Why Not a Stainless Steel Backsplash

Steel has been used by mankind for over 5000 years, but is has not been until the last 100 years, that the steel alloy known as stainless steel has come into use. The first stainless steel patent was applied for between 1910 and 1911 by Philipp Monnartz and William Borchers in Germany and was marketed as rust less steel. Utensils were the first finished mas product made out of this new discovery. This high tensile corrosion resistant steel alloy is a combination of steel, chromium, and nickle, giving it a mirror like finish and amazing milling and shaping characteristics. However it has only been the last few years that stainless steel back splashes have become the star of modern kitchen décor.

There are approximately 13main different types of finishes depending on the original manufacture of stainless steel products, providing the texture, color, and shine to meet all needs. With the introduction of electro-polish came the infusion of color. There are over a dozen colors and patterns available from pastel to modern. Stainless steel can be etched, bead blasted, embossed pickled or plated. Stainless steel comes in a wide range of sheets, tiles, and or panels. A kitchen back splash has unlimited possibilities with the use of stainless steel. . A common practice of using peal and stick ceiling panels as a stainless steel back splash is the do it yourself dream. With a little basic knowledge, the right tools, and a properly treated surface, a new modern kitchen back splash can be accomplished.

Although stainless steel has been around for many years, it is a must have for any modern kitchen. The clean, shiny upscale design has been the largest selling appliance package finish in the United States for the last 25 years. A stainless steel backsplash adds a stylish restaurant flare to any kitchen. It provides a bright clean linear finish to any kitchen large or small. Stainless steel will reflect light and make smaller rooms appear larger. Stainless steel panels with built in storage shelves are available to customize a kitchen. Also some sheets and panels can be magnetized, allowing for additional customization. With the addition of patterns, panels can provide a much needed textured finish to any stainless steel backsplash. There are several finishes available from matte to high gloss.

It is always a good idea to have a visual of the changes you want to make in a room. Take a cheap shelf liner and tape to the wall that you want to add or change a back splash. Trim all the edges and mark all electrical. Once you can see what the change will look like, take down gently and use as a pattern for your know back splash.

Stainless steel reflects light very much like glass does. It can make a small room look bigger and will stand up to the harsher fluorescent light. Even if your are thinking of mixing up materials for your kitchen back splash, a well placed panel behind the stove of stainless steel can help with small spaces. If your kitchen has good natural light the reflection of the stainless steel provides an element throughout the daylight hours.

In discussing stainless steel, it must be said there is an art to cleaning the product. Weather you have appliances, a stainless steel backsplash, or a sink, there are 4 basic guidelines to use to keep the shiny polished finish.

• Stainless steel has a grain, just like wood. Find the grain and work with the grain at all times. Small dirt particles or grease can build up and bee missed if cleaned against the grain.
• Use a non abrasive cloth and small amount of every day dish washing soap and water. Preferred grease cutting dish washing soap works best. Gently clean with the grain and rinse with clear water.
• Dry completely with a non abrasive cloth.
• With a non abrasive cloth, polish with baby oil or a basic mineral oil.

There are some cleaning products specifically designed for stainless steel, and most provide grease cutting cleaner with a non streak finish. Keep in mind the clean shiny look you want does come with a little elbow grease.

To properly install a stainless steel backsplash, one must first decide on the design. A tile installation is different from panels or sheets. A trick to help you decide on your stainless steel backsplash décor is to take an inexpensive shelf paper and place on your walls. Make sure to trim and cut the edges to fit exactly. Take a look around your kitchen and make sure you will be happy with the finished look. Gently take the shelf paper of your walls and use as your template for your design material. Keep in mind if you took the care of making the pattern it will work, even if the walls are not straight.