Installing a glass tile backsplash?

Question

I'm installing a kitchen back splash of 1" x 1" glass tile. Right now there is drywall where the tile will be. I've read that it is better to use cement backing board as a substrate. Is this really necessary or can I just use thin-set to mount the tile directly to the drywall and then grout as usual? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Hello Samsonite,

I would have to disagree with using mastic.  If you were using something that had a good absorption rate it's be different, but glass is so dense it'd take forever for the mastic to set up.  Most manufacturers of glass tiles recommend using highly modified thinset (Customs Building Product's Megaflex at HD or TEC's Superflex at a tile supplier).  I have found the Superflex to have the most brilliant white color when cured, providing the best background for your colors to shine.  Drywall will be fine.  You may want to "key" in the mortar you choose by flat troweling it on the drywall before combing your notches.  This helps to ensure 100% coverage.  For more detailed info, tips, and pics of other DIYer's jobs please visit the site in my profile. :)

Answer 2

The drywall is fine. Make sure you press all the air bubbles out of the thinset or they will look really bad when dry.

Answer 3

In a kitchen setting, the drywall will be fine.

Answer 4

Dry wall is fine and you might want to use a mastic so they don t slide.. Proper setting of the tile is important.. I gently beat the tile in w/ my grout float while I m setting them.. Full coverage is also a must since you can sometimes see thru some glass tiles..I ve never had a problem with this though..

Answer 5

Drywall is a suitable substrate for the glass tile. You want to make sure that the drywall is clean, wipe it down with mineral spirits. Next you will want to mark a level line. 1" glass tiles are fairly heavy when mounted on a 12" mesh sheet, and will tend to sag. This level line will be the top mark of your lower sheet. After you have your line either drawn or chalked, you will want to use a glass tile specific mortar, such as Mapei Adesilex P10. This is a non sagging mortar with a bright white color to allow the glass color to pop. Be sure to follow the mixing instruction to get the best performance, and only mix as much as you can use in a short period of time. Glass tiles are great for backsplashes because of the ease of maintenance, so make sure to use a grout that give you the same performance. Mapei has Opticolor grouts which are stain-free, but offer the same installation as regular grout. Last bit of advice is to be patient, work at your own pace, and step back every other sheet to make sure it looks good as you go.