Installing a Splashback
You will need:
A splashback of your choice, measured and cut to your kitchen’s dimensions
Strong construction adhesive
Wooden spacers around 2mm thick – available at building suppliers
One of the biggest trends for kitchens in 2014 is adding a splash of pattern and colour through a new splashback. The panel behind your sink, cooker or between the worktops and bottom of the wall units is a small but essential detail in your kitchen, protecting your wall from water and food stains, and a wide range is available to truly personalise your kitchen to your tastes.
Splashbacks are available in a range of colours, patterns and materials, including glass, steel, wood and tiled.
Installing a splashback is a simple job that will only take a couple of hours, and the adhesive shall be dry within 24 hours for the final touches. Within the course of a weekend you can completely transform your kitchen.
Saturday
First, prepare your chosen surface is completely clean, sealed and free from damp.
Some splashbacks are ‘self adhesive’ and will fit right in after removing the adhesive cover (use spacers to make sure your splashback fits perfectly into your space, you should leave a 2mm gap between the edge of your splashback and the bottom surface.)
Non self adhesive splashbacks will need a careful application of a strong, professional construction adhesive. Make sure you lay the splash back on a flat surface when applying the adhesive.
Apply the adhesive in blobs a few centimetres apart from each other on the back of the splashback. Make sure you don’t apply adhesive close to the edge of the splashback, otherwise it will be squeezed out around the edge when you push the item to the wall, leaving a mess that will be very tough to clean.
Now carefully push the splashback against the wall, evenly applying pressure over every part of it to make sure it is fitted securely. Use your spacers as a guide to keep the splashback straight. If you can sense any ‘gaps’ or bumps where the splashback is not attaching, quickly take the splashback off the wall and apply extra adhesive to the troublesome spots.
Once you are confident that the splashback is secured in place with no gaps or weak spots, secure the edges with thick masking to to the wall to keep the item in place as the adhesive dries.
Sunday
Give the adhesive a good 24 hours to dry. Do not touch or clean the splashback during this period. The next day, carefully apply a thin layer of sealant around the edges of the splashback for extra security.
Now wash and buff the splashback and dry with a microfiber cloth to give it that extra sparkle.
