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How to lay a mosaic tile splashback

By Bunnings magazine /

Decor on table in front of mosaic tile splashback.

Overview

Mosaic tile splashbacks are a useful and stylish upgrade to any kitchen, and adding one is an easy D.I.Y. project. Follow this handy step-by-step guide to creating one for your kitchen.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, disposable gloves and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare the space

    Mosaics are most often sold as 300mm-square sheets with a mesh backing that can be cut to fit. If you’re tiling a similar splashback to ours, begin setting out the tiles from the base and work upwards.

     

    Mask around the area, covering the bench with a drop sheet and taping down the edges. Position 3mm T-shaped tile spacers against the wall so the tiles won’t sit directly on the bench, creating a gap to seal with silicone later.

    A person positioning a round mosaic tile sheet on a splackback.
  2. 2

    Cut the sheets to size

    Check the set-out of the sheets with the straight edges positioned against the bench to minimise cuts. To adjust the size, cut the mesh from the back with a utility knife. Wear gloves and eye protection to cut individual mosaics with tile nippers.

    A utility knife is used to cut the mesh on the back of a mosaic tile sheet.
  3. 3

    Apply adhesive to the wall, then align and place the sheets

    Hold a notched trowel at 45° to spread adhesive over the wall. Position the sheets, pushing them into the adhesive while adjusting for evenly spaced gaps. Tap over the surface with an offcut and mallet, and then remove excess adhesive with a damp cloth.

    A person wearing a disposable glove uses a notched trowel to spread tile adhesive over a wall.
  4. 4

    Dry, then seal and grout

    Leave to dry for 24 hours. Next, apply sealer with a mini roller to prevent grout from sticking to the tiles, leaving to dry. Remove spacers and apply grout with a squeegee, working it into the gaps.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Four sheets of these tiles used 1.5 kg of grout.
    A person wearing a disposable glove uses a squeegee to grout over round mosaic tiles.
  5. 5

    Let grout set, then remove excess

    Leave for 15 minutes, then remove excess grout with a damp sponge, always wiping in one direction and continually rinsing in a bucket of water until the surface is clean.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: If grout smudges out of the joints, wait another 10 minutes before sponging.
    A person wearing a disposable glove removes excess grout from a newly tiled splashback with a damp sponge.
  6. 6

    Allow to dry further, then caulk with silicone sealer

    Leave for two hours, then remove the grout haze with a slightly damp microfibre cloth. Apply silicone sealer between the bench and the tiles, running a damp finger along to remove excess and smooth the surface. Leave for two days before finishing the tiling with sealer using a mini roller.

    Silicone sealer is caulked between a bench and tiled splashback.
  7. 7

    Keep in mind:

    • Ensure the surface is suitable for tiling: it should be in good condition, flat, sealed and waterproofed. Clean the area with sugar soap wipes to remove grease spots that may affect adhesion.
    • Drying times are affected by temperature and humidity, so ensure adhesive is dry and grout is firm before moving on to the next step.
    • Avoid using coloured grout, especially black, with unsealed natural stone tiles, such as marble, slate, sandstone and travertine, as it can stain the surface.
    • Marble mosaics are porous and must be sealed. For non-porous glass and ceramic mosaics, skip sealing in step #4, but always seal the grout after tiling.
  8. 8

    Planning on installing a tiled splashback in your bathroom or laundry?

    Start by selecting the perfect tile for your space. Browse our full range of mosaic and decorative tiles to find one to suit your style.

     

    Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.