You probably just assume you can't tile your own backsplash, so you live with the painted wall or ugly laminate that's there now. Having a tile cutter makes the job easier and you can rent one for the weekend. Many tile stores will pre-cut your tile for a small fee. Knowing your measurements and placement of cuts takes a whole lot of work, mess, and noise out of the equation. Prep the wall by lightly sanding it and removing switch plates, apply thin-set with a trowel, press the tile firmly into the thin-set, let it set overnight, and grout the next day.