A few weeks ago we wrote a blog about 5 Kitchen Backsplash Ideas We Love. In this blog we shared a few awesome examples of creative backsplashes. One of these ideas, Copper Penny backsplashes, took us by surprise and we decided for our next blog, we’d share a little “how-to” on installing your own copper penny backsplash.

Installing a copper penny backsplash is very similar to installing a mosaic tile backsplash; the only difference is the pennies are not already mounted on the mosaic mounting sheets.
Items you’ll need:

• New Pennies
• Clear Mosaic Mounting Sheets
• Notched Trowel
• Metal Cutting Snips
• Waterproof Tile Grout
• Rubber Tile Float
• Damp Sponge
• Waterproof Tile Mastic
• Cloth
• Non-Toxic Grout Sealant
• Tape Measure

Step 1: Wall Prep

Like any backsplash tile project you will need to prep your walls by wiping them down with a damp rag and allowing time for it to dry.

Step 2: Measure Walls

Measure the length and width of your backsplash area and then determine how many pennies you’ll need to complete your project.

Step 3: Prep Clear Mosaic Mounting Sheets

Since new pennies are being used for this tutorial there’s no need to wash the pennies beforehand. You can start to prep your clear mosaic mounting sheets by cutting them into 12” by 12” sheets.

Step 4: Arranging Your Pennies

Once you’ve cut your mosaic sheets into 12” by 12” sheets, start arranging the pennies on the sheet. You can lay them out simply or create a design of your choosing.

Step 5: Apply Water Proof Tile Mastic

After you’ve prepped your pennies on the mosaic mounting sheets, it’s time to start preparing your wall with the waterproof tile mastic. Use your notched trowel at a 45-degree angle to apply the mastic, and remember to work in small sections of no more than 3” by 3” or the mastic will dry before you get to the end.

Step 6: Apply Pennies To Wall

Press the penny mosaic mounting sheets onto the tile mastic with the clear side facing you.  Allow the mastic to dry overnight and then remove the clear mosaic mounting sheets from the surface of the pennies.

Step 7: Fill In The Spaces

If you have any spaces you need to fill, use your metal cutting snips to cut half pennies to fill in the gaps. Apply a small amount of mastic to the back of each half penny and adhere it to the wall. Be sure to leave enough time for it to dry before moving to the next step.

Step 8: Mix And Apply Tile Grout

Mix the waterproof tile grout according to the directions on the bag. Using your rubber float, apply a layer of grout diagonally across the pennies at a 45-degree angle. In approximately 30 minutes the grout will harden and you can then use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess grout, and allow it to completely dry.

Step 9: Apply Non-Toxic Sealer

Once the grout is completely dry, begin wiping down the pennies again with a damp sponge and use a cloth to polish the pennies. After the pennies are dry, apply the non-toxic grout sealant and allow it to dry.

Do you think after reading this tutorial you’ll be able to give this a try? Leave us a comment and let us know.