Our metal backsplashes are not only a low maintenance option for your kitchen – they can be installed in a fraction of the time many other materials require. A ceramic tile backsplash normally requires at least two days for installation and sometimes longer, but you can glue or nail a tin backsplash into place and have it ready for use in about four hours – just follow these easy instructions:

Tools You’ll Need

• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Level – a two foot or smaller level works best
• Caulk Gun
• Liquid Nails 601 for Projects or a latex based ceramic tile adhesive
• Cotton Gloves
• Guillotine Cutter or tin snips
• Silicone Caulk

You may also find the following tools helpful: T-square, trowel, brad gun, cordless or electric drill, driver bit, 1/32 inch pilot hole bit, authentic cone head nails

Liquid Nails is a registered trademark of ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries PLC)

Step 1 – Surface Preparation

The recommended installation method for Decorative Ceiling Tiles’ tin backsplash panels is to apply a layer of plywood on your kitchen walls prior to starting the tile installation. However, if your existing wall surface is flat, free of any flaking or chipping, and clean enough to accept adhesive, you may be able to eliminate the plywood application.

Choose a starting point for your first tile – lining up the outside edge of a tile with the end of your wall and base cabinets can be a good place to begin or you may want to start in a corner. Place a small mark on the wall at the tile edge and then use your level to draw a plum vertical line. This will be the edge of your first tile.

Step 2 – Tin Backsplash Panel Installation

Coat the rear of the first panel with adhesive. If you are applying the backsplash over an existing surface, the Liquid Nails 601 for Projects is often the best choice, but if installing over new plywood, you may want to use a latex based ceramic tile adhesive.

Tin can dent very easily so if you’re installing a panel with an embossed design, take care to spread enough adhesive on the rear to fill any crevices in the panel. While the adhesive is soft and pliable, press the first panel into place taking care to distribute the glue evenly and into all crevices. Repeat the process on subsequent tiles as the adhesive will hold each in place when pressed against the wall.

Note that each tile overlaps the preceding tile by about 3/8 inch. As each overlapping tin backsplash panel is installed, use a clean non-abrasive cloth to wipe away any excess glue that is squeezed out at the joints before it hardens. Continue installing tiles until the area receiving the backsplash is complete.

Remember to allow for overlapping when cutting out for switches and electrical outlets.

 

Step 3 – Caulk and Seal

Backsplash areas can receive a lot of moisture while cooking or preparing meals – to prevent any from getting behind your tin tiles, apply a bead of clear silicone caulk at all overlapping joints. When the project is complete, you should also apply a bead of silicone caulk around the perimeter of your tin backsplash, but remember to wipe away any excess before it dries.

**Special Note for Polished Copper and Brass Backsplash Tile Installations**

Polished Brass and Copper tiles can sometimes have an adverse reaction to the adhesive used to apply them to your walls. When using these materials, spray the rear of the panels with a clear coat acrylic and allow to dry overnight before beginning installation.

Optional Nailing Instructions

Using cone head nails instead of adhesive during installation can give your tin backsplash panels an authentic old-time appearance. If you opt for this method, installing plywood first is highly recommended as the tiles may loosen over time when nailed into other materials.

While holding the overlapping panels in place, use your drill to place a pilot hole in the “dot” or “raised buttons” at the perimeters of the tiles. The cone head nails can then be hammered into the plywood through the holes and the “cone” should fill any dimple created while drilling. Nailing the perimeter of the tiles is normally enough to hold the panels in place.

Like this backsplash? It is 0512 Gwen's Cabin in Polished Copper

Ceiling / Wall Tile Project Estimator