How To Install A Subway Tile Backsplash – Part 2

Hi friends,

Welcome to part 2 of How to Install A Subway Tile Backsplash! Did you miss part 1? Check it out here.

Let’s jump right in, shall we?

Supply List for Part 2

• Unsanded grout in your choice of color, mine was Pewter
• Color Coordinating Caulk (try saying that 3x fast!)
• Caulk Gun
• Grout Float
• Chisel
• Cheesecloth
• Buckets (2x)
• Sponge
• Mixing Paddle (optional)
• Plyers (optional)

Remember all those super fun tile spacers you put in? Well, now it’s time to remove them all. It’s a pain. And sometimes they’re stuck in the adhesive and you have to use the strength of He-Man. Thank God for plyers. Pull all those suckers out.

Once all of the spacers are removed, scrape away any adhesive that may have seeped into the grout lines.

Also, scrape off any adhesive that got onto the tiles themselves.

Now it’s time to mix your grout. When selecting your grout, you’ll have the option of sanded or unsanded. Unsanded is meant for thinner grout lines, like the 1/8″ I chose. If your grout line is going to be bigger, however, be sure to get sanded. Sanded helps the grout to not crack or shrink if the lines are thicker.

I thought it was going to be super intimidating, but it was totally easy. Mix according to package directions until you have a consistency like peanut butter. You CAN mix the grout by hand, but that’s a lot of extra work and I got this paddle attachment for less than $5. And it worked like a dream! Be sure to hold down the bucket while you’re mixing though. That grout will spin everywhere. Not that I know from experience or anything…

Using your grout float, apply the grout to the tile at a 45° angle.

This is what it will look like once all your grout is in. Messy and gross. Don’t worry though, it’ll look better, I promise. Let the grout sit for 20 – 30 minutes.

Once your grout has had time to sit, fill a bucket with water and begin sponging the excess grout off of the tile. You’re going to do this process 4 – 5 times. Don’t worry about getting the tile perfectly clean, it’s just not going to happen yet. Get it as clean as possible, but there will be a haze of grout on your tile when you’re done.

I let my grout sit for a day before I buffed off the tiles. There were a couple areas that the grout wasn’t coming completely off so I took my chisel and lightly went over the entire tile, removing the dried grout bits.

Then go in with a cheesecloth and buff until shiny.

Before you being caulking, place a strip of tape down on your counters. Cut the tip off and insert the caulk into the gun. Squeeze a thick line out and then smooth out with your finger or a spoon.

Wait 24 – 48 hours before sealing your grout. Sealing the grout protects against any stains and will make it easier to clean up. Because this is in a kitchen, I HIGHLY recommend doing this. You can apply with a paintbrush, or get a bottle like I did that already had a brush attachment at the end of the nozzle.

And you’re done! Just look at that beautiful shininess! Now go have a glass of wine and admire your work, you deserve it! ;)

Have any of you installed subway tile?

I’m linking up to these great parties!