Flooring

[QEPPRO]

In addition to the the Glass Cutting Blade(SKU# 593447) and Rubbing Stone (SKU# 290440) that are listed in this blog, a Glass Tile Nipper (SKU# 867683) works really well when needing to cut shapes in glass tile. Simply use the nipper like scissors to trim glass tile to fit around pipes, cabinets and walls or create eye-catching glass mosaics. Be sure to wear protective eyewear when cutting glass, either with a blade or with nippers.

[Eileen_HD_ATL]

Hello QEPPRO and welcome to The Community!

I looked on our website and saw that these nippers are under $15!  They can cut glass tiles up to 1/4 inch in thickness.  A reviewer said that they cut “through glass tiles like butter with a clean cut every time.” 

Thanks for adding this great tool to our materials list for installing glass tiles and reminding us to use eye protection. 

[ROCKWRIGHT]

I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT HOW TO CUT THE 12 INCH X 12 INCH / 1 INCH X 1 INCH GLASS TILES I PURCHASED.

I NEED TO CUT ABOUT A 1/2" OFF OF A ROW OF TILE TO FIT MY BACKSPLASH. HOW DO I HOLD THE TILES IN PLACE IF I USE A WET SAW? LOCAL STORE WAS NO HELP.

[Eileen_HD_ATL]

Hello ROCKWRIGHT and welcome to The Community!  We are glad you are here.  I am sorry about your experience at your local store and want to help you with your project. 

The glass tiles are definitely a beautiful investment and the finished look will be worth all your hard effort. 

There are several ways to tackle cutting a 1”x1” tile in half.  I have had a similar problem in the past and I used a small piece of quarter-round molding under the cabinet to make up the space differential.  (I know this is not the answer you are looking for - but it was quick, inexpensive, and saved me time that I would have spent using nippers to cut the tiles in half!)

You may have an issue with the color transfer from the backing that creates the color on some glass tiles.  (Some tiles have the color all the way through the glass while others only have the color on the “underside.”)  Test cut a scrap piece of the glass tile to see if there is any color transfer.  If the color bleeds, consider cutting with a nipper, snap cutter or rail cutter.  If the color holds, continue with the project. 

Use blue (painters) tape on the top and bottom of the glass tiles before cutting.  This will secure the tiles and keep them from shifting plus it will not leave a residue. 

Be sure to use a diamond blade to give a sharper cut when using the wet saw (see the note in the original post)  – and wear safety glasses.

        

Place the glass tile on an inexpensive 12x12 flat tile to give it some support while running through the wet saw.  (You will be cutting through both tiles and this should provide sufficient support for the glass tile as well as give a sharp  cut.)  Remove the tape from the glass tile and be sure to dry off the backing with a paper towel.  Then continue with your glass tile installation. 

Best wishes on your project and please send us photos of your finished project! 

[elect_answers]

Hello Community: When the backsplashes came to our store, and we got a display installed and it looked fine to me, but not an eye catcher. Then after some requests for help from people in the area we put 3 "puck" type halogen lights on the display. WOW!  What a difference , they really shine almost like they are still wet, and stand out, adding a lot to the area, highlighting how beautiful they really are. The white light of the pucks does not change the beauty of the colors in the tile. I was surprised and impressed.

[Eileen_HD_ATL]

Hello elect_answers and thanks for the great lighting tip.  The pucks are a great and economical source of light for showcasing the backsplash and adding counter light for tasking. Your local store and homedepot.com have a great assortment.  Best of all, the new puck lights have LEDs, easy install options, and dimmer capability.

For more ideas on under cabinet lighting using pucks, click here.

[jmastromar]

I am using the small 3/4 glass tiles. I was wondering, How do I cut the tiles to fit in a tight area, they seem to small to be able to use a wet saw?

[Joseph_HD_ATL]

Hello jmastromar!

Thanks for your question and welcome to the community!

Designingwoman has already answered your question regarding cutting those fragile mosaic tiles in this same thread above the ones we posted. She states...

"Place the glass tile on an inexpensive 12x12 flat tile to give it some support while running through the wet saw.  (You will be cutting through both tiles and this should provide sufficient support for the glass tile as well as give a sharp  cut.)  Remove the tape from the glass tile and be sure to dry off the backing with a paper towel.  Then continue with your glass tile installation. "

In terms of cutting mosaic tiles, the best and easiest way to achieve a tight area cut is by using a wet saw. It ensures the tile edges are straight and not jagged in any way. 

Getting a 'perfect cut' is usually a tall order when cutting  any tile, and your edges should be installed that will be covered or not seen when you  are done with the project. For example, you would save leaving those edges for behind wall switch cover plates, and corners that will be covered up with moulding or bullnose tiles and grout.

Using hand-held glass cutters shown earlier in the thread can work too, but the wet saw is really the way to go, regardless of size of type of mosaic tiles you have.

Hope this helps you out,

aboveaveragejoe