Best Way To Cut Glass Tile

I have seen and read different posts and threads from DIY'ers wondering how to cut glass tiles?



Words from a pro, "wet saw".



Depending upon the size of tile there are some things that can make cutting glass tile treacherous and very difficult.



Here are some facts you should know about cutting glass tile. If you use a high speed cutting tool like a diamond blade angle grinder, Dremmel, RotoZip or other device without cooling and lubrication, the glass will get hot upon cutting and explode, for lack of a better explanation. Dry cutting glass does not work if you are tying to make a long cut. The glass will heat up and blow out or crack the length of the tile. You will have a very difficult time of it and destroy a lot of material in the process. Yes, you can grind down edges a bit, but cutting glass in the case of Mosaic Glass requires a wet saw.



"Trust me, I have tried it all".



When you have 1x2 inch or 1x1 inch tiles embedded on a 1 foot square sheet as you see it mostly, and you need to cut down the length of a sheet or many, a wet saw and a flat deck is the way to go. Different backing on the Mosaic Glass Tile can make the job easy or miserable. If you buy Glass Mosaic on a paper backing God help you. The minute that gets wet when using a wet saw your tile begins to fall apart. I have even installed Glass Mosaic that had both paper and a fiberglass mesh. The paper just was installed under the fiberglass and it fell apart.



The best and easiest Glass Mosaic to cut will have just the fiberglass mesh. So if you are looking for glass tile, look for the fiberglass backed mesh only.



When you really think about it, regular ceramic tile has a glass surface. Porcelain is a kind of glass as well. But, solid glass has a characteristic all it's own and will display difficulty when you try to slice it down. This becomes important when cutting around switch and power outlet boxes in kitchen backsplashes. Going into corners in a backsplash may require some long cuts so having the right equipment is important.



Here is a tip, if you are installing glass tile, glue up all the field tile first. That is all the whole pieces you can install leaving out space around the switch and outlet locations. Then, you can rent a wet saw for 1/2 a day to just make your cuts. Even a $60.00 Harbor Freight, HD, or Lowes Eel Cheapo flat deck wet saw can do a superb job on glass.



When cutting glass tile use eye protection please. Use a brush to wipe away the small glass bits of debris that tend to hang out on the wet saw deck. Use your fingers and suffer the consequences. Glass is one of the most difficult slivers to get rid of.



I really like some of the new glass that has been trending lately but my affection for new and unique is tempered by the difficulty in crafting the material to fit the job. Each type of glass is different, but make your life easier by enlisting a wet saw to cut your tile. If you have a huge job with a lot of glass, then there are Glass Tile Wet Saw Blades designed for that purpose.



So, take it from someone who traverses the glass tile path a couple times a month if not more. Installing glass tile? use a wet saw.