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Back to the bathroom project. If you missed the earlier post where we began removing the dated tree-pattern border tile from our bathroom, here’s a refresher and a detailed walk-through of installing a new clear glass subway tile border.
Exhibit A: the original tree-tile border that ran around all four walls of the bathroom. It was visually busy and felt dated, so we decided a sleek glass border would refresh the room without replacing all of the existing tile.
Exhibit B: after some careful Dremel work and prying with a screwdriver, the old border came off. Demo was straightforward since it was only a narrow trim band, but it still required patience to avoid damaging the surrounding tile.
Exhibit C: the replacement — a box of clear glass subway tiles (Glass Snow). We chose glass subway tile for its clean, glossy appearance and the way it reflects light, brightening the room. The tiles we used are backed with an opaque film so thinset lines don’t show through, yet they retain a clear, glassy look.
This wasn’t our first tiling job, so the project promised to be simple. We already owned most of the tools and accessories, so the main purchases were a container of thinset mortar and a thinset admixture to mix it into a workable consistency. Both were readily available at a local tile shop.
We mixed a small batch of thinset mortar and admixture in a bucket using a trowel until it reached a spackle-like consistency — thick but spreadable, similar to heavy pancake batter. At first it looked a bit thick in the photo, but we continued mixing until it was right for use.
Because the trim band is narrow, we used the same trowel we mixed with to apply thinset to the wall. We then combed the thinset with the grooved edge of a small notched trowel to create even ridges. Those grooves help the tiles bond to the wall and ensure consistent coverage.
Placing the tiles was quick and satisfying. With no complex leveling required, we pressed the tiles into the grooved thinset and used 1/8″ rubber spacers to maintain uniform grout lines. Because our glass tile has an opaque backing, we didn’t have to worry about thinset showing through.
We repeated this process around all four walls, mixing fresh thinset as needed. Some corners required cutting tiles. For straight cuts we used a manual tile cutter, scoring the glass and snapping it cleanly along the score line. For an awkward notch around a light switch we set up a wet saw to make the precise corner cut. The wet saw cuts weren’t perfect, but the light switch cover will conceal any small imperfections.
From pulling out supplies to finishing tile placement, the whole install fit into two of Clara’s two-hour naps. Demo took one nap and tiling took another — this is the kind of small, efficient DIY we like. We let the thinset cure fully overnight before grouting.
The following day we grouted. We debated grout color to best match the existing tile and, happily, found leftover grout labeled “Antique White” from the previous owners. While we might have chosen pure white or soft gray for glass tile, matching the existing grout in the room mattered more, so we used the Antique White to maintain a cohesive look.
We mixed the leftover grout with a grout admixture and applied it with a grout float, pressing it firmly into the joints. After letting it set for a few minutes we wiped away excess grout from the tile surfaces with a damp sponge, leaving clean grout lines. Grouting took about 45 minutes.
After letting the grout cure fully, we sealed the grout lines the next day to protect against moisture and staining. We applied grout sealer with a sponge, wiped off excess, and allowed it to dry. We also added caulk in the shower corners for a watertight finish. The entire project — demo, tiling, grouting, sealing, and caulking — took roughly 6 hours spread over a few days.
The new glass subway tile border reflects light beautifully, making the bathroom feel fresher and less busy than the tree motif it replaced. The clear glass picks up subtle tones from the nearby artwork and the blue pendant light, so the border ties into the room’s palette despite being transparent.
Photos don’t entirely capture the gleam and texture of clear glass tile, especially when it’s wet and tiny droplets highlight the tile’s clarity. Seeing it in person makes a bigger impression.
Budget breakdown:
- Clear glass subway tile (Glass Snow): $50
- Thinset mortar and thinset admixture: $28
- Small trowel and tile spacers: $6
- TOTAL COST: $84
We also bought a Dremel Multimax with a grout head for $130, which brings the project total to $214 if you include new tools. The Dremel has already been useful for other projects, so it felt worth the investment for our tool collection.
This project was a great example of a small, high-impact bathroom update that fits into short windows of time. It refreshed the space, complemented existing finishes, and didn’t require replacing all the tile. Have any bathroom updates or tiling projects going on in your home?
To follow this bathroom refresh from the beginning, see our earlier planning, paint, lighting, art, trim, toilet, and pre-tiling posts on the blog.