Newbie Thinking About....Need Advice

18 years ago

Hi Folks,

Well, I'm THINKING about doing a back splash for our new kitchen in our fixer OLD home. I really would like the advice of you experts.

I've read thru the FAQ's and several back messages.

Here's my situation: We have an almost gutted kitchen--it is my job to complete the destruction in the next few weeks for when the carpenters are scheduled to do the redo.

I've never done mosaic work before or any tile work for that matter.

I'd like what I create to be portable, in case we decide to move in the future.

The house is historic--original owner was a sea captain--so I'd like an ocean/boat scene.

I do wire wrapping with sea glass and have I have a plenty supply of not jewelry quality glass that would work just fine for the design.

How should I tackle this? Like in 2 ft sections? I know the height will be the distance from the cabinets to the counter but what about length?

What sizes should I make the backer board? I think maybe using something like a glass jewel or a periwrinkle shell for where the screws are hidden. Not sure suggestions?

Oh any advice on what to do will be most appreciated. I'd like to see your back splash if you are willing to post pix of it, please.

Leasa

in Eastport, Maine

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's the BEFORE kitchen

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Comments (6)

phish_gw
18 years ago
go into the backsplash first, maybe like on a seperate square foot piece of wood for practice. Mosaicing is pretty straightforward, but I still think it's smart to do a sample to get the hang of it. Also, beach glass can be tricky since the shapes vary so much, and the look changes when you can't see through it (which you won't be able to do for your backsplash).

Also, you might try asking this same question on the kitchen forum (or maybe you already have?).

I think it's a great idea and would love to see a picture when you're done!
Calamity_J
18 years ago
WOW!!! What a project! My Mom used to smoke that much!!! You can amke your backsplash on backerboard/cement board and just scew it to the wall, Klinger did that for her kitchen and it makes it so much easier to work on, I'd think. Geez, wish my DH was as enthusiastic to do a big reno like that!!! What Fun!!!
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nicethyme
18 years ago
I'd go with Jane's suggestion and put it on backer board that can be hung and removed later. A member named MMQCHDYGG recently did this.

one tip on sea glass is that it can be pocked and pited and that stains with grout. So I would suggest you do a test piece to get your feet wet and check how that looks grouted
downeastwaves
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for the advice and suggestions! Maybe I will coat the part of the glass I do not want grout on with vasoline.

The Lubec Library has a really nice mosaic with lots of seaglass, maybe I will try to find who did it and get some advice. Theirs looks like the glass was pressed in to cement. It is huge and outside, I will have to look better next time we go down that way.

Pix of your work would be appreciated!

Leasa
nicethyme
18 years ago
yeah, that's also another option but if you are using tranlucent glass, then colored grout/thinset won't be possible since it would be your adhesive and you want it white to keep your glass bright looking
flagtruck
18 years ago
Here's one I did. I did it on existing beadboard and it wasn't portable. Yours should be easier as you can do it in sections. The beach glass pushed into thinset would work as you won't have to grout. Try coating the sea glass with Weldbond Glue not vaseline. The vaseline could affect your grout. Good luck. That is quite a project! A few lobsters thrown in would be super.
Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Flickr album