How is your mother of pearl tile backsplash holding up?
Molly Phillips
11 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (12)
williamsem
11 years agoRelated Discussions
Question for those of you with a Mother-of-Pearl backsplash . . .
Comments (8)I used Mapei Frost grout, and my tiles were considered "white" in the description, though they still had some yellow and grey in them. I took a sheet to the tile place and put several colors agains it. I picked the one that blended best. The tile lady took one look and said "Frost", but I had to convince myself. I like how it came out, and plan to use the same when I gets redone in a few weeks (no date yet). And while I'm here...for SJG, a pic of the problem I have, three seams highlighted to show the break in pattern......See MoreMother of pearl tile backsplash
Comments (55)I am shopping for short finger tile to use as an accent strip in my small bathroom..it will run around the walls at chair rail height and around the tub, back the niche then back out..the tiles are glass, marble and MOP on some kind of ceramic base. I was told by different sales people there was no need to seal...but others say the marble should be sealed...I am concerned that using it in the tub/shower..and using a squeegie on the wall where it will run over the MOP numerous times will loosen the shell from the base tile...also hard water spots might be a problem and I am concerned to use any acid based cleaner on it...should I look for a tile without marble or shells in it? I don't want to have to maintain the accent tile...See Moreanyone have a mother of pearl (MOP) backsplash? how to clean it?
Comments (7)I recently used some MOP tiles for mosaic/art work. They were actually called "abalone," but I think they're the same thing. They're available in several colors, and are shimmery and gorgeous. These puppies are amazingly HARD! They are impossible to cut with regular 2-wheeled glass tile cutters, so I used them whole and mixed them in with glass tiles. They look completely different from glass tiles. I don't think you could reproduce the look with glass. Yes, they are quite thin, but they are strong as can be--much stronger than glass or porcelain tiles. I back-buttered the abalone/MOP with extra thinset b/c they are thinner than the glass tiles I was using. No problem. Grouting was not an issue in any way--there was no staining. I don't understand what the concern about grouting might be, in fact. They grouted up and cleaned up just like the glass tiles. Because I was using these for an art mosaic and not a standard installation, I did not use mesh. The tiles were loose, so I can't comment on any mesh-related issues. Hope this helps....See MoreBacksplash is back (picture heavy, hold on to your servers)
Comments (72)I'm a late looker, too. I have a similar granite and have had cabinet woes since the get go. I LOVE your cabinets! What are they? As for 'what' looks good with a kitchen like ours. After months of having tile propped up in my kitchen, over 5 years ago I went with a travertine subway tile and haven't tired of it yet. Without going through my 'drama' of my kitchen, my cabinets have changed colors multiple times. Always intended for them to be a creamy white with a glaze, but it took two years, four paint jobs, a lawsuit, learned skills and patience, along with a lot of Bacardi rum to get what I wanted. With the shiny granite and stainless the eyes have a place to 'rest' when it meets the travertine. I so wanted to use a handmade WZ tile, but it just didn't look right. Posting photos from a few years back, when the kitchen was being modified from a cabinet fiasco! Nothing is as was designed. (Another story...) The kitchen I did not order. Focal point backsplash bought off eBay After several paint jobs, restripping THREE professional paint job$, I repainted and glazed cabinets myself. Sorry my range is not clean in this photo! We had just put it back in it's pocket. I really do need to do a finished kitchen photo. Close up of dry grout in tile. AFTER Modifications of drawers, fronts, grout glaze, painting, etc... Here is a link that might be useful: Progress photos and how I darkened the grout with glaze. Shiny grout in photos was WET with sealer. It dried to a matte finish....See MoreMolly Phillips
11 years agowilliamsem
11 years agoluckymom
11 years agoislanddevil
11 years agoHolly- Kay
11 years agokam76
11 years agohostafan
10 years agoMeg Hur
6 years agoredecorate88
6 years agoLaura Mac
6 years ago
Related Stories
DECORATING GUIDESGo for the Glow: Mother-of-Pearl Shines Around the Home
Illuminate your interior designs with ethereally iridescent mother-of-pearl tiles, flooring, accents and more
Full StoryMother of Pearl in Décor
Add the warm shimmer of pearl for a luxe surprise in kitchen, bath or the perfect accent piece
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNPearls of Wisdom From a Real-Life Kitchen Remodel
What your best friend would tell you if you were embarking on a renovation and she'd been there, done that
Full StoryCOASTAL STYLEHouzz Tour: One Beach Cottage, Hold the Cute
Beach clichés don’t pop up in this California waterfront home; refined ruggedness is the order of the day instead
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNSubway Tile Picks Up Gray Grout
Heading into darker territory, subway tile offers a graphic new look for kitchens, bathrooms and more
Full StoryPRODUCT PICKSGuest Picks: Pearls Come Out of Their Shells at Home
Scatter these pearl-inspired pieces around for shine, elegance and more than a bit of glam
Full StoryKITCHEN CABINETSHold Everything — Your White Kitchen Cabinets Just Got Better
These design moves will add even more to white kitchen cabinets’ appeal
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGN8 Top Tile Types for Your Kitchen Backsplash
Backsplash designs don't have to be set in stone; glass, mirror and mosaic tiles can create kitchen beauty in a range of styles
Full StoryTILEPep Up With Patchwork Tiles
Don't call them crazy — quilt-style tile patterns are bringing energy and playfulness to walls, countertops and even floors
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHow to Add a Kitchen Backsplash
Great project: Install glass, tile or another decorative material for a gorgeous and protective backsplash
Full Story
wi-sailorgirl