Designing a backsplash for your kitchen will likely involve installing new tiles. You might choose glass as your primary material if you want a luxurious and modern finish. But how do you cut the glass tiles to fit your backsplash?
You can use a wet saw, bar cutter, or attempt to cut glass manually using pliers. A wet saw is the easiest and most expensive method, but all you need to do is score the glass and use the saw to cut along the lines. Protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, are recommended when cutting glass.
Gathering the right supplies, understanding the various methods for cutting glass tiles, and pursuing the best safety tips will guarantee you achieve the best finish for your backsplash. Let’s look at the process of cutting glass tiles for a backsplash.
What Supplies Will You Need?
Before you begin the glass-cutting process, you will need the following supplies:
- A wet saw with a durable blade like this one (on Amazon)
- Manual scoring wheel
- Bar cutter
- Wheeled mosaic snippers
The Challenges of Cutting Glass
With the supplies gathered, you must understand that cutting glass is no easy feat. It takes practice, precision, and patience. You will likely encounter the following challenges when cutting glass for your backsplash.
- Glass is fragile. With glass being a delicate and fragile material, it can be easy to crack, scratch, or damage during cutting. Whether you choose manual or dry cutting, there is a risk of cracking the glass tiles.
- Imperfections are visible. Glass is transparent, making it easy to see through and notice imperfections. It will be easy to spot whether there is a dent or crack in the glass. As a result, your backsplash will be less aesthetic.
- Back-coating causes marks. Most glass tiles come with a back sticker or back paint. When using a saw to cut the tiles, these can become damaged, which is visible.
Although glass cutting can prove to be challenging, if you can install a backsplash with minimal imperfections, it will remain aesthetic and beautiful in your kitchen for years to come.
What Are the Different Methods for Cutting Glass Tiles?
There are various techniques to use for cutting glass tiles.
Wet Saw
A wet saw is effective for larger interior areas. For instance, a large kitchen backsplash or shower can use a wet saw. Wet saws are best for achieving straight and smooth lines. They will offer minimal risk and damage, making them ideal for first-time glass cutters.
When used, wet saws produce a stream of water, reducing friction and giving an easier and smoother cut. Most cost around $500, but they can be found as cheap as $100 or as expensive as $1,000.
Follow these instructions to use a wet saw correctly.
- Make your glass tile with a removable marker pen. You will need to mark your line before you make your cut. Use a removable marker pen to wash it if any mark remains.
- Safety first. Before switching on the wet saw, apply rubber gloves. Then, switch on the tool and let it run for a few seconds.
- Use the wet saw slowly. Next, it is time to apply the wet saw to the tile. Run the blade along the marked line slowly for a precise cut.
- Wipe away excess marker. If the marker pen is left behind, wipe this away.
Bar Cutter
A bar cutter is a two-in-one tool that marks and cuts the glass tile. They are time-efficient and easier to use than a scoring tool and saw. You can find bar cutters for around $25, making them affordable for those doing the backsplash project themselves.
Follow these instructions to use a bar cutter correctly.
- Mark the glass tile. To ensure you cut the glass tile correctly, mark where you need to cut with a washable marker pen.
- Score the tile. Using the bar cutter, score the glass tile by pulling the scoring handle in the opposite direction of your body.
- Snap the tile. Once the tile is scored, you must snap it to create the break.
- Smooth the edges. A bar cutter could have rough edges, so use a smoothing tool to achieve smooth glass tiles.
Manual
Using manual glass cutting techniques takes longer than bar cutters and wet saws. However, they are ideal for cutting small or intricate tiles. Manual glass cutting is the cheapest option, costing around $15. You will require a pair of pliers to snap the tiles.
Follow these instructions to use manual glass-cutting tools correctly.
- First, you need to mark and score your glass tile. Use a washable pen to remove any excess marks when completing the job. Score the glass tile with a scoring wheel. Ensure to score away from your body to avoid injury. Press the scoring wheel firmly to guarantee an easy break.
- Now, face the tile upwards and use pliers to break the tile from one end of the scored line. The pliers’ pressing motion will break the glass along your scored line.
- Before installing your glass tiles, smooth them using a rubbing stone. This will help you achieve the best final result.
Tips For First-Timers Glass Cutters
As a first-time glass cutter, using some tips to ensure you achieve the best results is ideal.
Use Glass Blades
It is essential to use specific glass blades when cutting glass tiles. Using other blades could crack, damage, or hinder the glass.
Clean Your Tools Before You Begin
Cleaning your tools thoroughly before you begin will ensure no unnecessary damage happens to your tiles when you cut them. A tiny grain of sand could cause damage or imperfections, which will hinder the result of your backsplash.
Use Lots of Water
Water must be used when cutting glass tiles as it helps reduce the friction between the saw and glass. Therefore, use plenty of water to reduce cracking or chipping of the glass.
Cut Slowly
It is crucial to cut glass slowly and slowly. Either way, you can risk hindering the outcome of the glass tile. Slow cutting could cause wonky cuts, and fast cutting causes excessive vibrations, causing chipping.
Clean the Cutting Edge of the Blade
Most blades do not come prepared. They require cleaning the edges before use. Therefore, clean and sharpen the cutting edge before using it to prevent unnecessary damage.
Which Method Should You Choose?
The method you use to cut glass tiles for your backsplash depends on your confidence and budget. If you wish to guarantee the best result, investing in a wet saw or bar cutter is worthwhile. Wet saws are best for larger areas, whereas bar cutters are great if you want a two-in-one tool.
A manual cutting method will be ideal if you wish to have more control over small or intricate glass tiles.
Cutting Curves In Glass Tiles
It is possible to cut curves in glass tiles to make more unique designs. Curved tiles make for unique backsplashes. This requires patience and practice.
Blending all glass-cutting methods can help you achieve beautifully curved glass tiles. To achieve curved glass tiles, follow this method:
- Mark and score the tile. Like the other methods, you must begin marking and scoring the tile. For curved edges, this will require more precision and freehand detail.
- Make many straight cuts. You will need to make perpendicular straight cuts to achieve a curved tile. The straight cuts will join to create the curved line eventually.
- Snap off the extra glass spokes to create the curved edge. Carefully snap off the extra glass spokes to help you achieve the curved design you marked and scored. When complete, you should be left with the curved glass tile.
- Smooth and install. You might have some rough edges that require smoothing. Do this before installing them on your backsplash.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
To guarantee you are cutting glass safely, it is essential to follow the advice below.
- You will need to wear protective gear when cutting glass. Should shards of glass shed across your workspace, you could risk cutting yourself or getting it in your eye. Therefore, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves and protective glasses.
- Scoring the glass tiles in the opposite direction of your body is crucial. Scoring tools are sharp and could cause cuts.
- Again, cutting the glass with it facing down will ensure you reduce the risk of cutting yourself.
Always prepare yourself and your workstation before cutting glass to guarantee you avoid cutting your skin or getting glass in your eye. Following simple safety and preparation tips will also help improve the result of your backsplash.