How to Install an Acrylic Splashback: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK DIYers

Author : Perfect Splashbacks | Published On : 25 Aug 2026

Fitting an acrylic splashback is a job most UK DIYers can do in an afternoon. You clean the wall, apply adhesive, press the panel on, and seal the edges.

If you want to know how to install a splashback in detail, this guide walks through every step, so you get a clean, professional finish the first time.

Before You Start: What You Will Need

Good preparation makes the whole job smoother, so gather everything first. An acrylic splashback fits best onto a clean, flat, dry wall, so check the surface before you begin. Order your panel cut to size with any socket cut-outs already done, since cutting acrylic at home risks cracking it.

You will need a few basic tools and materials:

Your acrylic panel, cut to size with cut-outs
A suitable splashback adhesive
Neutral-cure silicone for the edges
A tape measure, spirit level, and clean cloth
Masking tape to hold the panel while it sets

An acrylic cut to size panel arrives ready to fit, which removes the hardest part of the job. With everything ready, the installation itself is straightforward.

Step 1: Measure and Check the Fit

Hold the panel against the wall before applying any adhesive. Use a spirit level along the top edge to check it sits level and covers the area you need. Mark the wall lightly if you need a positioning guide.

This dry run catches any problem before the adhesive goes on. Confirm the cut-outs line up with your sockets and switches. It is far easier to adjust now than once the panel is stuck.

Step 2: Prepare the Wall

A clean, flat wall is what makes the panel bond well. Wipe the wall free of grease, dust, and old adhesive, then let it dry fully. Fill any dents or holes, since acrylic shows a lumpy wall through the surface.

For a painted wall, make sure the paint is sound and not flaking. Many DIYers fitting kitchen splashbacks find the wall prep takes longer than the fixing itself.

Step 3: Apply the Splashback Adhesive

Use a splashback adhesive suited to bonding acrylic to your wall. Apply it in evenly spaced dabs across the back of the panel, not in one solid layer. Keep the adhesive back from the edges, so none squeezes out when you press the panel on.

A non-solvent adhesive is essential, since solvent-based products can damage acrylic. Check the adhesive is right for acrylic before you start. Even coverage stops the panel bowing away from the wall later.

Step 4: Fix the Panel to the Wall

Press the panel onto the wall, lining it up with your marks. Push firmly and evenly across the whole surface, so every dab of adhesive makes contact. This is the core of how to fix a splashback to the wall securely.

Hold the panel in place with masking tape while the adhesive sets. Check that it is level one last time before you leave it. A white acrylic sheet cut to size or any colour bonds the same way, so the method stays identical.

Step 5: Seal the Edges

Once the adhesive has set, seal the panel edges with neutral-cure silicone. Run a thin, even bead along the bottom and sides where the panel meets the worktop and walls. This keeps water and grease from getting behind the panel.

Smooth the silicone with a wet finger for a clean line. Neutral-cure silicone suits acrylic, since some silicones can react with the surface. Let it cure fully before using the area.

Step 6: Fit an Upstand if Needed

An upstand covers the join where the worktop meets the wall. A matching upstand in the same acrylic gives a seamless, finished look along the back of the counter. Fit it the same way, with adhesive and a silicone seal.

This step is optional, but it lifts the finish considerably. The upstand hides any small gap at the worktop join. Match it to your splashback for a consistent look.

A Note on Hob Clearance

Acrylic softens near high heat, so keep the panel clear of a direct gas flame. Behind an induction or electric hob, leave a small clearance as your supplier advises. For a gas hob, fit a glass or heat-resistant panel directly behind the flame, with acrylic on either side.

FAQs

Can I fit a splashback myself?

Yes, an acrylic splashback cut to size is designed for straightforward DIY fitting. You bond it with adhesive and seal the edges, with no professional tools needed.

What tools do I need to fit a splashback?

You need adhesive, neutral-cure silicone, a tape measure, a spirit level, and a cloth. Use masking tape to hold the panel while the adhesive sets.

What is the best way to install an acrylic splashback?

Clean and flatten the wall, apply adhesive in dabs, then press and level the panel. Seal the edges with silicone once the adhesive has set.

Can an acrylic splashback go in a bathroom?

Yes, acrylic suits bathroom splashbacks behind basins and around baths. It resists steam and splashes and fits the same way as in a kitchen.