Because of its delicate nature, most copper tile is used as a decorative element for kitchen backsplashes and other low-traffic areas. The copper tiles suitable for backsplashes are lightweight and can be installed using a heavy weight spray adhesive or contact cement. Although copper tiles are often softer than other materials, copper is naturally antimicrobial, making it a good choice for kitchen spaces. To avoid flaking over time, look for a copper tile that has a high percentage of copper, not just a thin copper coating.
Instructions
1. Paint the surface you intend to cover in copper tiles with an oil-based primer using a short nap paint roller. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours.
2. Apply a high-strength spray adhesive to a 10 square-foot section of the wall. Also apply spray adhesive to the back of enough copper tiles to cover 10 square-feet of space. Wait five minutes to allow the adhesive to dry slightly.
3. Press each tile onto the area of wall covered with spray adhesive. You can lightly tap the surface of each tile with a rubber mallet to ensure that it has fully adhered to the wall. Copper tiles are not typically installed using grout lines, so make sure that each piece is flush with the adjacent tiles.
4. Cut tiles that must fit around obstacles using a pair of metal snips. Always create a paper template beforehand to check the fit of the tile before cutting. If you must cut out the center of a tile, use an electric drill and 1/2 inch drill bit to create a hole in the center of the tile. Then you can use the metal snips to enlarge the hole to the proper dimensions.
5. Install any copper-edging pieces using high strength contact cement applied to the back of the edging. Try installing any corner copper-edging pieces first; then cut the straight-edging pieces to fit the remaining space.
6. Remove any protective film from the front of the copper tiles. Clean the surface with a citrus-based cleaner to remove any lingering adhesive.
Tags: spray adhesive, copper tiles, center tile, contact cement, copper tile