Finishing the edge of a tile backsplash after installation
This is what the edge of my backsplash looked like without the edging. It looks a bit uneven and unfinished.
Hello and welcome to the blog! This week’s project was to finish off the edge of the tile backsplash in our kitchen. We installed this backsplash a few years ago, and at the time we didn’t plan for how we would finish off the edge. I looked all over for a solution to our problem, and I had a hard time finding something that would work. So, I walked every aisle of the hardware store until I found just the right thing. Aluminum corner edging! Let’s get into the project.
Supplies:
1/2 in x 1/2 in, 1/16 in Thickness, Angle Aluminum- For the outside edge of the backsplash tile
1/2 in, 1/16 in Thickness, Flat Bar Aluminum OR 1/2 in decorative wood/PVC trim of your choice- For the top and bottom of the backsplash tile
Tape measure
Cutting tool with metal cutting blade
Sandpaper
Krud Kutter & paper towels
Rustoleum Aluminum primer
Rustoleum High Performance Enamel
Rustoleum paint & primer
Hot glue gun & Hot glue or Construction adhesive
Caulk & Caulk gun
Project:
I started by measuring the outside edge of my backsplash tile, then cut the Angle aluminum piece to size. You can cut the aluminum with any cutting tool you currently own if you use a metal blade. Make sure to use eye protection when cutting metal.
I was going to use Flat Bar Aluminum for the top and bottom of the backsplash, for a sleek finished look, but ended up liking how a slightly more detailed trim looked better. I measured the top and bottom of the backsplash, then cut the trim to size.
Next, I sanded the cut edges of the metal slightly to ensure there were no sharp edges.
After sanding, clean the aluminum with a degreaser, such as Krud Kutter, to remove any dirt or grime.
Note: If you would like to use the angle aluminum for the top and bottom of your backsplash as well, you can. Just cut all the pieces at a 45-degree angle where the pieces meet.
Then it was time to prime the aluminum with Rustoleum Aluminum primer, I did two coats of primer.
Follow the instructions on the can for recoat time.
Once the primer was dry I proceeded with the top coat, Rustoleum High Performance Enamel, I did two coats.
Follow the instructions on the can for recoat time.
I used this combo of primer/topcoat on the aluminum screen enclosure on my patio and it has held up to the elements for two years without any issues. I used Rustoleum paint & primer for the wood trim.
Finally, it was time to install the trim on the backsplash. I used hot glue to install all of my trim.
Construction adhesive could also be used, as long as it is compatible with tile and metal.
The last step to finish everything off is to caulk all the gaps.
This step makes everything look complete!
