Kitchen back splash

Cheryl
by Cheryl
I have decided that I want a mosaic kitchen backsplash. I am a super beginner in this area (not having ever done a project such as this). I will be using a variety of broken ceramic tiles in different colors and other materials as well (marbles, small pretty stones I have collected thru the years, etc). Since this is a mosaic design I will not have to use spacers or be super precise in spacing, much like putting together a big jigsaw puzzle. My question is...Am I taking on to big a project for a beginner? My kitchen has NO color, and I want something different and yet beautiful. What does everyone think?
  9 answers
  • Kathy Kathy on May 15, 2015
    If I was doing this project...and it sounds like fun....I would probably draw a 12x12 (or what ever) size square and lay out your pieces on that, so you have some idea of how it will look on your wall. The second thing I would do would be to have a dominant color in each square. I'd be on my way to the thrift store to Target to pick up a few cheap dishes in the color of your choice. I think that would help to 'ground' your project. Sounds like fun! Good luck.
  • Cheryl Cheryl on May 15, 2015
    GREAT idea...thanks kathy...my artistic daughter is graduating college this Sunday..so after that..I hope to get this project started..and in theory since there isnt a specific design and no spacers..it should be a long project..cause she is leaving end of July for Cambodia as a Peace Corp volunteer...so it has to be done..way before that..
  • Jo Jo on May 15, 2015
    Maybe you could start with a small tabletop to get the feel of the time involved. If you decide it is too much space involved you could use a few rows of neutral and then fill in with a single row of your mosaics. Be sure to post pictures because I am fascinated already
  • Cheryl Cheryl on May 15, 2015
    I will most certainly post pictures this is the website that i got the idea from: http://www.improvenet.com/a/before-after-photos-creative-backsplash the pictures arent the best nor does it show a complete "after" photo..but it gives the general idea..and it really doesnt look that difficult
  • 117135 117135 on May 16, 2015
    I would definitely have a design plan and layouts. I know you want it to be random, but you will need to lay it out and have a plan. Sometimes mosaic designs can be very busy and over power the small space. I would have a color design in mind and have maybe one pop color that you want to stand out. They make an adhesive tile mat for back splashes and it way easier to use then a set adhesive. I used the adhesive tile mat for my back splash and it was a dream to use. I highly recommend using the adhesive mat, since it makes your job so much easier. You can take your time setting the pattern and grout when you are ready. You can do this as a beginner, just have a plan for your layout.
  • Jane Wild Jane Wild on May 16, 2015
    Cheryl, there is a product called mosaic mesh. You can see some on the backing of the 1-ft squares of mosaic tile at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. This mesh can be ordered on line as well. Get some mesh and cut it to a usable size--1 sq or less. Lay it flat and position your mosaic pieces. When you like what you have, glue it all to the mesh. When it's dry, you can adhere the mesh to the wall. When the wall is covered to your liking, grout it all at the same time. Good luck!
  • Jane Wild Jane Wild on May 16, 2015
    Ps. You have to be aware of the width of the spaces between your mosaic pieces. You cannot have huge gaps. Check with your home improvement store in the tile section. Ask about types of grout--sanded vs non-sanded. It's not brain surgery, but you need to have the correct type of grout. j
  • There are many types of mosaic mesh products. some are with larger profiles, linear profiles, and a mix of materials. For clients who don't have a big budget, I like to use standard subway tiles with a strip of mosaic tiles as an accent. Subway tiles are inexpensive and will never go out of style. Mosaics are more expensive, so if you cut a 4" strip, you get 3 strips out of a 12x12 = 36" of linear accent. I typically run the accent portion a few inches higher than the back of the range, so the linear line is visible and level through out the space. Instead of using quarter round at the edges I use a simple tile trim which is very budget savvy. For larger grout lines you will need a sanded grout and for 1/8" or less (or glass) you will need non sanded grout. There are many different colors of grout, have fun with it. Simply by using a contrasting color of grout, you can make a huge statement. Draw out your design first, measure and remeasure, and run your tiles from the bottom of the upper cabinets to the counter top. I hope this helps.
  • Mary Mary on May 26, 2015
    Cheryl, I to am a beginner at mosaic. I feel I am still in the experimental stage with glue, grout and different types of tile. My husband is encouraging me to do our kitchen backsplash, but I'm scared. This story has inspired me! I love the random design of the backsplash on the link you shared. I collect polish pottery, and since I use it everyday, alot gets broken. I save it all. My thought is maybe a backsplash with bigger pieces of broken neutral tile accented with smaller pieces of polish pottery. I cant wait to see pics of your project as well as any tips you could offer, such as names of materials ect. I have a space behind my stove and I'm a little worried about grease stains. Thank you for any info you can offer!