Of course the tiles do not match up 100 percent perfect on the ends but everything i read said to put the border trim pieces under the tile before you grout.
Wall not level how to prep for tile backsplash.
In some cases especially if you ve patched any holes or other imperfections it definitely helps level the wall s surface however i would dare to say that in the vast majority of cases it is not necessary.
Spread thinset mortar on the bottom center of the wall.
Just like yours actually with white subway tiles.
Scrape away any loose or peeling paint or wallpaper.
Cut pieces where needed and apply them.
Clean up grout mess.
Repair damage from old tile.
Previously painted textured drywall prep.
If you ve ever looked into it you ve most likely come across different techniques to prepare a wall for a tile backsplash.
Remove any remaining dust oil or grease with tsp tri sodium phosphate or an ammonia based cleanser.
To do so make sure all of the tiles are intact and secure.
If the paint is a glossy finish i recommend priming the wall before installing tile.
Depending on how the old backsplash was attached it could damage the surface of the drywall when it s removed.
Use tile spacers if necessary to keep the tile lines straight in the layout.
Which i did not do.
Remove tiles from walls.
Spread the mortar with the flat edge of the trowel then groove.
So i just tiled and grouted my kitchen walls as a backsplash.
Wash the wall with tsp tri sodium phosphate or an ammonia based cleaner to remove any grease or oil.
Repair any loose or cracked tiles.
If existing tiles are beyond repair remove the tile and install a piece of wallboard in its place.
Backsplash prep faq s can i tile over painted drywall.
Most if not all of them recommend some perhaps unnecessary and messy sanding.
Prep the wall step 1.
Remove the old backsplash and patch the wall if necessary.