Backsplash Repair and Prep
Patch any holes and flatten the wall before installing a tile backsplash.
Careful repair of holes and smoothing of bumps and valleys are important, because aflat surfacewill affect both the ease of installation and the final look of your tile. The smaller the tile you plan to install, the more defects show (every bump shows with small glass mosaic tiles). If you install larger rustic (irregular) tiles, wall irregularities are less noticeable.
To repair holes in your backsplash wall, use afast-setting drywall compoundor plaster repair mortar. Mix the powder with water (per the directions on the bag) and spread it with a putty knife1. Fill each hole, then lightly scrape it flat with the putty knife, switching to a wider knife if necessary2. If you find areas of drywall that flex excessively or are so soft that you can put your thumb through them, those sections will need to be replaced.
Cut out the bad section along the studs on both sides of the repair area3,然后在顶部和底部。删除defective piece4and clean up the edges of the hole alongside the studs. Measure the hole and cut a new piece of drywall to fit it5. If the new section is thinner than the existing wall thickness, add shim stock to the studs to make the patch flush with the wall. Screw the patch in place with drywall screws and6‚ tape the joints around the patch with drywall tape, to add additional strength7.
Flattening the Wall
For a good-looking tile installation, the backsplash wall should be flat, without big hills and valleys. Check for flatness by placing a straightedge or level across the area and marking the low areas1. Fill these areas by applying a quick-setting wall patch material2. We use 20-minute drywall patch for drywall areas, quick-setting plaster patch for plaster walls, and SpeedSet thinset for brick or concrete block walls. Use a straightedge or level to screed (skim) off excess material3. After letting the patch material firm up, apply more to any areas that are still low4. Screed off again and allow the surface to dry completely5. If your backsplash falls behind a sink area, you should now waterproof the wall by applying a liquid antifracture membrane. Applying a membrane is also necessary if you plan to install glass tile.
Excerpted fromTiling Complete, 2nd Editionby Robin Nicholas and Michael Schweit.
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