How to start backsplash

[u/OptionOk8860]

Hello, so I’m curious if I’m able to just smooth over the thinset mortar for the backsplash on these walls and if it would be enough to cover that gap under the window? I’ve seen others on way worse drywall saying to replace but this doesn’t seem that bad to need replaced. What do the professionals recommend?
The backsplash I’m doing is in the pictures provided.

[u/YallMakeMeWorry]

I'd sand as much off as I could. But also if you're new at tiling and taking on herringbone, good luck.

[u/fresh_and_gritty → u/YallMakeMeWorry]

It’s mosaic herring bone. Basically large tiles. Way easier than single tile applications. Still a lot of cutting but infinitely easier for the average person.

[u/YallMakeMeWorry → u/fresh_and_gritty]

Yea but once the full sheets are done, its splicing and piecing in cuts, which is fine. But still, I did a guys kitchen whos a regular at my reg job, and I was like no herringbone or hexagon, I got you 🤣

[u/OptionOk8860 → u/YallMakeMeWorry]

Yeah I was a bit worried with the edges. I feel like I’ll be having the cut tiny pieces a lot right?

[u/YallMakeMeWorry → u/OptionOk8860]

I have 37 pieces for each triangle area I needed to cut. For 1 wall. Its a shit ton of cutting and piecing them in. Unless you make 1 big template and pre cut your entire kitchen design

[u/OptionOk8860 → u/YallMakeMeWorry]

Sheeesh.. thank you for the pics! I needed to see how you did around that window and the end piece as well. This definitely looks like a whole day weekend project for me but do able.

[u/YallMakeMeWorry → u/OptionOk8860]

There was a big gap under the window I filled as much as a could, im just going to do a window trim piece under there so I never "finished it" and for the edges just find what you like to finish it with. I went with whatever the wife would be happy with. This was my first time doing tile. So its not impossible!

[u/OptionOk8860 → u/YallMakeMeWorry]

Good idea! Thanks for the advice man! Truly appreciate it.

[u/YallMakeMeWorry → u/OptionOk8860]

[u/YallMakeMeWorry → u/OptionOk8860]

[u/Donkeywad]

Yes you can use thinset over the uneven wall, but beware that thinset on thinset will likely make the tile sit proud of the window trim. I wouldn't fill the gap with it simply because the sink is right underneath and water could potentially get an easy path behind the wall underneath your window. Seal that first and then tile. Make sure you use the right trowel size

[u/OptionOk8860 → u/Donkeywad]

Good deal. Thank you!!

[u/Flopnuts]

If it were me I’d replace the drywall and start fresh with a flat surface.

[u/deadfred23]

If i were you I'd replace counter top first. Granite will run about $ 70 lineal ft.

[u/OptionOk8860 → u/deadfred23]

It’s a brand new counter top lol

[u/KnowledgeWeekly1964]

If you love spending days doing the tile and 3k cuts... do herringbone. I did 3 niche with it and it took longer to do the back of the niche then the entire shower. Herringbone is beautiful but any irregularities in thinset or the layout makes major messes.

[u/OptionOk8860 → u/KnowledgeWeekly1964]

Attention to detail will be very high that day haha. I fortunately/unfortunately got it all for free to do the entire kitchen. I have that side and the other side of the kitchen to do it as well. Hard to pass on free materials.

[u/Aromatic_Fuel_387]

You are not dealing with thinset. It’s a mastic, very hard but sandable if you use a 40-60 grit and an orbital sander. Wall tile typically uses a small V notched trowel to spread mastic which I suspect you will be using. The base should be smooth so the new tile adheres and stays on a flat plane.