Alexei Volkov
Installing plastic backsplash panels is a simple task that can be completed in a few hours. The process involves cleaning the panels with isopropyl alcohol, applying adhesive strips or glue, and bonding overlap areas with tape. Before installation, it is important to determine the layout and cut the panels to size. Additionally, for a seamless finish, you can use trims or caulk to finish the edges of the panels. If the backsplash is installed over switches or outlets, you may need a box extender to cover the gap created by the panel's thickness.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the panels and wall
To prepare the panels and wall for your plastic backsplash installation, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you have purchased enough panels for your desired space and lay them out to check for colour consistency. If there are any noticeable variations, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. Before beginning installation, it is recommended to paint the wall area under the cabinets to match the darkest colour in the panel finish. This will help hide any small gaps where the wall is exposed.
Next, determine your layout. Start from the bottom left and work upwards or to the right. If you are designing a layout with a focal point, such as a sink or stove, build outwards from this point. Once you have decided on the layout, measure and cut the panels to size. If your design ends on a flat wall, you can finish the cut edge with a matching Edge J-Trim piece, or use caulk as an alternative.
Before installing the panels, clean the backside of each panel with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel or cloth. Ensure that your panels are ready to fit, and if you are using trims, slide the J-trim and corner trims onto the edge of the panels.
Now you are ready to begin installing your first panel!
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Use adhesive
When installing plastic backsplash panels, using adhesive is a crucial step to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use adhesive effectively when installing your plastic backsplash panels:
Prepare the Panels and Surfaces:
Before applying any adhesive, it's important to prepare the panels and surfaces. Clean the backside of each panel using isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel or cloth. This ensures that the adhesive will adhere properly to the panel. If you're using trim pieces, slide them onto the edges of the panels.
Apply Adhesive to the Panels:
Choose a recommended adhesive like Loctite PL Premium® or PL Premium Fast Grab®. Carefully follow the adhesive manufacturer's directions for the best results. Apply the adhesive in a bead pattern, approximately 1/8" to 3/16" thick, on the back of the first panel. Alternatively, you can use adhesive strips by applying three horizontal strips of tape: one on top, one in the middle, and one at the bottom of the panel.
Apply Adhesive to the Wall:
If you're using a solvent-based contact cement adhesive, apply it not only to the back of the panel but also to the wall you're installing it on. Allow the adhesive to dry for 2-4 minutes until it becomes "tacky." This will ensure a stronger bond when you attach the panel to the wall.
Attach the Panels:
Once the adhesive is ready, carefully attach the panel to the wall. Make sure to squeeze out any trapped air from behind the panel as you do so. Firmly press the panel into place, ensuring correct alignment.
Bond Overlap Areas:
If your installation involves overlapping panels, use adhesive to create a strong bond. Add small pieces of tape, such as 1" x 1" squares, to the overlap areas of each panel to tightly bond the overlapping sections.
By following these steps and carefully working with the adhesive, you can effectively install plastic backsplash panels, creating a seamless and secure finish for your project.
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Squeeze out trapped air
To squeeze out trapped air when installing plastic backsplash panels, follow these steps:
- After applying the adhesive to the back of the panel, squeeze out any trapped air before sticking the panel to the wall.
- Place the panel against the wall and use a soft cloth to press it firmly and evenly across the surface. This will help to remove any excess air bubbles.
- Use a cloth with water or mineral spirits to wipe away any adhesive residue that may be visible. Ensure that you do this while the adhesive is still wet, as it will be difficult to clean once it dries and may damage the finish.
- Continue the installation process by adding additional panels in the same manner, ensuring that you squeeze out any trapped air each time.
It is important to carefully read and follow the adhesive manufacturer's directions throughout the installation process.
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Finish edges
To finish the edges of your plastic backsplash panels, you can use matching Edge J-Trim. This trim piece slides over the cut edge of the panel. If you have an inside corner, it is recommended to use matching Inside Corner Trim. Slide the trims onto the edge of the panel before beginning the installation.
Alternatively, instead of using trim, you can finish the edges with caulk.
Before installing the panels, paint the wall area just under the cabinet to match the darkest colour in the panel finish. This will hide any areas where a thin area of wall is exposed due to the panel not fitting perfectly along the cabinet's bottom edges.
You can also use a box extender if the backsplash is mounted over switches and outlets already installed in a drywall surface. The extender is a sleeve that mounts over the electrical box, covering the gap created by the thickness of the backsplash panel.
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Use a box extender for switches and outlets
If you are installing a plastic backsplash over switches and outlets that are already installed in a drywall surface, you will need a box extender. This is a piece of hardware that serves as a sleeve that mounts over the electrical box, covering the gap created by the thickness of the backsplash panel. It is much easier to install an extender than to attempt to move the electrical box forward to be flush with the surface of the backsplash.
To begin, you must remove the faceplate from the outlet before installing the backsplash. This is because, without removing the faceplate, you will not be able to correctly extend the outlet with the faceplate sitting flat against the surface of the backsplash. Once the faceplate is removed, you can install the backsplash around the outlet.
Next, you will need to use spacers to extend the outlet out so that it sits flush against the face of the new backsplash. You can purchase plastic spacers specifically designed for this purpose, or you can use wire, small metal washers, or nut-type fasteners. Place two spacers between the outlet and the wall to test the spacing. If more depth is required, snap on additional spacers until you find the right depth.
After determining the correct spacing, thread the screws through the outlet and spacers. Put the outlet's screws back through the holes in the mounting straps and slide the stacks of spacers onto the screws. If the outlet's screws are not long enough to reach the holes in the outlet box with the spacers installed, you will need to purchase longer screws.
Finally, tighten the screws to hold the faceplate flat against the backsplash. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this could damage the faceplate, especially if it is made of plastic. Once the faceplate is secure, turn the power to the outlet back on at the breaker, and your outlet is ready to use.
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Frequently asked questions
Before installing the panels, you should unpack and lay them out to ensure colour consistency.
First, clean the backside of each panel with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel or cloth. Then, apply adhesive strips to the back of the panel or the wall.
Apply three horizontal strips of tape to the back of the panel: one on top, one in the middle, and one at the bottom. Alternatively, you can apply the tape to the wall.
You will need a box extender, a sleeve that mounts over the electrical box and covers the gap created by the thickness of the backsplash panel.
You can use either J-trim or caulk to finish the edges of the panels.
