How To Cut Glass Tile?

The first and foremost step is one of the most critical steps of this entire process. The required number of tiles depends upon the space available. You have to carefully measure the area and also the size of the tiles you wish to buy. Mostly, glass tiles are placed in the backsplash of the kitchens and bathrooms. 

The glass tiles are very versatile, and this trait makes it suitable for many places in the home as well as can be used in several other ways. But you have to get precise measurements of the space and buy the tiles accordingly.

The glass tiles are available at the local home improvement stores. It is recommended to buy additional 5% tiles than required. This is because there is always a possibility of errors during the installation process. In case you want to deal with the backsplash, then try to buy an extra 10% glass tiles.

After buying the tiles of the required shape, colors, and size, you have to read the instructions manual. The glass tiles come with the instructions manual from the manufacturer and guidelines for the installation. You have to read and follow the given directions thoroughly.

In those details, you will find the thickness of the glass tiles and also the tool suitable for cutting glass tile. You may again come across a particular technique to get the perfect results. 

In case you are facing difficulties, then you can contact the carpenter or professional workers to help you in this particular job. You can also contact the manufacturer directly to gain further information.

This step is an extension of the second step. In the instructions manual, you will find the details about the features and quality of the tiles. These details mention the shape, size, colors, and other things as well. If you find some deviations in the feature specified, then it is normal and is expected most of the time. For example, sheet mosaic tiles are formed from a mixture of glass, ceramic, and metal tiles.

However, it is better to inspect the consistency and quality of the tiles before installing them. In the meantime, you should also check for any breakage or defect in the tiles. It is advised to check the glass tiles covered with paper or foil more carefully. This is because it is hard to spot the defects in such kinds of tiles until it is installed. 

Cutting glass tiles is not an easy task and can cause several injuries. This is because small pieces of glass are discharged while you cut the glass tile. This creates a possible safety threat. To get protection, you should wear safety equipment before starting the work with tiles.

You have to wear safety goggles while cutting the tiles. This will protect your eyes from the glass pieces and causing injury to them. You can also go for the leather gloves for the safety of your hands from glass fragments. The gloves will also act as safeguards against the very sharp edges of the glass tile.  

In this step, you have to begin the cutting process. You have to buy a nipper, also known as ’tile nibblers,’ for cutting the small-format tiles such as 4mm mosaic tiles. They have very sharp tips making them suitable for this job. You can purchase a nipper with tiny carbide wheels attached to its ends. The wheels play a vital role in getting the perfect cuts on the glass tile. It makes it possible for you to check the amount of force and apply only the required amount. This prevents the glass from breakage and other damages.

The nippers do not provide accurate results and not suitable for the areas where the tile is properly visible. You can use it for those tiles which are either installed around pipes or edges along walls. The nippers can be used for other tasks also. You can perform the detailed works such as cutting the portion around the pipes, trimming activities, and breaking pieces of scored tile. It is suitable for these works also and provides satisfying results.

In case you want to create a larger and straight edge-to-edge cut on a 4mm tile, then you have to arrange a glass scoring tool and a straight edge or ruler. The primary use of the scoring tool is to provide a minute cut on the glass tile and support a clean break.

You can prefer to buy a glass scoring tool with carbide or diamond cutting wheels. This will provide precise scratches to the glass. This tool creates a broken line. Then you have to use the cutter of the tool and apply the pressure with your hand to break the tile along the marked line. This is how this tool works, and itself does not cut glass tile into pieces.

In this step, you have to mark the cut line on the glass tile. For getting perfect cuts, proper measurement and cut lines are essential. In cutting the glass tiles, you have to remain careful while marking this line. This is because any mistake in this thing will affect the results or may even damage the tile. You need to work differently, if you want to cut in a circle.

You need a straight edge or ruler and a non-permanent marker for creating the cut line. This is important to create a clear and precise line. It has to remain visible while accomplishing the task. Also, marking the cut line is better for achieving the perfect results. You have to make sure that this cut line must cover the entire tile from one edge to another edge.

Now, you have to score the tile with the glass scoring tool. You have to use this tool for making scratches on the surface of the glass tile. You can place the straight edge next to the line while working with the tool. This will provide greater accuracy. 

You have first to place the scoring tool tilt at the proper angle and then apply pressure over the cut line. You have to press a little harder to make a visible scratch over the line. Always use the right amount of pressure because pushing too hard may damage the glass.

The last step involves the breaking of the tile along the cut line. For this, you need to place your thumbs on each side of the line. Start applying an equal amount of pressure on both sides of the score. Then, with your wrists, make a quick motion. This will break the tile precisely along the cut line. At last, pull the tile apart until it gets crack and breaks into two pieces.

However, there are a few chances that you may not be able to perform this thing with your hands only. Then, you have to use a tool to accomplish this thing. You can use a piece of wire or some thin object. Place that thing beneath the score-line and apply the pressure from both the sides to snap the tile into pieces. You can repeat the entire process for other cuts also and if you want to make other small pieces of the glass tile.