I live in a small one bedroom apartment that needed a little pick me up.  I have been there for about a year now and have noticed that when I cook sometimes food manages to get on the wall that the stove is next to.  I won’t even get into a rant about putting a wall directly next to a stove taking away space and cooking room.  I wanted to use the 1005 Design decorative metal backsplashes but just couldn’t for the obvious reason of, “I want my security deposit back”.   I remembered that awhile back when I started as an intern we were playing around with the idea of a temporary installation using magnets.  This DIY temporary installation approach works out perfectly for me so I went ahead and did it.  And here is how…

How To Install A Temporary Metal Backsplash (DIY Style)

What you need

Decorative backsplash panels (I used 3)

Magnets (as thin as you can find)

Scissors

Ruler

Utility knife

Installing the Backsplash

I followed the installation steps on the instruction sheet with the minor change of not using construction adhesive.  You will also notice I didn’t use the trim (I just didn’t find it necessary).  Installing the backsplash was really easy and only took about 30 to 40 minutes.

So like i said the installation was really easy, here are the steps I took:

1. Measure wall
2. Cut panels to size
3. Wipe down wall
4. Apply magnets to the decorative panels
5. Apply panels to the wall

The amount of magnets that you use is dependent on the strength of the magnet.  I started out by  cutting the sheet of magnet into small squares (the smaller the spot on the wall the better when it comes time to move ).  The magnet I used had adhesive on one side for application which made my life easier.  I applied one square on each corner and gave it a partner to match that would later be applied to wall.

I applied the first piece to the wall and it worked like a charm!  I had to flip the panel to align the pattern with the other wall’s panel so it is a good thing those magnets allow me to make a change.

The other two panels went up just as easy and I think it is a great addition to my apartment’s kitchen! Don’t you?

Of course with any DIY project there are some pros and cons.  I love the new look and it will be so easy to take them down and spackle any damage the adhesive from the magnet did to wall.  There is not a lot of activity in my apartment so i am not worried about them getting hit and falling (but that might be a concern for others).  A easy fix for that would be more magnet power.  I am just thrilled I can now take my all purpose cleaning wipes and easily wipe the backsplash instead of rubbing paint off the walls!

 

Before & After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this blog post has inspired you to make your apartment a unique reflection of you instead of a white space with stuff.  HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! Do you have any DIY projects planned?