So your kitchen looks dull, and it's stressing you so badly thinking which is the best way to improve its style? Worry no more! Instead, consider installing a colored glass splashback behind the sinks and cookers to create a different and attractive kitchen. This article provides simple DIY (do it yourself) steps to follow when preparing the kitchen walls for the installation of glass splashbacks and the right way to install them.
How to Prepare the Wall Surface of Your Kitchen
1. Check the Condition of the Wall Surface
First, remove any wallpaper from the wall. To remove the wallpaper, follow this procedure:
A) Using a putty knife, lift the edges of the facing
B) Using your hands, pull the facing off the wall
C) Apply water to the backing using a floor mop or sponge to soften the paste
D) Using a putty knife, scrape off the backing
E) Spray any stubborn backing and paste with a gel stripper and then scrape it off
F) Rinse the wall with water until the surface is smooth
In case of any flaking paint on the wall surface, scrape off using a putty knife and sand it down to ensure that the surface is flat. Smooth out any undulations on the surface and use the right filler to fill all the major dips or holes on the surface. If the kitchen surface is wavy even after you sand it down, re-plaster it before you fit the glass splashback.
2. Clean the Wall's Surface Thoroughly
After removing all loose materials on the surface, use the right cleaning agent, such as a solution of warm water and white vinegar, to wipe any grease and dust on it. If you elect to use adhesive to fix the splashback on a plaster-boarded surface, then seal it before you fix it. Pre-sealing prevents the porous plasterboard from sucking a lot of moisture from the adhesive, thus allowing the adhesive to dry out naturally and stick better.
3. Seal Properly along the Back of Worktop Surfaces
Use the right silicone sealant to seal along the back between the surface of the wall and the top section of the worktop. Apply the sealant around the splashback's edges to prevent any moisture or water from penetrating down the back of any worktop surface.
The Process of Installing a Glass Splashback Using Adhesive
- Place the glass in the right position to ensure it fits perfectly around the sockets, cooker hoods, and cabinets
- Remove the glass splashback and place it on a stable, dirt free and flat surface.
- If the adhesive hasn't dried up completely, fit a batten on the wall to support the weight of the splashback and give the adhesive ample time to dry up.
- Screw the batten to the wall to prevent it from falling off, as this will keep the glass splashback intact.
- Apply the adhesive to the back section of the glass splashback and position it on the wall.
- Use a cloth to rub over the surface and feel if there are gaps and spongy parts in areas with little adhesive support.
- Position the chocks at the bottom of the splashback correctly and maintain uniform gaps around the cooker hoods, cabinets, and sockets.
Following these procedures will help you fix the glass splashback perfectly without breaking a sweat.
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