Tired of that drab, unimaginative kitchen? Need a remodel but
can't afford to do the whole room? How about a colorful tile
backsplash? Not only can it spice up a dull kitchen, it is
practical for a messy cook. No wallpaper to ruin with the
splatter of tomato sauce or grape juice! And you can install 
it yourself! All you need is courage, a willing friend and 
the following instructions:

To install a new backsplash:

1. Since the tile will be heavy, make certain all surfaces are
   well-prepared so the tile will successfully adhere to the 
   wall. Sand the walls with a coarse sandpaper wrapped around 
   a sanding block. This will enable a better bond. Wipe down 
   all surfaces with denatured alcohol to remove any oily 
   debris that may have been left behind from normal kitchen 
   use.

2. Apply the adhesive to the wall. It is best to use the flat
   edge of a trowel for this job (last year's model will do!).

3. Create ridges in the adhesive by making little squiggles
   (squiggles - that's technical term!) with the edge of the 
   trowel.

4. If the area you are tiling doesn't have a countertop or a
   piece of trim along its lower edge, you will need to put a
   temporary strip along the bottom to support the weight of 
   the tiles.

5. Press the tiles into place. Even if you think you have the
   tiles straight, do yourself a favor and use a level to make 
   sure. Use those little plastic thingies (thingies - that's 
   also a technical term!) to make certain the spaces between 
   the tiles are even.

6. Tap each tile with a rubber mallet to set them. Careful! Not
   too hard or you will be having mosaics instead of square 
   tiles!

7. Allow the adhesive to set (see the manufacturer's 
   instructions for times) Yes, you DO have to read the 
   instructions!

8. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions 
   or buy ready-mixed grout.

9. Spread grout over the tiles with a tool called a rubber 
   grout float (it doesn't float, so why do they call it a…oh, 
   never mind!) Work on about 5-10 square feet at a time.

10. After the grout partially sets, wipe it off with a damp
    sponge. Be careful that you don't pull the grout from 
    between the joints.

11. After you have gone over the grout once, use the sponge to
    level the joints between the tiles.

12. When the grout has completely dried, remove the haze you 
    see on the time by rubbing it with a cheesecloth or other 
    soft, clean cloth.

13. In two to four weeks, apply a sealer to the grout.

Voila! You have done it! Your tile backslash is a wonder to
behold! Now…what shall we try next?