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A splashback is designed to protect your walls where they may be damaged by water and are often found behind the sink in the bathroom or kitchen.
Splashbacks are also common behind the hob in the kitchen where the walls may be splashed with grease, fat or other foodstuffs. A splashback is commonly a simple row of tiles covering the width of the sink and drainer or the width of the hob. They are usually three or four tiles deep to provide adequate protection up the wall and are a great way to use up left over tiles from previous tiling jobs.
Some tile retailers such as www.buytiles.com also supply bespoke splashback kits which are either a series of small tiles or a single large glass or ceramic plate. The idea is that the splashback provides an easy wipe clean surface where water or other liquids are frequent. They also provide a good focal point and can be used to tie in to an existing colour scheme.
Like any tiling job, preparation is everything. You need to ensure the surface is clean and flat before you begin applying the adhesive, and when fitting the tiles, you need to keep a close eye making sure they are laid straight and square. The spacing between the tiles also needs to be uniform. You can buy specially made spacers but these are not a substitute for using your eyes. When applying the grout, make sure you wipe any excess of the tiles before the grout dries, otherwise it can be a real pain to remove once dry.
By David Neil
