Bondera | Home Makeover Diva

How To Tile A Backsplash

12.05.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Cindy writes:

We’ve just replaced our appliances in the kitchen and are now looking at doing something about behind the stove. Frankly, I have asked my husband about adding a new backsplash and needless to say he was less than excited at the idea. So know I am asking you, Diva. Can you teach me how to tile a backsplash? Is it really as big of a pain as I’ve heard it can be?

Well Cindy, learning how to tile a backsplash can be made into a really intensive project if you take the usual approach. However if you’re willing to mix things up a bit, try some non-mortar products that help make the job easier, you’ll find it’s not all that bad.

The key to learning how to tile a backsplash really comes down to the following points.

– What kind of tile are you going to be using?

– Something else to make your backsplash tile stay in place?

The tile, really comes down to what type of surface you’re looking for. Ceramic, glass, metal, the list goes on. Because this really comes down to personal preference, there is no really right or wrong choice here. Style, colors or perhaps even going with something that uses vinyl are all good options depending on the end result you might be seeking.

How to tile a backsplash made simple

Believe it or not, there are two great products out there that will allow you to make tile backsplash happen with less effort that most people might think initially. The first product is called Bondera and it’s a tile mat set. Then there is also SimpleMat as well. Bondera is available at Lowes while SimpleMat is a Home Depot product.

Not too long back, I demonstrated how one could use Bondera and some glass backsplash tile to make a small tray for the kitchen. It was applied in the same way as it would be when used for a backsplash. Apply the Bondera, apply the tiles, grout and enjoy. Obviously there is some prep time for the grout involved here, but when you’ve removed the need for mortar, you will see that learning how to tile a backsplash isn’t really that difficult. Take the simple approach, use Bondera. It’s works great!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog.

Tile Over Bathroom Vanity

03.24.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Quick and Easy Project Idea: Tile over a bathroom vanity top!

If you have an old or beat up laminate vanity top, you can tile over it in an afternoon just by using one of the new tile setting mats. With Bondera or SimpleMat you can change the look of your vanity in just six simple steps:

1) Measure your area and purchase the tile.

2) Clean the old countertop, remove sinks and faucets.

3) Lay out the mat and set it on the surface of the vanity.

4) Set the tile in the mat and apply pressure to secure the bond.

5) Grout your work area.

6) Replace sinks and re-attach faucets.

As you can see tiling over an existing laminate vanity top is a lot easier than it used to be! With a little elbow grease you can give your bathroom an updated look without breaking the bank!

Tiling With Bondera

03.15.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Recently we had a chance to tile a small kitchen island with Bondera tile setting mat. Turns out it was as easy as it looks and only took 4 steps:

First you cut your mat to the sizes you need. Remember to use non-stick cooking spay on your kitchen scissors because it really helps to keep the adhesive from sticking to your scissors.

Next remove the backing, working diagonally really does it best (just like they say). I used my grout float to help smooth it out and press it down to get a good hold.

Now take off the film and set your tile. Set your tiles carefully, while you can pull up a tile if it is crooked and it will still stick again, that may hurt the integrity of the adhesive. Remember to work slowly and take your time.

Lastly you are ready to grout. Remember to keep your float at a 45 degree angle and work perpendicular to your grout lines. I’d suggest working on a diagonal for a projects with many grout lines like this one. Remove your excess grout and clean up. We tiled this kitchen island in less then an hour! Thanks to Bondera tile set mat.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Bondera – A SimpleMat Alternative

01.26.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Not too long back, we were contacted by a PR firm that wanted to share a product that competes with SimpleMat called Bondera TileMatSet. Intrigued, we agreed to receive what Bondera calls a Tiling Toolbox. On the surface it might look like any other wooden box, but once opened up, we discovered that it contained not only some great material on what Bondera does, but it even comes with tiles and Bondera TileMatSet itself on the reverse side of the box!

What is Bondera TileMatSet?

Described as pressure-sensitive adhesive on a roll that allows for an easier experience with tiling. Cleaner and faster than traditional methods, this is a product that can be used in much the same way as SimpleMat. The big difference is the use of the Bondera seam tape to repel moisture. Clearly, a big bonus for tiling bathrooms and backsplashes!

Is Bondera TileMatSet good for beginners?

Based on what I have seen first hand, you bet it is. Due to its peal and stick nature, using Bondera to create great looking backsplashes is very easy to do.

Why is there also a seam tape product for Bondera?

Unlike other products, Bondera is apparently able to resist moisture when used with the seam tape. This translates into expanding beyond mere backsplashes, thus taking on bathroom tiling projects, even shower and bath surrounds.

Does Bondera need special surfaces to work?

Clean, flat and level. Those are your requirements. This translates into a laundry list of possibilities including plywood, drywall, cement, metal, laminate, the list goes on.

Can laid tiles be adjusted after being placed on the adhesive surface?

Yes, unlike other options out there. You can remove and replace the tile once applied. Realize however, that time is of the essence and the bond increases as the tile sits on the adhesive.

How long before I can grout?

How fast can you apply the tiles to the adhesive? Yes, that is how long you have to wait – grout immediately if you like! Just remember you will want to grout no later than eight hours after first applying tiles to the adhesive.

Where can I get it?

You can buy Bondera TileMatSet from Lowes.com.

Demonstration, seeing it in action?

In the coming days, we will be creating a short demonstration video where you will be able to see us apply the provided tiles from the Bondera toolbox to the reverse side with Bondera TileMatSet. The video will demonstrate both tile application, as well as removal. After this, we will be doing a second video in which we apply a full application of Bondera TileMatSet to a flat surface in which tiles will be applied and grouted. Stay tuned…

Disclosure: The product in this review was provided by Bondera TileMatSet, however this is NOT a paid review by any means and our findings with Bondera TileMatSet are unbiased and authentic.