DIY Network

Kitchen Restoration: Metal Laminate Backsplash From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-206

Host Kevin Tetz starts the kitchen restoration by covering the dirty walls with a metal laminate backsplash, much like the new Airstream models. The laminate is installed using construction glue, yet also riveted into place to create the classic '70 Airstream look.

Many newer Airstream models utilize aluminum kitchen features...

and industrial treatments, so the same is being done for the project trailer.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Installing the Kitchen Backsplash

Note: Kevin decided to go with a brush aluminum look (figure A) with a protective film that will be removed once the backsplash is installed.

1. Create a paper template with all the measurements so they can be traced onto the aluminum laminate backsplash.

   Note: You can use a variety of tools, but Kevin uses metal shears.

2. Line up the inside edge of the shear with the cut line and begin cutting the pattern out on the aluminum.

3. Use a rotary tool to cut out interior holes such the AC outlet (figure B). Cut the backsplash out all as one piece.

4. Apply construction adhesive to the center and edges of the backsplash area. Then spread the adhesive out to a thin layer.

   Tip: Be sure to apply adhesive around any cut-out areas such as the window and around the electrical outlet.

5. After placing the backsplash where it needs to go, measure and mark the rivet pattern and drill the hole for the first rivet.

6. Insert the rivet gun with the rivet in place and snap the gun until the rivet pops into place. Continue along the pattern and installing the rivets.

   Note: The rivets provide a more secure fit for the backsplash and give it a nice aesthetic touch (figure C) that duplicates the outside of the Airstream.

7. Remove the plastic covering on the outside of the aluminum.

Figure D

Working With Rivets (Web Extra)

• When installing rivets through aluminum, always choose aluminum rivets--as opposed to steel, stainless or other material, which will cause corrosion in the aluminum shell.

• If the rivet gun doesn't completely snap off the mandrel, use a rotary tool to remove it (figure D).

• Choose a rivet that matches the diameter of the hole and the thickness of the material.

• Rivets come in various diameters (usually 1/8" to 3/16") to match the size hole being riveted. Airstream rivets are usually 1/8".

• Rivets also come in various "grip ranges," determined by the thickness of the two pieces that are being joined--typically 1/16" to 5/8". The grip range is not the overall length of the rivet, which includes the mandrel.

• Like a bolt, measure from the underside of the rivet head to the end of the rivet body for the length. Then factor in that the rivet is pulled to expand at the end so the length will need to be longer than the actual thickness of the materials. A good rule of thumb is to add 1/8" to the actual thickness of the material. For instance, a 1/2" rivet will work for material that is 3/8" thick.

• Most rivet packages have grip ranges printed on them.

In the next segment Kevin constructs and installs a new kitchen countertop.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Marielle Pull-Out Faucet
Dave Carter & Associates, Inc.
Corp. Office
3530 SW 7th St.
Ocala, FL 34474
Phone: 352-732-2992
Fax: 352-732-6950
Website: www.davecarter.com
OR
Price Pfister
19701 Da Vinci
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Toll-free: 800-732-8238

Gas-Electric Refrigerator and Built-In Microwave
Dometic USA
PO Box 490
2320 Industrial Pkwy.
Elkhart, Indiana 46516
Phone: 574 294-2511
Fax: 574 2939 686
Website: www.dometicusa.com

Black Enamel Drop-In Cooktop
Suburban Manufacturing
PO Box 399
676 Broadway St.
Dayton, TN 37321
Phone: 423-775-2131
Fax: 423-775-7015

Water Filter System and Sink Faucet
Hydro Life, Inc.
503 Maple St.
Bristol, IN 46507
Toll-free: 800-626-7130
Fax: 574-848-1400
Website: www.hydrolife.com

Brushed Aluminum Laminate Backsplash
Wilsonart International, Inc.
2400 Wilson Place
PO Box 6110
Temple, TX 76503-6110
Toll-free: 800-433-3222

Formica Laminate Countertop (Boomerang Pattern)
BarsandBooths.com Inc.
200 West Washington St.
Charles Town, WV 25414
Toll-free: 800-507-7632
Fax: 304-728-8465
Website: www.barsandbooths.com

Rippled Face Molding in Satin Aluminum
Outwater Plastics
4 Passaic St.
PO Drawer 403
Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075
Toll-free: 800-631-8375

GUESTS :

Jeff Grigg
Master Plumber
4621 Ellistown Rd.
Phone: 865-689-3999
Knoxville, TN 37924