Fitting a back-painted glass splashback

Updated on 29 October 2026

Blue back-painted glass splashback fitted in a kitchen

Fitting tips for a back-painted glass wall splashback

Please read this entire page before fitting your splashback.

For bonded installation, the wall must be perfectly clean and degreased.
If your splashback is more than 1.20 m long, make sure there are at least two people to fit it.
To avoid weakening your splashback, never stand it on its edge, especially on a hard floor (tiles, for example).

Important

For bonded installation, the glass guarantee only applies if you use the special back-painted glass adhesive that we recommend before you confirm your order.
Back-painted glass has a white opaque film on the back. This film protects the paint and ensures the glass is fully opaque. Never try to remove it: the paint would come off and the final result would show holes or scratches.

Fitting steps

Follow these 11 steps in order, from receiving the parcel to checking the bond.

Opening the parcel and checking the corners of the splashback before signing the delivery note

1. Check the splashback on delivery

Checking on delivery, before signing, is essential: you must open the parcel and methodically check the surfaces and corners of your splashback. We provide 100% insurance cover on delivery.

Signing the delivery note releases the carrier from all liability: it proves to the insurer that you have accepted the parcel in good condition. No insurance claim can be made if the note has been signed without a valid reservation.

If there is a problem, keep the intact glass and refuse the damaged pieces by writing "broken glass" on the delivery note. We handle the entire claim: you have nothing else to do and you will receive a new piece within about a fortnight.

Splashback protected by blue foam, white film on the back not to be removed

2. Unpack without removing the white film

When you open the parcel, you will find the splashback protected around its edges by blue foam.

The back of back-painted glass is protected by an opaque white film. Never try to peel it off: it protects the paint.

Packaging box unfolded on the floor to protect the work area

3. Protect your work area

Unfold the packaging box on the floor: it protects your work area and lets you lay the splashback on it without risk of damage.

Splashback laid white film side up on the cardboard, then held against the wall for a trial fit

4. Lay the splashback face down and do a trial fit

Lay your splashback on the cardboard, back face up: for back-painted glass, the opaque white film is therefore on top. This film may have a few air bubbles or scratches, which have no effect on fitting. It protects the paint and prevents the glass from being see-through, which allows invisible fixing by bonding. Do not remove it under any circumstances: you will apply the adhesive directly onto this film.

Before applying adhesive, hold the splashback against the wall to check that everything is fine and that nothing is in the way (taps, sockets, hob…).

Zigzag beads of adhesive about 10 cm apart on the white film, with no closed shapes

5. Apply adhesive in spaced beads

Apply the adhesive in small beads about 10 cm apart, without getting too close to the edges and without ever creating a closed shape: air must be able to escape during bonding. For example, you can apply the adhesive in zigzags, as shown in the diagram.

Wall cleaned, dusted and degreased with a sponge, no adhesive on the wall

6. Prepare the wall, without applying adhesive to it

There is no need to apply adhesive to the wall. Just make sure the fitting surface is clean, dust-free and degreased.

Splashback pressed against the wall with both hands and adjusted into position

7. Position the splashback on the wall

Position your splashback on the wall. You have time to adjust it properly: the adhesive is not a "contact" adhesive.

Hands pressing on the splashback in circular motions, stack of books to hold it in place

8. Press firmly in circular motions

Press firmly on the splashback using circular motions: the adhesive spreads properly and ensures a good hold.

You can hold the splashback in place while it dries with a stack of dictionaries propped against the glass. This is a good precaution for large panels or for walls that are not perfectly vertical.

Splashback held in place by stacks of books during 24 hours of drying

9. Leave to dry without disturbing the splashback

Respect the drying time recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. During this time, the splashback must stay in place without being disturbed, for optimum adhesion.

With the adhesive we offer (DOWSIL™ 799), you can generally allow 24 hours before removing the supports. Always check that the adhesive has set properly before removing any support, or you risk damaging your installation.

Supports removed and pressure applied to the corners of the splashback to check the bond

10. Check the bond

Once the drying time has elapsed, carefully remove the supports and check how firmly it has bonded. If necessary, press again on any areas that seem less well bonded and wait a little longer.

Photo of the fitted splashback taken on a phone and sent from the customer account

11. Share a photo of your splashback

Feel free to send us a photo of your splashback from your customer account ("My account"). With your permission, we will be happy to feature it on our website.