Need to create a flat surface for my backsplash. Any ideas?
May 17, 2010
So I have this ugly laminate material for my current backsplash circa 1980. I have purchased 12"x12" glass mosaic tile to replace the ugly stuff. We knew that thinset would never adhere to the laminate, so we tore it off. But now the drywall is damaged and unlevel.(see photo)
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s160/mcleary496/backsplash.jpg
I’m looking for an alternative to having to use drywall compound to make it level. I would like to go right over it with some sort of building material. Something thinner than cement board, which is 1/4" thick. I would be happy with something that comes 1/8" thick so the new backsplash doesn’t stick out too far next to the bare wall where the backsplash ends. (see diagram)
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s160/mcleary496/kitchenlayout.jpg
I’ve been through Home Depot and Menards several times looking for ideas but have come up with no solution. HELP!
BTW: Not open to removing the drywall and replacing with cement board. The hubby and I just spent today and yesterday repairing the drywall from where we found black mold last weekend behind the lower cabinets. In the process of removing the moldy drywall, we ended up cutting the vapor barrier by accident. An absolute bit*ch to fix! Cutting out the drywall for the backsplash is not an option!
Posted in Mosaic Backsplash
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May 17th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
I saw your second question and then looked at your pictures here. Those are just ripped off paper. Just tear off any other loose spots of paper and you can either smooth coat some thin set over that slight unevenness or use a dry wall compound , or spackle paste and fix it. Easy fix. Just use a paint or primer to go over the area 1st if you use thin set or slop some paint on the spackle or dry wall compound. You need to have that new area "sealed" so thin set will adhere to the wall. It won t properly adhere to bare paper or new compound/spackle.
Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications there. GL
May 17th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Pull off the drywall and put up 1/2 in hardi backer. Putting up hardibacker is easy especially if you have a 4 and 1/2 inch angle grinder with a diamond blade (need to cut it outdoors). If not can score and snap but is a pain, can also use a jigsaw to cut it but will use a bunch of blades. The seems do not have to be any where near perfect. Can make up 3/8 inch with thinset.
Where the tile ends and the painted wall starts make sure you cut the drywall first with a utility knife first, at least an inch back so the last tile covers the end of the hardibacker and extends onto the drywall.