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Old 11-06-2010, 09:26 PM   #1
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Tile Backsplash?

We are replacing all the cabinetry in our "78" Ambassador. I am ready to put down the new retro formica countertop on the galley and was wondering if anyone has installed a tile backsplash. The surface area will be minimal so I am not concerned with weight. I have also heard there is a flexible grouting material that will stand up to the flexing of an Airstream. Has anyone done this and if so, do you have pictures and how has it held up? Thoughts? Thanks!

Bob

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Old 11-07-2010, 05:47 AM   #2
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Bob,
We have a small tile backsplash in the kitchen. I used the 1 inch glass tiles--three high so only a 3 inch backsplash which is more than adequate (and fits nicely under the window without cutting any tiles). They are three different colors arranged randomly and compliment the decor of the walls and the countertop.
They come in 12 x 12 sheets so I simply used acrylic latex caulk to attach them to the wall, let that cure for a few days and then used a black silicone caulk (our countertops are nearly black) to fill in the grout joints. The caulk is flexible enough to tolerate the movement--I was a bit concerned about using any other grouting material. The 'grouting' with silicone caulk is a bit messy but cleans up with mineral spirits.
Don't have any pictures but if this information is helpful to you I will try to post some.
Good luck,
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Old 11-07-2010, 07:42 AM   #3
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Glad you asked the question, I've been thinking of doing the same thing. Any pictures?
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Old 11-07-2010, 07:50 AM   #4
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Bill...any chance you could post a picture? I assume the acrylic latex caulk was an adhesive caulk? Do you think there is any need to use a thin backer board and then fix that to the sidewall? Sounds like you went directly onto the wall itself. How has this held up for you? We're thinking about using the 1" tiles also...Thanks!

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Old 11-07-2010, 10:09 AM   #5
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I'm looking at tin ceiling tiles to use as a backsplash. I need to wait for cabinets (might be a year or so) before I can figure out if it will work. Size will be a factor. There was an article in This Old House Mag. this past month with lots of links to various tin ceiling tile manufacturors. Got me thinking about that center strip in the ceiling too..... Hafta wait for spring for that stuff.
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Old 11-08-2010, 05:43 AM   #6
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Bob,
Attached is a picture of our little backsplash. Yes, the caulk was adhesive. I don't see any need in putting any sort of backerboard on since I am relying on the flexibility of the caulk (both holding the tiles on and the 'grout') and a backerboard would defeat that purpose. Backerboard also creates a situation that moves the tiles out from the wall the thickness of the backer which would have to be filled with something at the top.
This tile has been in our trailer for a couple of years now with no change--it has held up well.
All the best,
Bill
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Old 11-08-2010, 06:05 AM   #7
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Bill that looks really nice, did you use 100% black silicone for the grout, or was that latex calk also, like you used to stick the tiles to the walls?
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Old 11-08-2010, 01:54 PM   #8
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Bill...nice job! Did you order your tiles online or go to one of the big box stores...or other?

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Old 11-08-2010, 05:52 PM   #9
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Ventport,
Yes, used 100% silicone for the grout. Could have and would have preferred to use a black latex but couldn't find any at the time. Would have been easier to work with. Some painters tape applied around the edges of the tile on the wall and countertop contained the mess to the degree possible.

Bob,
Got the glass tiles from Lowe's. They come in 12 x 12 sheets with a mesh backer which I just cut down into 4 strips. I think I bought two sheets for less than $20.

I would only suggest that if you use caulk as the tile adhesive to spread it out evenly on the wall with a putty knife or similar tool, and then press the tile into it (the mesh grabs and holds well). If you leave the caulk in bead form, a good bit will ooze into the grout joints. This is only a real problem if you are using different adhesive and grout caulks.

I also noticed in the my picture that it appears there is a bow in the corner but this is some illusion of the photograph--there is no bow, it is all straight.

Looking forward to pictures of your completed project.
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Old 11-30-2010, 08:15 PM   #10
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Bill...just ordered our tile from Lowes. We went with similar glass tiles but in a lighter color pattern to match our interior. Will post pictures once they are on. Is the adhesive caulk subject to issues with cold weather. Probably will fire up the furnace and wait until the interior warms up.

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Old 12-01-2010, 05:30 AM   #11
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Bob,
I would have the interior 50 degrees or higher while you are working with it and until the caulk cures. Once it cures out you don't have to worry about temperature. I would also keep the caulk inside the house to keep it warm until you use it--cold caulk is hard to work with.
Can't wait to see your pictures of the completed project. Good luck!!
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Old 12-01-2010, 11:46 AM   #12
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Bill,
What did you use for your counter top?
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Old 12-01-2010, 12:38 PM   #13
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Myrna,
It is just a really dark formica. It is basically black with faint speckles in it.
Has held up well.
Bill
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Old 09-05-2011, 08:46 PM   #14
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Well we have the tile and are in the process of putting in on. Had to put in the aluminum panel first. Will follow Bill's suggestion with the adhesive caulk and latex grout. Keep your fingers crossed. Here is what we have so far...

Bob
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