I got a deal (I think) on some 3″ X 6″ glass tile that we intend on using for our kitchen backsplash. They told me that I had to use a special blade in the wet saw for glass tiles, so I bought that and it’s on the way.
Any other special concerns with installing glass tiles? What I know already is that white thinset needs to be used. Should I back-butter each one just to be sure there is no telegrahing of the mortar notch pattern?
The substrate is new, primed, 5/8″ drywall (this is new construction). I really don’t want to add backer board to this, is that OK?
Any other tips on the glass tile?
Thanks!
Replies
The 5/8 rock should be stiff enough, so backer board isn't needed.
Yes, the white stuff, and yes, I'd backbutter the tile.
And because these are glass, I'd try to make sure that the grout lines were really neat and clean before I'd even mix the grout -- if there's thinset in the cracks at differing depths, it might show.
I always like to follow the tile manufacturers instructions and specs.
CYA that way.
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My guy told me there was no blade for glass. And he didn't use water in his wet saw. Was he just covering up? Where did you get this blade? Were cuts smooth? His weren't.
There are specialty blades. I've never tried one though.
I just use the wet saw nice and slow. Different glass cuts differently. If I get chipping I hit it with the belt sander or the sanding block.
I always warn customers about the chipping aspect. I sure would be nice if one day the tille salespeople would be up front about it when the customer is considering a purchase.[email protected]
there are special blades, and like Eric I've never used one.
I do always have a quality blade in good condition on all my saw's / grinders.
and I'd never run a wet saw w/o water.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Definitely use water with the blade.
Most thinsets are available in grey and white. This means nothing as to type.
Use a thinset which has an additive AND is referred to as "flex." This thinset is stickier which is good when dealing with a smooth surface such as glass.
Trowel on the thinset using a notched trowel. This gives an even coverage. Then back trowel smooth. Then apply the tile by twisting into place.
We used to butter the tile but found this left more bubbles visible from the front than twisting into place.
The more you do the better you'll get.
Frankie
Flay your Suffolk bought-this-morning sole with organic hand-cracked pepper and blasted salt.
Thrill each side for four minutes at torchmark haut. Interrogate a lemon.
Embarrass any tough roots from the samphire. Then bamboozle till it's al dente with that certain je ne sais quoi.
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