Glass Wall Tiles
Posted By admin on April 28, 2010
Glass Wall Tiles
Where can I buy small glass tiles for the wall above my counter top?
I am looking for small glass tiles for the area above my kitchen counter top. I'm looking for something very reflective. Any suggestions?? I'm hoping to find a place within Canada
Home centers sometimes carry glass tile, but your best bet is to go to a tile store or a store that specializes in kitchen and bath products. Sometimes these are associated with cabinet stores. But wherever you get the tile, be sure to install it properly---glass tiles aren't the same as ceramic tiles when it comes to installation. Here's how to install a glass tile backsplash:
How to Work With Glass Tile
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1639380,00.html?xid=yahoo-answers&partner=yes
Installing Paper-faced Glass Mosaic Tiles
by Gary Piscopo
In the last issue, we discussed creating your own paper-faced glass mosaic tiles. Today, we'll go into detail on how to install the tiles you made.
Installation of paper-faced glass mosaic tiles takes a bit of patience and requires some attention to detail. Paper facing is typically used for glass tiles that have some level of translucency to them; whereas, if a mesh backing was used it may show through the finished tile. The paper face allows you to install the tiles with no backing, so if you do see through the tile you won’t see the underlying mesh. Paper-face tiles are also popular because they costs less to manufacture than fiberglass, mesh-backed tiles, thus they can be purchased at a lower price. If you're good at paying attention to detail and not rushing through your project, you’ll find that installing paper-faced tiles can be quite rewarding.
The tools needed for installing paper-faced tiles are the same that you would use for installing any other tiles. You may need to use a saw if you have curves that will need to be cut. For this a stained glass cutter is very popular.
The requirements for the backing (the wall behind the tiles) are the same as they are for ceramic tiles. Be sure to choose the appropriate backing according to the environment in which you’re installing the tiles. Use cement board for showers and high moisture areas, green board for areas with occasional moisture, and drywall for areas where you’re sure it won’t receive any moisture. If you use the wrong backing there is a danger of the tiles coming loose years down the road.
Because glass tiles have a bit of translucency, you’ll need to use a latex-modified, white thin set for adhering the tiles. You can easily find this at your local building supply store. Let them know that you’ll be installing glass tiles and they’ll give you the appropriate thin set. (Just verify for yourself that it is white.) When you mix the thin set, it won’t be perfectly white. The thin set will look more gray than white, if the label says white then you do have the correct color. It’ll lighten up and be much closer to white once it dries.
Once you have collected your tools, prepared your surface, marked a few reference lines, and mixed your thin set; you’re ready to start installing the tiles. Follow these steps for the setting process.
1) Apply thin set using the notched end of your trowel, holding the trowel at about 45 degrees to the surface. The notches will measure just the right amount of thin set to leave on the surface.
2) Using the flat side of your trowel lightly flatten the peaks and remove the valleys of the thin set. This is so that there won’t be any empty spaces behind the tiles, as this will show through on the clear and semi-clear tiles. Be sure not to remove any of the thin set or move it, as you have measured just the right amount in the previous step.
3) Set your first sheet of tiles on the thin set, making sure you align it with the reference lines you created during preparation. Press the tiles with firm, but even pressure. Apply adjacent sheets of tiles aligning the tiles with the first sheet. Be sure to set the spacing between sheets to match the spacing between the tiles. Getting the sheets lined up and the spacing correct is critical to the success of the project, so take your time at this point and make it look good.
4) Using a wooden beating block (a short piece of 2x4 or other such block of wood), even out the surface of the tiles with light tapping using a hammer on the beating block. This makes sure that there are no raised tiles and the finished surface is flat and smooth.
5) Apply the remaining sheets using this same process.
6) After about 20 minutes you’ll need to remove the paper. Using a wet sponge, dampen the paper on the tiles. Keeping the paper wet for about 10 minutes will dissolve the glue holding the paper to the tile.
7) Gently remove the paper from the tiles. The paper should be easy to remove if the glue has dissolved completely. When removing the paper, pull it back on itself to ensure that you don’t lift any tiles.
Replace any tiles that are chipped or cracked. Typically you’ll find a couple of tiles that need replacement. Lift the chipped tile using a screwdriver then apply a small amount of thin set to the back of the replacement tile (butter backing). Firmly press the tile into place. Make sure the surface of the replacement tile is even with the tiles around it.
9) Allow the tile to cure for a minimum of 24 hours.
10) Clean any remaining glue from the tiles using a sponge, warm water, and a nylon scrub brush. Let the tile dry before going to the next step.
11) Now you’re ready to apply the grout. You’ll want to use a non-sanded grout in a color that compliments the color of your tiles. I recommend using a similar color, but in a lighter shade. (If you’re unsure about the shade, it is better to err to the lighter side.) Using a rubber grout float, work the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Hold the float at about 45 degrees to the surface work the grout into the spaces in between the tiles. For the final pass, use a diagonal sweep – this ensures that the spaces have grout up to the surface of the tiles.
12) Remove the extra grout from the surface of the glass tiles using your rubber float; holding it nearly 90 degrees to the surface and scraping in a diagonal path. Be sure not to remove any of the grout from in between the tiles.
13) Let the grout set for about 20 minutes. You want the grout to harden, but not cure. Gently clean the surface of the glass tiles using a damp sponge. Again, be sure not to remove any of the grout from between the tiles. Cleaning the surface is much easier when the grout hasn’t cured, if you wait 24 hours it will be very difficult to clean. I emphasize that you need to be very gentle when cleaning the surface, use very light pressure and rinse the sponge often.
14) Allow the grout to set for 24 hours then clean the remaining haze by polishing the tiles with a dry cloth. Once you have finished with the final cleaning, apply grout sealer according to the manufacturers’ instructions. The sealer will help to protect the grout and extend the life of the project.
You're done! While making and installing paper-faced mosaic tiles can be a somewhat lengthy process, the results are usually amazing. You can be proud to show off your new room. You're friends and family will be quite impressed!
 Brushed Aluminum Wall Tiles Square Sale Price: $9.98  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHide damaged walls with self-stick, tile covers. Give any area a whole new look. Durable, won't stain, crack or chip. Ideal in kitchen or bathroom. Square tiles cover surface, triangular tiles fill in edges in four handsome finishes. Cut to fit with scissors, no grout needed clean with soapy cloth. Square tile package covers three square feet, triangular one and a half square feet. Set of 24. Features
 |
 Weave Chrome Tiles Wall Mirror Set of 3 Sale Price: $29.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Features
|
 CERAMIC ART TILE WALL PLAQUES WITH CATS by Besheer Art Tile, Bedford, New Hampshire, U.S.A. List Price: Sale Price: $28.95 See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEach tile is individually and completely handpainted using vibrant enamel glazes, then kiln fired to 2000°. The rich, vivid colors produced are permanent and will never wash or fade away. In addition to being used as kitchen backsplash tile, these Hand Painted Art Tiles make attractive and charming wall decor, and can easily be hung in groupings without a permanent installation. They also serve as excellent heat-resistant trivets or hot plates. Features
|
 CERAMIC ART TILE WALL PLAQUES WITH CATS by Besheer Art Tile, Bedford, New Hampshire, U.S.A. List Price: Sale Price: $28.95 You save: $4.00 (12%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEach tile is individually and completely handpainted using vibrant enamel glazes, then kiln fired to 2000°. The rich, vivid colors produced are permanent and will never wash or fade away. In addition to being used as kitchen backsplash tile, these Hand Painted Art Tiles make attractive and charming wall decor, and can easily be hung in groupings without a permanent installation. They also serve as excellent heat-resistant trivets or hot plates. Features
|
 Reflections of Fallen Brothers at the Wall - 4 Inch Glass Tile List Price: Sale Price: $19.99 You save: $2.00 (9%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionReflections of Fallen Brothers at the Wall Tile is commercial quality. Construction grade, glossy finish tiles are produced from material clays and minerals into exceptionally reliable finished products that can also be used as a decorative pieces also. |
 Glass Tile Mosaic Guitar Wall Hanging 28 Inch - Blue Sale Price: $22.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMade in Indonesia, this cool mosaic guitar wall hanging is made of fiberboard, and covered with dozens of pieces of mirrored aqua glass and slabs of blue and brown-orange woodgrain pattern glass to affect the guitar look. It measures 28 inches tall, and is 9 inches wide at its widest. It's a great gift for any music fan. |
 Glass Tile Mosaic Guitar Wall Hanging 28 Inch - Red Sale Price: $22.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMade in Indonesia, this cool mosaic guitar wall hanging is made of fiberboard, and covered with dozens of pieces of red and mirrored pattern glass to affect the guitar look. It measures 28 inches tall, and is 19 inches wide at its widest. It's a great gift for any music fan. |
 The Great Wall of China - 12 Inch Glass Tile List Price: Sale Price: $51.99 You save: $2.00 (4%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Great Wall of China Tile is commercial quality. Constraction grade, glossy finish tiles are produced from material clays and minerals into exceptionally reliable finished products that can be used as a decorarative pieces also. |
 Wagner 905 1,500-Watt On-Demand Power Steamer and Cleaner List Price: Sale Price: $79.99 You save: $70.01 (47%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEco-friendly cleaning and wallpaper removal is faster and easier than ever with the Wagner 905 On-Demand Power Steamer. This system provides 1,500 watts of deep sanitizing steam that you can control with the touch of a button. Because it uses just water to cleanse, sanitize, and remove wallpaper, the Wagner 905 will save you money and will help you keep your kids and pets safe from dangerous chemicals.The Wagner 905 On-Demand Power Steamer package includes:Wagner 905 On-Demand Power SteamerWindow/tile squeegeeFlooring cleaning headFloor cleaning padTwo extension tubesMeasuring cupFill funnelAssorted utility brushesThis chemical-free steamer powerfully cleans and sanitizes without leaving residue. Chemical-Free Cleaning Leaves No Messy ResidueThe 905 Power Steamer's 1,500 watts of pressurized steam cleans and sanitizes deep within surfaces. The steam destroys bacteria, dust spores, and mites and even eliminates mildew quickly and easily. And because the steamer operates without chemicals, it leaves no messy residue behind. You can safely steam hard surfaces, upholstery, and even carpet--everything from grimy barbeques and greasy stovetops to pillows and curtains.On-Demand Steam Provides Maximum Versatility and PowerThe 905 Power Steamer features on-demand fingertip control for easy handling and precise cleaning. With just a touch of the button on the ergonomic handle, you can choose either continuous steam or intermittent steam to match the steamer's output to the job at hand.Steam Cleaning Accessories for Versatile UseThe 905 Power Steamer comes with an assortment of steam cleaning accessories that will transform it from a wallpaper remover to a steamer that will clean and sanitize your home.The 905 Power Steamer's system includes a wallpaper steam plate, floor cleaner attachment, window/tile squeegee, two extension tubes, and jet nozzle. For added convenience, there's also a measuring cup and funnel for filling the tank.The Wagner 905 Power Steamer is backed by a one-year limited warranty.Portable Design Lets You Clean AnywhereCleaning around the house is made easy thanks to the 905 Power Steamer's smart design. The steam hose allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas, and the tank provides up to one hour of continuous steam with just a half gallon of water. Plus the steamer is lightweight, and its front and rear wheels make for easy mobility.Removes Wallpaper in Just One StepThe 905 is Wagner's most powerful wallpaper remover, removing wallpaper up to 20 percent faster than non-pressurized steamers. The included wallpaper steam plate makes it easier than ever to remove wallpaper and paste without using any chemicals. Simply hold the steam plate flat against the wallpaper for 15-20 seconds; the steam will release the wallpaper's adhesive, letting you remove the paper with ease. This one-step process even works on multiple layers and vinyl.What's in the BoxWagner 905 Power Steamer; window/tile squeegee; flooring cleaning head; floor cleaning pad; two extension tubes; measuring cup; fill funnel; and assorted utility brushes.Use this versatile tool indoors and out for effective steaming, deep cleaning, and wallpaper removal. Features
|
 CERAMIC ART TILE WALL PLAQUES WITH CATS by Besheer Art Tile, Bedford, New Hampshire, U.S.A. List Price: Sale Price: $28.95 See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEach tile is individually and completely handpainted using vibrant enamel glazes, then kiln fired to 2000°. The rich, vivid colors produced are permanent and will never wash or fade away. In addition to being used as kitchen backsplash tile, these Hand Painted Art Tiles make attractive and charming wall decor, and can easily be hung in groupings without a permanent installation. They also serve as excellent heat-resistant trivets or hot plates. Features
|
Click For PriceChristmas Central
2-in-1 Glass Bird Mosaic Stones 4 Piece Set - Stepping Stones & Wall Art 11.5"
Multi-purpose Glass Mosaic Decor Item #74477 Natural plaques feature glass mosaic bird designs Multi-color finish Plaques come ready-to-hang Can be...
Comments