Drywall makes a strong subsurface for a tile backsplash.
Drywall, also called wallboard, makes a solid subsurface for a tile backsplash. It is thick and solid enough to support the weight of the tiles, mastic adhesive and grout. Preparing drywall for a tile backsplash is the same as preparing it for paint, or performing routine maintenance. It is simply a matter of ensuring that the drywall is in good repair, providing a smooth surface for the tiles.
Instructions
1. Wash the drywall with a damp sponge and soap. As you clean, examine the drywall for dings, dents and holes. Rinse the drywall with a damp sponge and circle the damaged areas with a pencil. Allow the drywall to dry.
2. Fill dents that don't fully penetrate the drywall with vinyl spackling compound. Spread the vinyl spackling compound over the dent with a putty knife, being careful to keep the patch of compound thin and even with the surrounding drywall.
3. Repair holes that fully penetrate the drywall and are smaller than a quarter with fiberglass mesh tape and joint compound. Place the fiberglass mesh tape over the hole and spread a thin coat of joint compound over the fiberglass tape and the surrounding drywall with a putty knife.
4. Measure and draw a rectangle around holes larger than a quarter, using a measuring tape and pencil. Cut along the lines with a drywall saw and remove the damaged piece of drywall. Slip a piece of scrap wood through the hole in the drywall and hold it against the back of the drywall. Drive drywall screws through the drywall on either side of the hole and the wood with a power drill. Cut a patch of drywall to fit in the hole and screw it to the wood.
5. Place fiberglass tape over the seams and spread mastic, or your selected tile adhesive, over the fiberglass tape with a putty knife. Let the vinyl spackling compound and joint compound dry completely, following the manufacturer's directions.
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