Glass splashbacks add character to a kitchen wall, creating a stylish look that can set a kitchen apart from all others. Available in many colors, these tiles can be arranged in any pattern and customized to fit your tastes. Once you have a design picked out, you can begin creating the pieces you need. However, if you choose to do the cut glass for the tile splashbacks yourself, there are precautions to take and tips to follow to attain a professional look. While cutting your own kitchen tiles, be sure to wear safety goggles to prevent injury.
Supplies needed: A wax pencil, glass cutter, and lubricating oil, running pliers, a flat surface and the glass to be cut. Don’t forget the protective wear.
1. Make sure the glass is clean, and lay it on a flat surface. Mark the size and shape of the tile needed for your pattern. Possible shapes include squares, rectangles, diamonds, crosses and mosaics.
2. Apply the lubricating oil to the wheel of the glass cutter. This will help the saw to slide smoothly as you score the glass.
3. Take a metal ruler, and line it along the marks on the shiny or smooth side of the glass. Then hold the glass in place with one hand and use the other hand to control the glass cutter.
4. Next, score the glass. To do this, hold the glass cutter as you would a pencil and position it on the edge. Apply even pressure and slide it across the glass, using the ruler as a straight edge to guide you. Be careful; too much force can cause the glass to shatter, while too little will cause a shallower score, making the glass harder to break. You should be able to see the line; otherwise, it’s not deep enough.
5. Take a pair of running pliers with the screw side up and line it with the score mark. Squeeze until the tile snaps. If you’ve done everything right, the break should be clean along the score line.
Before starting, try these steps on a test piece until you feel confident. Research and study the available models of glass cutters and running pliers to determine which one will work for you the best, considering the size and shapes of the kitchen tiles you’ll be making. With a little practice, you’ll soon be creating your own glass tile splashbacks. Learning these methods will save money on installation costs, as well as, become a source of pride for the homeowner who did it without any professional help.