I used to use braces to hold a backsplash in place while the construction adhesive set up, as explained in the tip Gluing a backsplash. But it’s a pain to install the braces, and furthermore,you have to go back the next day to remove them and to finish the job by caulking the joints.
Now, instead of using braces, I break out my hot-glue gun. The first part of the process remains identical. I cut the backsplashes and adjust them to fit as needed. Then I apply the construction adhesive to the back of the splash. Now the trick. I put dime-size blobs of hot glue, spaced 2 ft. to 3 ft. apart, on the back of the splash. I then put the splash in placeand hold it firmly to the wall for about a minute while the hot glue sets up. The hot glue will hold the backsplash in place while the construction adhesive cures. Meanwhile, I can immediately apply the caulk, finishing up the job without having to go back the next day.
Robert T. Alexander, Virginia Beach, VA
