If you’re looking for a way to improve the look of your kitchen without spending a lot of money, stainless steel may be the right material for you. This corrosion-resistant metal is hard to scratch, durable, and will look great in almost any kitchen. Here’s how to install a stainless steel backsplash. First, prepare the wall area. Apply construction adhesive, if necessary. After the adhesive dries, align the stainless sheet on it. Use a rag or a tile float to smooth the sheet. If the backsplash is a tile, you may need to prop it in place until the adhesive has set. If the sheet is not glued to the wall, remove the protective plastic.
Stainless steel is hard and corrosion-resistant
Stainless steel is a low carbon steel that contains chromium at a percentage of 10 percent or higher. This alloy resists oxidation and forms a corrosion-resistant chromium oxide layer when exposed to oxygen. The additional elements added to the steel also contribute to the alloy’s high corrosion-resistance. Stainless steel is categorized into four classes. For aerospace and aircraft applications, it is used for its corrosion-resistant properties.
It is important to note that peel and stick stainless steel backsplash is harder than carbon steel, which is one of the cheapest metals. Carbon steel is less resistant to corrosion and must be periodically repainted. In marine environments, stainless steel needs to be coated with a protective layer of zinc, which prevents the iron within the steel from oxidizing. Carbon steel is the most common metal used for wrought iron and fencing. Medium-carbon steel is largely used for construction projects. High-carbon steel is used for coils and steel wire. It is also ideal for cutting tools and heavy-duty cutting edges.
Easy to clean
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for a backsplash in your kitchen, but you may be wondering how to clean it. The good news is that it is relatively easy. Here are some simple cleaning tips. To start, you should dampen a microfiber cloth with olive oil or vinegar and rub the surface in the direction of the grain. You can also use dish soap and water to clean stainless steel. Be sure to wipe the area dry afterward, but remember not to apply abrasive material to it as this could scratch the surface.
A mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda can be used to clean a stainless steel backsplash. Apply it to the areas that need cleaning. Avoid using abrasives, steel wool, or other household cleaners with chlorine. If possible, try using distilled or filtered H2O instead. For extra-easy cleaning, you can also purchase stainless steel cleaner. This solution can remove water streaks and fingerprints that may be embedded on your backsplash.
Durability
When compared to other materials, stainless steel is the most durable for a backsplash. However, there are a few drawbacks to using this material. For example, it expands when heated, so if you use it in your kitchen, it will eventually loosen from the wall. Then, when you use hot items on the stove, it may be prone to ripping and detaching from the wall. However, this issue is limited to commercial gas appliances and not residential ones.
Stainless steel is also easier to clean than stone or marble. You can simply scrub the surface of the backsplash once in a while with mild detergent and water. However, you must remember that acidic substances can damage the material quickly. You should also avoid using scouring powder or steel wool on it. It will also damage the finish. Stainless steel is an excellent backsplash material that is both attractive and durable. It is also affordable compared to other materials like stone and ceramic tiles.
Easy to install
You can mount stainless backsplashes yourself, using the mounting holes that were provided with the sheet. The first step in installing a stainless backsplash is to check for electricity. If you can see a blue light from a nearby socket, you can connect the two ends of the strip and then tighten the screws. You can see if the wires are live by using a voltage detector, such as the Fluke 1AC A1 II.
Stainless steel comes in a wide range of sheet thicknesses. Typically, 0.030 to 0.036 inches is used in backsplashes. You can get thicker stainless steel, but it will cost you more and will require you to have a flat wall and repair any dents. In addition, you may need to create a supporting cleat to prevent it from sagging or bending.
Inexpensive
The benefits of stainless steel make it an ideal choice for a backsplash. The materials are highly stain-resistant and easy to clean. Stainless steel is a nonporous surface, which means it lacks gaps or pores that can harbor bacteria. The cost of stainless steel tile is also fairly low. Stainless steel backsplashes can be installed using tile adhesive. If you are not comfortable with cutting stainless steel tiles yourself, you can opt for a faux stainless steel tile option. Stainless steel tile backsplashes are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and textures.
Conclusion
Another major benefit of stainless steel is that it is inexpensive and can be used to make a modern, minimalist backsplash. It mimics the look of chrome and can be paired with other metals such as brass and chrome. Since the kitchen is one of the cleanest rooms in the house, stainless steel is the ideal choice for this area. Besides being cheap and easy to install, stainless steel backsplashes will last for decades and require no special care.
