Amazing DIY kitchen backsplash projects

If you're ready to spruce up your kitchen, consider installing your own unique DIY backsplash. These simple instructions teach you how to build a backsplash made from bottle caps and pennies.

Installing a bottle cap backsplash is fun and easy; plus, you'll absolutely love the finished product. Use a variety of brightly coloured bottle caps for a modern look, or collect vintage caps for a shabby-chic appearance.

• Tile mastic
• Notched trowel
• Bottle caps (enough to cover entire backsplash area)
• Tile grout
• Grout float
• Sponge

1. Spread an even layer of tile mastic onto the backsplash region of your wall using a notched trowel.
2. Cover the wall with bottle caps by firmly pressing each one into the mastic with the tops facing outward.
3. Once the wall is covered, allow the mastic to dry for at least 24 hours (or as directed on the mastic label).
4. Using a grout float, drag it across the surface of the caps until all the gaps between the bottle caps are filled. For best results, drag the grout float across the surface at a downward angle.
5. Let the grout dry for 15 to 20 minutes (or as directed on the grout label).
6. Wipe the backsplash with a damp sponge to remove the grout from the surfaces of the caps. Rinse out the sponge with water and continue wiping the caps until all the grout haze is removed.

Before you begin creating a gorgeous penny backsplash, make sure the wall is strong enough to support the weight of all those pennies. If in doubt, attach cement board (from a home improvement store) to the backsplash wall first.

• Clear mosaic mounting sheets cut to the size of your backsplash
• Pennies (enough to fill entire backsplash)
• Tile mastic
• Notched trowel
• Tile grout
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Clear grout sealant

1. Arrange the pennies on the sticky side of the mounting sheets, face down.
2. Apply tile mastic to the backsplash wall using a downward motion with a notched trowel.
3. Press the mosaic mounting sheets full of pennies onto the tile mastic-covered wall with the clear side facing outward.
4. Let the mastic dry overnight (or as directed on the mastic label).
5. Once the mastic is completely dry, remove the clear mounting sheets from the penny-covered wall.
6. Apply a layer of grout to the wall, holding the grout float at a 45 degree angle.
7. Allow the grout to dry for 15 to 20 minutes (or as directed on the grout manufacturer's label).
8. Using a damp sponge, wipe away all the excess grout and haze. Continue rinsing out the sponge in clean water until all the grout is removed from the pennies.
9. After the grout and pennies are completely dry, cover the entire backsplash with a clear grout sealant.

That's all there is to it. Enjoy your durable and lovely new kitchen backsplash.