Tin tiles have traditionally been used on ceilings in homes and restaurants to affect an old world look with a lovely sheen. Copper-colored tile, applied over existing ceramic tile on a wall or backsplash, can bring that antique look into your kitchen. Faux peel and stick tiles, made of plastic but finished to look like tin, are not recommended for kitchen use. The room's frequent high heat and humidity levels may cause faux tiles to loosen and fall. The application of real tin with a copper like finish can be a quick and easy do-it-yourself weekend project.
Instructions
1. Measure the area to be covered. Calculate the number of tin tiles that will be required. Draw a plan of your intended design. Begin at the center and work your way to the edges. Use full tiles in the center and partial tiles in the areas that will be least noticed.
2. Measure the midpoint of the area to be covered. Measure the center point on the surface of your first tin tile. Mark the points with a pencil. Apply construction adhesive to the back of your first tin tile according to the specifications of the tile manufacturer. Line up your first tile using your pencil marks.
Press the tile into place.
3. Snap a chalk line across and up from your first installed tile. Attach the first row of vertical tiles, as in Step 2 above, keeping the tiles level with the horizontal chalk line. Continue gluing and placing your tiles with a slight overlap according to package instructions. Cut partial tiles using your tin snips.
Install partial tiles in inconspicuous areas according to your design plan.
4. Place your tube of clear acrylic caulk in your caulking gun. Apply a thin bead of caulk to all the seams.
Smooth the caulk with your fingertip. Remove excess caulk with a damp cloth. Allow caulk to dry.
5. Coat unfinished tiles with a clear polyurethane lacquer using the lambswool applicator. Allow the finish to dry thoroughly.
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