Colour Your Kitchen Beautiful with a Glass Splashback…
Easy Fit Fuschia Glass Splashback
A little diversion from my intended topic today, because I wanted to introduce an item in preparation for a rather tasty little competition we will be running next week for fans of BirdsOnTheBlog … the subject of which is a rather beautiful glass splashback!
… so to make sure you’ll know exactly what to do with it it when you win, I’m going to tell you just how easy it is to DIY fit it – and why these lovely glass panels are now, for many, the preferred choice over tiling.
Glass wall panels and splashbacks aren’t a particularly new concept – but mass production techniques and growth market have made them more affordable and easier to fit than ever.
Easy To Clean and Hygienic
Formed in 6mm thick extra strong glass that conforms to EN standards for heat resistance, the glass is easy to keep clean and more hygienic than tiles as there is no requirement for the grouting. You get a smooth clean, sleek finish that is generally wipe clean – and if you do happen to get a stubborn stain or mark, a little fine wire wool will do the trick for removal.
What Are My Options?
The panels come either in standard panel sizes or you cane have bespoke panels made to fit your particular needs. To stay with the standard panels for now, they come in either Toughened or Untoughened Glass. This is an important distinction to bear in mind when purchasing – essentially Toughened Glass cannot be cut – so if you need to have the panels cut down to size, then make sure to purchase the Untoughened glass versions.
In terms of standard panels – which are the lowest cost way to purchase – these vary but are generally approx 600mm, 900mm or 1000mm wide and 750mm high, typical dimensions for widths of hobs and the height above which a hood would generally be fitted. You can then opt to fit additional panels above the work top to create a real colour them in your kitchen.
Cutting Glass To Size
The best way to get your panels cut to the right size is to take them to a glazier. If you really know what you are doing then you could use a diamond cutter, but for the cost of getting a professional to do it, I wouldn’t take the risk. A glazier will cut it (probably while you wait) and polish the edges for nice smooth finish – and it will only cost you a few quid. Straight cuts and corners are fine – but if you need cut outs for sockets etc. then you are really going to be looking at having bespoke panels made, more of which in a future blog.
How To Fit
So you’ve chosen your colour from the beautiful range on offer (gloriously vibrant zest, fuschia, orange, red, sleek black or chestnut brown, simple white, subtle blues, cappuccino or aqua… and more), had any cutting you need to do
Floral Splashback
completed.. and now you are ready to fit.
So, all you do is peel of the back and stick it on!
The standard panels come with a self adhesive back, so you literally just need to peel off the paper and adhere to the wall. The only one golden rule you have to remember is to leave a 2mm gap all the way round it – so fit it 2mm above the work surface, 2mm below a cooker hood and 2mm away from any tiles or other objects to either side. then you just seal all the way round with a sanitary sealant and that’s it. Your kitchen beautifully coloured.
And why stick at the kitchen? How about creating a beautiful wall display using perhaps plain coloured glass panels or patterned ones? It could be art! (more on that subject from Ann here) And if you really want to see some spectacularly beautiful glass that’s available form a specialist designer (ahem, a little more pricey though :/) take a look at the wonderful designs available for Rupert Scott.
So I hope that’s whet your appetite for a competition next week – to make you even more likely to come back and get involved, please do take a look at the website for more information about own own range of glass splashbacks.
And if any of you have any questions about this or any DIY topics that you think I can help with – or suggestions for topics in the future, let me know in the comments section!
About Elaine SturgessElaine Sturgess helps people get their perfect kitchen, from custom made splashbacks to custom kitchen storage, she has a the kitchen apps you desire. My Kitchen Store
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21 Responses to Colour Your Kitchen Beautiful with a Glass Splashback…
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Looks like a fantastic way to brighten the kitchen – added to my list of things to do here this year. Thanks Elaine. Shame I can’t enter!!
Twitter: babssaul
Glad you like them Babs; let me know when you’re ready;)
Looks like a fantastic way to brighten the kitchen – added to my list of things to do here this year. Thanks Elaine. Shame I can’t enter!!
Twitter: babssaul
Glad you like them Babs; let me know when you’re ready;)
I assume it’s necessary to remove existing tiles first? And then make good the surface? That seems a bit more tricky!
Twitter: evenbreak
I wouldn’t recommend fitting one over existing tiles. There are lots of tips for removing old tiles here:
http://www.diynot.com/pages/de/de014.php
The splashback does require a relatively flat surface, so in terms of making good, this could be a simple case of using filler if the damage isn’t too bad, or you made need to replaster – and the latter is not as difficult as you might think, particulary if you will be covering the area so that it doesn’t need to be completely smooth. Will post on plastering techniques in a future blog.
I assume it’s necessary to remove existing tiles first? And then make good the surface? That seems a bit more tricky!
Twitter: evenbreak
I wouldn’t recommend fitting one over existing tiles. There are lots of tips for removing old tiles here:
http://www.diynot.com/pages/de/de014.php
The splashback does require a relatively flat surface, so in terms of making good, this could be a simple case of using filler if the damage isn’t too bad, or you made need to replaster – and the latter is not as difficult as you might think, particulary if you will be covering the area so that it doesn’t need to be completely smooth. Will post on plastering techniques in a future blog.
They do look gorgeous.
Now, how to convince him upstairs we need a kitchen revamp
Haha! Glad you like them Ann… not sure I’ve got any great tips for DIY persuasion – blog post on OH negotiation skills anyone?
They do look gorgeous.
Now, how to convince him upstairs we need a kitchen revamp
Haha! Glad you like them Ann… not sure I’ve got any great tips for DIY persuasion – blog post on OH negotiation skills anyone?
LOVE IT! We are looking into a new kitchen and I have seen the Glass Splashbacks in showrooms and they look gorgeous, and what a fantastic way to add a bit of colour!
Thanks Emily – with your design skills, I bet the new kitchen will be stunning! Let me know if you need any help or advice:)
LOVE IT! We are looking into a new kitchen and I have seen the Glass Splashbacks in showrooms and they look gorgeous, and what a fantastic way to add a bit of colour!
Thanks Emily – with your design skills, I bet the new kitchen will be stunning! Let me know if you need any help or advice:)
I love it too. My kitchen doesn’t get enough day light so something to brighten it up would be great
Twitter: ethnicsupplies
I love it too. My kitchen doesn’t get enough day light so something to brighten it up would be great
Twitter: ethnicsupplies
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Really go for the bespoke Panels, As usual in life, it is a case of you get what you pay for. Be careful of non Toughened Glass as it is not heat resistant and can crack even from the steam from a kettle. If the Splashbacks are stuck to the wall using a good quality Mirror Adhesive, there is no need to re-plaster walls as the adhesive will take up the slack in any uneven surface. Do not go for the cheapest companies out there, look for good quality and people who have done a lot of them. So many companies are now jumping on the Band wagon, but do not have the expertise.
This is really helpful. Thanks