If you want to have painted tiles for backsplashes, you will be able to create a picture perfect design on the wall. Some of the designs are just beautiful and will add to the beauty of the area in the kitchen.

Step 1

Preparing the wall is essential to a good set. First, you need to remove any light switch plates and outlet plates. You should use an 80 grit sandpaper and sand the entire wall where you will place the tile backsplash. Mark the wall for the center point of the area. This is where you are going to start placing the first tile and work your way from the counter upwards.

Step 2

Lay out the pattern tile on the floor so you can see each tile. As you start taking from the group, you will be making the pattern on the wall that you have laid out on the floor.

Step 3

The next step is to apply the mastic. You will use a V- notch trowel to apply the mastic to the wall. Angel the trowel so that you get enough mastic on the wall. It should be evenly applied. Only do an area large enough for the first eight tiles. If you see any missed spots, add the mastic to those low spots.

Step 4

Now you have to set the tile. Start the first tile at your center point, add a tile to each side, and work your way to the end of the wall. Place each tile on the wall and press firmly to set the tile. Rotate each side of the center point as you are placing the tiles. Continue step 3 and 3 until you have the wall completely covered except for you final pieces.

Step 5

You need to cut some of the tiles to fit. When you reach the cabinet bottom, you will more than likely have to cut the tile to fit. Mark the tile and then use a score and snap tile cutter. This is a very easy tool to use to cut the tile without breaking it or getting jagged ends. Set the tiles.

Step 6

Use a wet saw to make notches in the tiles. The tiles that go around the outlets and switches or the cabinet corners, you will need a wet saw to cut the tiles. Mark the tiles and lay them flat on the wet saw table. Turn on the power, slide the table forward for the first cut, and bring it backwards. Then turn the tile and make the final cut. Set these tiles.

Step 7

Fill all the tile joints with the grout. Let the tiles sit and dry for 24 hours before adding the grout. When ready for the grout, mix the mixture and use a rubber grout spreader to apply the grout over the tiles. Make sure to get the grout tightly into the joints. Continue until you have all the joints filed. Do not get any grout into the area where you will chalk where the countertop meets the tiles.

Step 8

Caulk around the tile and the counter tops to prevent leakage behind the counter and the wall. Clean the surface grout off the tiles with water and a sponge.

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