degrees F. Keep toaster ovens, cooking ranges or other heat sources 2-3 inches away from the panel's surface. Never use abrasive materials such as Scotchbrite pads or scouring cleansers to clean surface. Use only soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water.
DIY Kitchen Backsplash