Adding a backsplash is a great way to protect your walls from water damage and splatters while also providing an decorative accent in your kitchen. However, installing a backsplash on a textured wall requires some special considerations compared to a smooth surface. Proper preparation and technique will ensure your backsplash adheres properly and looks great.

Cleaning and Prepping the Textured Wall

Before installing the backsplash, you need to make sure the textured wall surface is properly cleaned and prepped. Here are the steps:

Remove Any Wallpaper or Paint

If there are any layers of old wallpaper or paint on the textured wall, these need to be removed completely. Use a wallpaper steamer or chemical stripper to remove wallpaper. For paint, you may need to use a wire brush or sandpaper to scrape off multiple layers of old paint. Removing these layers allows the backsplash adhesive to bond directly to the bare textured wall surface.

Clean With TSP Cleaner

Use a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner and water to thoroughly clean the textured wall surface. The TSP will cut through any grease or grime on the textured plaster or stucco. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning with TSP and make sure to rinse it off thoroughly after cleaning. Allow the wall to fully dry after cleaning.

Repair Any Damage

Inspect the wall and make repairs if needed. Use patching compound to fill any small holes, cracks, or uneven areas so they are flush with the rest of the wall surface. Allow patching compound to dry completely before continuing.

Sand Down High Points

It’s important to knock down any “high points” on textured plaster walls to create a more even surface for the backsplash installation. Use 30-40 grit sandpaper to sand down any ridges or trowel marks that are higher than the rest of the wall texture.

Be careful not to sand too aggressively and knock down the main wall texture. Just focus on the highest points. Wipe away all dust after sanding.

Choosing Appropriate Backsplash Tiles

You want to choose backsplash tiles that are appropriate for application directly onto a textured wall surface. Here are some good options:

Stone tile – Materials like granite, marble or slate have an irregular enough surface that they can conform well over the wall texture. Make sure to use a premium quality grout when installing.
Glass tile – The smooth surface of glass tiles allows them to properly adhere over textured walls. Glass tiles are also very water-resistant.
Metal tile – Metal backsplash tiles are durable and can flex over the uneven wall surface during installation.
Mosaic sheets – Mosaic tiles that come mounted on mesh sheets have built-in spacing that accounts for surface irregularities. The mesh holds the tiles in place.

Avoid large format tiles with very straight edges or porcelain tiles for installation on textured walls. The wall texture makes it difficult for these types of tiles to properly bond and conform during installation. Smaller tile sizes are better suited for textured wall backsplash projects.

Tools and Materials Needed

Installing a backsplash on a textured wall surface requires some specialized tools and materials:

Adhesive mortar suitable for wall applications – Look for a mortar designed to bond with plaster/stucco walls like Mapei Ultraflex LFT Mortar.
Grout float – A grout float has a soft, flexible edge that allows you to work grout into the wall texture grooves.
Grout sealing brush – This looks like a toothbrush and helps work grout into textured surfaces.
Spacers – Use tile spacers between each tile to account for the uneven wall surface while setting.
Grout – Make sure to use a premium modified grout like Mapei Flexcolor CQ. Avoid sanded grout.
Sealant – Use 100% silicone sealant designed for wet area applications.

Make sure to have all other standard tile installation tools as well – tile cutter, mixing buckets, sponges, etc. Using the right materials for textured wall installation is key.

Adhesive Mortar Application

Applying the mortar adhesive takes some special care on textured walls:

Use a notched trowel size that matches up with the tile – 1/4”x1/4” notch for mosaics or small tile sizes.
Apply mortar using circular motions to work into the grooves and valleys in the texture.
Do not flatten trowel ridges completely – leave some texture in the mortar to conform to the wall.
Apply mortar in smaller sections so it does not dry out before tiles are set.

Take your time working the adhesive mortar into the wall texture to ensure proper coverage and bond. Having ridges in the mortar provides more bonding surface area and allows the tiles to conform over the texture more easily.

Setting the Tiles

Careful tile setting technique ensures the backsplash adheres and conforms properly over the textured wall:

Do not use a beating block when setting tiles. Avoid flattening the mortar completely.
Push tiles into place using some extra pressure to conform over the texture variations.
Use tile spacers to account for gaps and keep tile edges aligned.
Be attentive to proper coverage on the back of each tile – twist, push and embed tiles to avoid voids.
Check bonding periodically by removing and re-setting a tile. The mortar should fully coat the back of the tile.

Take your time setting each tile and focus on maximum coverage and adhesion. The tile spacers will prevent the uneven wall surface from creating lippage between the tiles as they set.

Grouting Effectively

Grouting requires close attention on textured backsplash installations:

Use a premium modified grout. Do not use sanded grout as it is too thick for wall textures.
Hold the grout float at a 45 degree angle to force grout into texture grooves.
Use the grout sealing brush to further work grout into the wall texture crevices.
Keep grout lines on the thinner side – 1/8”. Avoid overly thick grout lines.
Grout in small sections so you can work for 10-15 minutes before grout film develops.
Go back and check for voids in the grout lines after each section. Re-apply if needed.

Take the extra time needed to fully pack grout into the wall texture for a long-lasting application. Thinner grout lines are also easier to work into textured surfaces.

Final Sealants and Treatments

The final steps complete the backsplash installation on your textured wall:

Caulk where the backsplash meets the countertop using a silicone bathroom sealant.
Apply grout sealer to protect from moisture and staining. Use an applicator bottle for easier application on the textured surface.
Use silicone sealant to caulk around fixtures, outlets, pipes and edges.
If a polished stone backsplash was used, apply stone sealant according to manufacturer directions.
Allow caulk and sealants to fully cure for 24-48 hours before exposure to moisture.

Proper application of sealants and treatments gives your backsplash the best durability and moisture resistance. Taking your time on each installation step results in a backsplash that works beautifully over textured plaster or stucco walls.

Tips and Warnings

Here are some additional tips and warnings when tackling a textured wall backsplash project:

Carefully inspect tile edges and sort before installation. Chipped or uneven tile edges will not conform well.
The wall texture makes cutting tiles difficult. Leave extra room for error and breakages.
Let prepared mortar sit for 10-15 minutes before applying tiles for best adhesion.
Harsh lighting can make uneven tiles more obvious. Use natural light to check for unacceptable tile edges.
Take your time with each step – don’t rush through the installation process.
Wear safety goggles, gloves and a mask when cutting tiles or dealing with adhesives/chemicals.

A textured wall backsplash installation requires careful tile selection, specialty materials, and proper techniques for best results. Take it slow and focus on high quality adhesion and tile conformation to achieve a stunning finished project. With some extra attention to detail, your new backsplash will turn your textured wall into a decorative focal point in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of textured wall materials?

Some common textured wall materials include plaster, stucco, concrete, brick, stone, faux finishes, knocked-down drywall textures and more. Any non-smooth wall surface presents challenges for backsplash installation.

Can I install a backsplash over wallpaper?

It is not recommended to install a backsplash directly over wallpaper. Wallpaper has poor adhesion strength and moisture resistance. Remove wallpaper and prep the bare wall surface prior to backsplash installation.

What thickness of tiles should I use?

Thicker tile materials are better able to conform over the variations in a textured wall surface during installation. Mosaics and tiles that are 1/4” thick or greater adhere better on textured backsplash applications.

Should I use spacers when installing the backsplash?

Yes, tile spacers are highly recommended for a textured wall backsplash. The spacers account for the uneven wall surface and help keep tiles aligned, preventing lippage problems.

How soon can I expose the backsplash to water?

It’s best to allow tile mortar and grout to cure fully for 72 hours before regular water exposure. Limit moisture contact for the first 3 days. After full cure, the backsplash can withstand regular kitchen use.

Conclusion

Installing a backsplash on a textured wall surface brings unique challenges but can add amazing visual interest to your kitchen. With the right tile choice, specialty installation materials, and careful application techniques, you can achieve a stunning backsplash installation on plaster, stucco or any textured wall material. Taking your time with surface preparation, proper tile setting, and thorough grouting will ensure your new backsplash adheres securely for many years of beauty and service. With some patience and attention to detail, you can gain durability, moisture protection and decorative accent by installing a backsplash over your textured kitchen wall.

How to Install a Backsplash on a Textured Wall