Putting in a new backsplash will always be effective in transforming a space, but tiling is one of those home improvement projects that takes a tremendous amount of time, patience, and money – especially if you’ve never done it before.
Luckily, peel and stick tiles are making that backsplash or bathroom accent you have your eye on much more pleasant to put up. Peel and stick tiles are usually intended for backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms, but they can also be added to walls in other rooms as a pop of color or as an accent. Most often they’re used as an easy and cost-efficient way to enhance existing features in a space, as regular tiling can be time-consuming and expensive.
- What to Look for in a Peel and Stick Backsplash
- Top 10 Best Peel and Stick Tiles 2023
- 1. Best Overall Peel and Stick Tile: Art3d Peel and Stick Wall Tile
- 2. Best Premium Peel and Stick Tile: BEAUSTILE Decorative Tile Stickers
- 3. Best Bathroom Backsplash: LONGKING Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile Stickers
- 4. Best Budget Peel and Stick Tile: Art3d 10-Sheet Peel and Stick Tile
- 5. Best Kitchen Backsplash: Art3d Kitchen Backsplash Tiles
- 6. Easiest Backsplash to Install: In Home Tuscan Peel & Stick Backsplash Tiles
- 7. Most Eco-Friendly Tiles: Tic Tac Tiles 10-Sheet Peel and Stick
- 8. Easiest Peel and Stick Backsplash to Remove: Art3d 12x12” Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile
- 9. Best No-Texture Backsplash: Livebor Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper
- 10. Most Uniquely Patterned Backsplash: Yancorp Stone Brick Wallpaper
- A Complete Guide to Peel and Stick Tiles
- Final Thoughts
What to Look for in a Peel and Stick Backsplash
Before we dive into our product reviews, we’ll explore the most important information about peel and stick tiles to know before you buy.
There are a few different factors you’ll want to keep your eye out for no matter where you plan on putting your backsplash, and we’ll cover them all in each review:
Texture
The texture of peel and stick tiles runs between being raised and being flat. Raised tiles tend to have more durability, while flat-textured backsplashes are easier to clean. For more on that, see here.
Water Resistance
If your backsplash is going in the bathroom, especially near the shower, water resistance is a factor to keep in mind.
Heat Resistance
If your backsplash is going in the kitchen behind the stove, heat resistance is super important. Always double check manufacturer’s requirements for how close a stovetop can be to the tiles.
Durability
Whether you’re looking for small mosaic-type tiles or bigger faux-ceramic ones, each tile has a different texture and thickness. This tends to mean different levels of durability and a difference in how easy they are to clean.
Style
What the tiles look like is one of the most important factors even though it can be one of the hardest ones to gauge from pictures online. Some tiles can be broken up to work as accents against a more solid backdrop, and some tiles work best on their own.
Materials
Nearly all peel and stick backsplashes available are made from vinyl or another synthetic material. The materials don’t necessarily indicate durability but if you don’t want extra metals going on your wall, this may be important to look at. More than anything this comes down to personal preference, though: any material can make a high quality tile, so pay closer attention to the tile itself.
Ease of Installation
Even though all peel and stick tiles are leagues easier than the real thing, there are still some tiles that are easier to cut and place than others.
With all of that in mind, let’s see what the top ten peel and stick tiles of 2021 are!
Top 10 Best Peel and Stick Tiles 2023
1. Best Overall Peel and Stick Tile: Art3d Peel and Stick Wall Tile
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tiles: 10 x 12”x12”
- Texture: Raised
- Water Resistance: Average
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Materials: PU Resin
- Design: Neutral, black and white pattern
Art3d Peel and Stick Wall Tiles are very easy to install, one of the easiest to remove, and their neutral colors can be suited to any aesthetic. The overlapping edges between these tiles make installation very easy.
Durability
The Art3d Peel and Stick Tiles are made up of smaller black and white tiles that have a gel-like texture. Because of their thickness, they’re sturdy and will last for a long time on any surface that they’re applied to.
Because of the gel texture and the spaces in between, cleaning will have to be frequent to keep them looking like new. If you clean off grease or other splash right away, this will be fairly easy (for more on cleaning your peel and stick tiles, see here).
Style
These peel and stick tiles have a neutral color palette (black and white) and a pattern that’s interesting to look at without being too busy. They’re extremely versatile in their colors, as well as for use outside of a backsplash–popular choices are to use them as borders, or put them on furniture like kitchen islands.
Even though some of the mini tiles are lighter in color, they still have excellent coverage of the surface wall underneath–which means having to do less prep work.
Ease of Installation
The Art3d Peel and Stick Tiles are very easy to install. They’re easiest to cut along the faux-grout lines, but as long as you have a sharp blade cutting anywhere will be doable.
The adhesion present on the back is very strong on its own, but it’s still easy to correct a simple setting mistake if you need to as long as you’re quick about it–which means less time prying the tile up and resetting it (or worse, having to peel off and discard the tile completely). If you have corners you’re planning on working with, you’ll have to cut the tiles and match them up accordingly but if the area just has a gentle curve, these tiles are accommodating.
There is a protective sheet over the front of the tiles; when you take it off the tiles underneath may be sticky, which does mean you’ll have to spend some additional time wiping them down post-installation.
Pros
- Very easy installation
- Good surface wall coverage
- Neutral color palette
- High durability
- Pattern that will compliment any aesthetic
Cons
- Will need to take extra time cleaning
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tiles: 10 x 12”x12”
- Texture: Raised
- Water Resistance: High
- Heat Resistance: High
- Materials: Epoxy Resin, Aluminum Foil
- Design: Mosaic pattern in blue tones
These tiles are one of the most water-resistant options (along with LONGKING Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles) making them perfect for a bathroom application that can even be used around the top of the shower. With such high durability and a timeless pattern, these tiles will last for a long while.
Durability
The mini tiles in the BEAUSTILE Decorative Tile Stickers are raised and arranged in a mosaic-type pattern, in shades of blue and white. The tiles themselves are heavy, which makes them look and feel more authentically like ceramic tile.
A downside to the mosaic tile style is that they’re more difficult to keep clean because there are so many spaces between the small tiles. However, they’re such top tier in their heat and water resistance that if you have a high-traffic shower or kitchen, their durability will be well worth it.
Style
Since these tiles can work both as giving a pop of color to a kitchen or bathroom, or taking the sidelines to more eye-catching pieces, they can be matched to all aesthetics and look great both as a border accent and as a full backsplash.
They could also be used as an accent wall in another room, but because of their heaviness and expense it may be better to go with another option if you don’t need the water/heat protection that tiles like these would give, like Livebor’s no-texture option.
Even though some of the mini tiles are clear, the backings are thick enough to cover the surface wall completely, so you don’t need to repaint if you have a dark-colored wall.
Ease of Installation
These tiles are easy to cut (with a sharp blade), have excellent adhesion on their own, and are easy to bend around inward corners so long as the mini tiles are aligned correctly against them. Plus, you can lift them and move them easily for correction during installation (it should be noted that they’re not easy to remove once they’re set, especially if you opt to use an additional spray adhesive. For when to consider a spray adhesive, check here).
Another major pro is that even though the colors of the tiles look like they’re in an intricate pattern you’d have to keep track of, it’s actually random so you don’t have to take extra time to align pattern ends and beginnings – you can just fit the peel and stick tiles to your space.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Highly durable and heat/water resistant
- Effortless pattern
- Brings in color without being overwhelming
- Covers the surface wall completely
Cons
- Somewhat tricky to clean
- More expensive than other options
3. Best Bathroom Backsplash: LONGKING Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile Stickers
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tiles: 10 x 12”x12”
- Texture: Raised
- Water Resistance: High
- Heat Resistance: High
- Materials: Vinyl
- Design: Intricate pattern in blue and orange
These tiles are straight on all edges, which means that there may be more noticeable seams present where one tile ends and the other begins. Since these tiles have such a strong pattern and colors that draw the eye, these seams shouldn’t be noticeable from a distance. They are the most water and heat resistant of all the faux-ceramic tiles listed.
Durability
LONGKING Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile Stickers are designed for the kitchen and the bathroom, with steam resistance as well as resistance to stovetop heat. The colors on these faux Mexican Talavera tiles are vibrant, and the shining finish on them makes them look like ceramic tiles. And, since there are less mini tiles per peel and stick tile, these are easier to keep clean.
Style
While these tiles have a definitive color palette that may not work with everyone’s home, they look just as good as both a full backsplash or just as an accent if you’re looking to place a few tiles around a more solid background to catch the eye.
You may not want to use these tiles outside of a bathroom or kitchen for an entire accent wall, because the pattern can be overwhelming. The pattern and density on these tiles does mean you don’t have to worry about darker colors being present on your surface wall and showing through.
Ease of Installation
LONGKING Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile Stickers are harder to cut through because they’re thicker tiles than other vinyl tile solutions, but with a sharp blade the task is easier. Some note that this color variety doesn’t measure out to an exact 12×12” square, but they’re so eye-catching that it shouldn’t make a difference.
These tiles were specially designed for use in high humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. The adhesive on these tiles is very sticky, which is good for a humid area like the bathroom but it can mean that removing the tiles will cause damage to the wall. If you anticipate removal of your peel and stick backsplash before a few years, it may be better to look at Art3d 12×12 Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles.
Pros
- Highly resistant to heat and humidity
- Beautiful colors and pattern
- Very good surface wall coverage
- Works as a full backsplash or just as an eye-catching accent
Cons
- May have noticeable seams between tiles
- Removal may cause damage to the surface wall
4. Best Budget Peel and Stick Tile: Art3d 10-Sheet Peel and Stick Tile
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tiles: 10 x 12”x12”
- Texture: Raised
- Water Resistance: Splashproof
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Materials: Vinyl
- Design: Neutral, plain white
Durability
The plain white color and the thinness of the texture of these tiles unfortunately mean that they’re not good for covering the wall underneath it, so if you have a dark colored surface wall and don’t want it to show through, you’ll have to paint it a light color. For an option with more coverage, try Art3d Kitchen Backsplash Tiles.
Art3d 10-Sheet Peel and Stick Tiles are not waterproof to prolonged direct water contact, making this a better option for a kitchen backsplash.
Style
Plain white tiles will go with any color palette or decor that you have in your home. Since they’re white and shiny, they’ll bring light to the darkness that sometimes affects a backsplash area underneath cabinets. Since these are very basic in appearance, they’re best used as a full backsplash but you can add any accents to it and they’ll look great.
These tiles have a shiny finish, giving them the appearance of ceramic tiles. Installing them using caulk at the edges will make the tile look even more authentically like ceramic ones (though, of course, this is extra labor on your part–if the edges of the tiles won’t be seen, it may not be worth it). Art3d 10-Sheet Peel and Stick Tiles are tricky to clean because of the texture with the faux grout, but the manufacturer promises that they’ll never stain or yellow over time.
Ease of Installation
Art3d 10-Sheet Peel and Stick Tiles are very easy to cut, and overlap at the edges to make aligning them easier. While there isn’t a pattern to keep track of, you do have to make sure grout lines are aligned together to get the desired effect.
It’s recommended to also use a spray adhesive with these tiles, which upon removal may damage any paint underneath.
Pros
- Will go with any decor you put them with
- Easy to install
- Won’t stain easily or yellow over time
- Will bring light into otherwise darker backsplash areas
Cons
- Dark paint on the surface wall shows through
- Won’t do well with prolonged direct water contact
5. Best Kitchen Backsplash: Art3d Kitchen Backsplash Tiles
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tiles: 10 x 12”x12”
- Texture: Raised
- Water Resistance: High for humidity, can’t be submerged
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Materials: Vinyl
- Design: Warm neutral, brown and tan pattern
Like other Art3d peel and stick tiles, these are very easy to install and have a pleasing texture that’s both durable and stylish. The brown tones on these tiles are beautiful next to cabinets of any wood type, and stand out next to white ones.
Durability
The texture of these tiles is very similar to this backsplash – they’re smaller tiles than a standard ceramic, have a bit of a sheen, and they feel gel-like to the touch. These tiles also hold up well under both extreme cold and extreme heat conditions (so no matter where you live, there’s no concern for them falling down).
Style
Art3d Kitchen Backsplash Tiles bring in warmth with their brown and tan hues, making this ideal for a kitchen (especially with lighter colored cabinets for contrast). If your bathroom has warmer tones, this could also be a complimentary option, but if your bathroom has cooler tones (like blues and greens) the colors in these tiles may clash and look unappealing.
These tiles, because of their thickness, cover the surface wall very well so no repainting necessary.
Ease of Installation
These tiles, like other tiles by Art3d, end with jagged edges meant to be overlapped during installation so no seams between tiles are obvious. This makes installation easier, because it eliminates the concern about seaming, and you also don’t have to keep track of an exact tile pattern. The adhesion on these tiles is excellent, and they’re easy to cut (particularly along the faux grout lines).
Cleaning these will take extra time because of all the spaces between the mini tiles, but the faux grout won’t yellow if you get to grease stains right away.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Holds up well to extreme heat and cold
- Good surface wall coverage
- Will bring visual warmth without making the space feel smaller
Cons
- Will need to take extra time cleaning
- Tones may clash with standard bathroom color palettes
6. Easiest Backsplash to Install: In Home Tuscan Peel & Stick Backsplash Tiles
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tile Dimensions: 4 x 10”x10”
- Texture: Raised
- Water Resistance: Splashproof
- Heat Resistance: High
- Materials: Unlisted material
- Design: Intricately patterned in yellow, blue, and red
These tiles are slightly more heatproof than some of the other options listed, making them perfect for behind a stove (though they’d perform well in the bathroom too, since it can get hot in there). They’re very difficult to remove, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a more temporary backsplash option. It also should be noted that these tiles come 4 to a pack and the material isn’t listed by the manufacturer, so keep that in mind when you’re ordering.
Durability
In Home Tuscan Tiles don’t have as much texture as some of the other options, but they’re not completely flat either, which means having an easier time cleaning them. The texture that they do have is optional–it’s a high-shine plastic finish on top that you can remove once you’ve installed the tiles. However, the tile is better protected with the plastic on, and also looks more like a tile and less like a wallpaper.
These tiles are thinner than backsplashes that are divided up into smaller mini tiles like BEAUSTILLE Decorative Tile Stickers so they may not have as much longevity. Since the spaces between the faux ceramic tiles are few and shallow, they wash off easily and quickly with a damp cloth.
Style
Inspired by Italian tile, In Home Tuscan Tiles are very aesthetically pleasing and colorful, and can be used fully as a backsplash or as an accent to make a plainer wall pop. The exact pattern does get lost in the distance, but is vibrant up close.
These tiles aren’t as dense as some of the other options listed, but there’s still good surface wall coverage, partly because of the pattern.
Ease of Installation
These tiles are the easiest to install for a number of reasons. Most importantly, the adhesion on them is really good, and they’re very easy to cut through (even kitchen scissors will suffice). Along with this, the pattern on the tiles is totally symmetrical–so even though it looks like you have carefully aligned your tiles to get the desired effect, in reality you don’t have to worry about that at all. The only factor that may slow you down is that peeling the sticker paper off the adhesive is reportedly pretty difficult.
Pros
- Easiest tiles to install
- Will stand up to heat
- Vibrant colors and pattern
- Good surface wall coverage
Cons
- They only come 4 to a pack
- Very difficult to remove
- Manufacturer doesn’t list what they’re made of
7. Most Eco-Friendly Tiles: Tic Tac Tiles 10-Sheet Peel and Stick
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tile Dimensions: 10 x 9.81”x9.25”
- Texture: Raised
- Water Resistance: Splashproof
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Materials: Unlisted Material, guarantees no dioxins
- Design: Neutral, tan, beige, and clear pattern
Since a majority of peel and stick backsplash options are made from synthetic materials, none of them are particularly good for the environment. However, Tic Tac Tiles tries to mitigate this by being part of the 1% For the Planet organization, which is funded through brand profits and gives back directly to environmentally-based nonprofit organizations.
Durability
Tic Tac Tiles unfortunately isn’t very forthcoming with what the material is exactly made of, though they do promise that it’s anti-bacterial and anti-mold. The tiles are 3D and can hold up very well to humidity, but they aren’t recommended for surfaces with frequent direct contact to water.
The mini tiles are raised so when cleaning them, extra care needs to be taken with the faux grout. (For cleaning tips, see here.)
Style
The neutral base colors of these tiles and the reflective ones interspersed through the pattern means that they’ll blend in with whatever area they’re part of while still catching the eye. These tiles are most effective when they’re used as a full backsplash or a thick border; for something that you can cut and use as more of an accent piece try LONGKING Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile Stickers. Since these tiles are thick and have a good base, they’ll cover your surface wall easily no matter what color it is.
Ease of Installation
The pattern on these tiles is intuitive to line up, and cutting them is also easy (especially along the faux grout lines). Because of their thickness, you can’t simply bend them around a corner if you need to.
Tic Tac Tiles have a really good adhesive on them, which is excellent for installation but they’re not easy to remove and may cause damage to the wall if you try. This may not be the right choice if you’re looking for something temporary–if that’s the case, check these out.
Pros
- Pretty easy to install
- Brand profits help the environment
- Neutral colors are easy to match with decor
Cons
- Manufacturer doesn’t list what they’re made of
- Not good for surfaces with frequent direct contact to water
8. Easiest Peel and Stick Backsplash to Remove: Art3d 12x12” Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tiles: 10 x 12”x12”
- Texture: Slightly raised
- Water Resistance: Splashproof
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Materials: Vinyl
- Design: Neutral, plain white subway tile (with dark grout)
Art3d 12×12” Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles are versatile in appearance, and most importantly are pretty easy to install and very easy to remove. This makes them ideal if you’re renting or if you know going into your backsplash installation that it’s going to be temporary.
Durability
The texture on Art3d 12×12” Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles is very shallow between the tile and faux grout so they’ll be easy to clean and keep clean. They have a glossy finish, and even though they’re white they remain un-discolored even in the kitchen.
Art3d 12×12” Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles have a lower resistance to water than other peel and stick tiles because of their thinness – they’re splashproof, but prolonged contact to water isn’t recommended (if you’re looking for something that can hold up to more moisture, try LONGKING Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles). Because they’re not very dense, surface walls painted a dark color will show through – which means having to repaint the wall a lighter color before installation.
Style
Since these are white, they’re extremely versatile and will work with just about any kitchen or bathroom that they’re put in. The darkness of the faux grout gives the tiles aesthetic texture that keeps them interesting but avoids making the wall look stark white, if that’s not what you’re going for. (If you do prefer no coloring on the “grout” see here).
Ease of Installation
Art3d 12×12” Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles purposely overlap at the ends, which keeps them easily aligned when you’re installing them. There isn’t an exact pattern that you have to keep track of when you’re putting them together, but to get the subway tile effect you do have to keep an eye on the faux grout lines so they don’t look off. These tiles are tough to cut through, but no extra adhesive is necessary and they’re easy to shift if you do make a mistake you need to fix.
Pros
- Very easy to remove
- Color and style will compliment anything
- Strong adhesive
Cons
- Darker colored surface walls will show through
- No prolonged direct water contact
9. Best No-Texture Backsplash: Livebor Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tiles: 1 single sheet measuring 11.8”x78.7”
- Texture: Flat
- Water Resistance: Average
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Materials: Vinyl
- Design: Neutral, black and white pattern
Unlike the other backsplash choices listed above, Livebor Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper isn’t divided up into tiles: it’s one big untextured sheet.
Durability
Livebor Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper is completely untextured, but gives the appearance of small mosaic tiles. Because it is only a vinyl sheet without much reinforcement from raised tiles, this means that it won’t last as long as another option with faux tiles on them.
The manufacturer claims that the tiles have a 3D effect under light after it’s been put up, but it’s hard to see the effect in pictures. If you’re looking for a similar color palette and tile design with more texture, try Art3d Peel and Stick Wall Tiles.
Style
While this design is busy in print, the completely neutral color scheme lends itself well to any other colors you have going on in the kitchen or bathroom. Since it’s difficult to line up the pattern exactly, an option like this wouldn’t be good as a border or accent against a backsplash or tiled wall that’s more solid in color.
Ease of Installation
Livebor Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper is very easy to cut, and even comes with a grid on the back for ultimate measurement precision. For best results, using a spray adhesive is recommended (which adds another step to the installation process) but once it’s up, it’s not going anywhere. The pattern on this backsplash is difficult to line up, and it does tend to bubble easily if you’re using big pieces–both of which means that you’ll have to spend more time with installation.
Pros
- Neutral color scheme
- Easy to keep clean
- Easy to cut
Cons
- Bubbles easily during installation
- Pattern is hard to line up
10. Most Uniquely Patterned Backsplash: Yancorp Stone Brick Wallpaper
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Tiles: 1 single sheet measuring 18”x120”
- Texture: Flat
- Water Resistance: Average
- Heat Resistance: Average
- Materials: PVC
- Design: Rustic, brown stone brick pattern
With its high-quality stone imagery that brings in a rustic flair, this backsplash has the potential to be a showstopper whether it be in the kitchen or on an accent wall in another room. It’s difficult to install, but it can easily be removed for a change of scenery.
Durability
Yancorp Stone Brick Wallpaper is more like a contact paper with a high-quality image that is heat and moisture resistant enough to also be used as a backsplash. Predictably, it’s one big sheet of wallpaper so there’s no texture to speak of, which will make cleaning and maintenance very easy. However, it’s not nearly as resilient as some of the other choices on our list because it is much thinner.
Style
The 3D stone effect is a unique idea for a backsplash, though it may darken the area if your backsplash is underneath your cabinets. If your countertop has a busy pattern, this runs the risk of being over the top. A wallpaper like this would, however, look great on an accent wall.
As mentioned, because the pattern is very busy, this backsplash will cover any dark colors on the surface wall even though it is thinner than traditional peel and stick tile options.
Ease of Installation
The pattern on this paper is almost impossible to line up, which makes installation take longer and also makes you use more of the product. Cutting through the vinyl is very easy, and the wallpaper has a cutting grid on the back which makes measuring out lengths of paper easier. If you prime the area with alcohol or use a spray adhesive, it sticks great.
Yancorp Stone Brick Wallpaper is easy to peel back and fix during installation if that’s necessary, without the pattern looking warped. Its texture and the nature of it being one big sheet means that it does crease easily if you aren’t very, very careful while putting it up.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Unique appearance for a backsplash
- Easy to cut
Cons
- Very difficult to install
- Not very durable
A Complete Guide to Peel and Stick Tiles
Now that you have some ideas for what tiles would best suit your kitchen needs, let’s narrow down your choices (and answer any lingering questions about prepping for them, putting them in, and maintaining them afterwards).
When Should I Use Peel and Stick Tiles?
Typically, peel and stick tiles are seen as an easy and quick way to give your kitchen an aesthetic upgrade without breaking the bank. They’re also very good for people who rent apartments or condos, as they can easily removed.
However, you may want to think about doing a regular backsplash if this is a home choice you want to keep for longer than a few years, or if you’re looking for a more in-depth project for around the house.
Regular tile installation may also be a better fit if your house bows, or shifts as it ages. A peel and stick backsplash isn’t going to stick to bowed walls correctly, but small regular mosaic tiles will work fine (more on that here). If the bowing in your house is severe, call a local contractor before proceeding with any home improvement projects.
Choosing a Tile Design That Compliments Your Room
When you’re choosing a backsplash, the surrounding area is going to be the most important aspect in pattern choice and selection.
If you have very busy and colorful decor, it may be most aesthetically pleasing to go with a simpler design for balance, such as these white ones.
Alternatively, you can pair a simple backsplash with smaller clusters of eye-catching tiles like this bathroom backsplash to bring some extra color in without overwhelming the room.
If you have simpler decor, you can go bold for the backsplash to be a focus point or you can keep it minimalist for a clean, elegant look.
Peel and Stick Tile Texture
Peel and stick backsplashes tend to either be highly textured for an authentic mosaic tile effect, or they have a shallower texture. Naturally, there are pros and cons to each of these textures.
Low Texture Tiles
Low texture or no texture options are usually easier to cut, making them a little easier to install. Overall, they tend to be lower maintenance once they’re up, because the lack of texture makes them easier to clean.
The biggest con for these types of tiles is their durability–the material used in no- or shallow-textured peel and stick tiles tends to be thinner which may not last as long as something resembling a mosaic tile, and that means having to replace it in a shorter amount of time. If your plan is to only keep your peel and stick backsplash for a year or two, then this isn’t something to worry about–but if you’re looking for something more permanent, it’s a factor to keep in mind.
Because these tiles tend to be thinner, they also may not cover the surface wall as well so you’ll have to either repaint it if it’s a dark color or spend more time priming and perfecting it.
Highly Textured Tiles
Highly textured tiles, like this neutral gray set are more common and tend to be more durable, but they are harder to clean in the kitchen because excess splash from cooking can easily collect in the spaces between the mini tiles. This means having to spend a bit more time looking after them, but the tradeoff is they’ll last longer than the alternatives without that texture. Luckily, we also have some tips on keeping your tiles sparkling clean.
Highly textured tiles, with their thickness, also tend to do a good job covering the surface wall underneath which means that you’ll be spending less time prepping it.
Regular Wallpaper
Even with so many options for peel and stick backsplash tiles, you may be tempted to use a regular wallpaper instead which we can’t recommend. Any peel and stick backsplash that you get has to be humidity resistant and handle heat as well as repeated cleanings, especially for a kitchen installation. Some wallpapers will work in the bathroom and in the kitchen but not as a functioning backsplash, so be sure to check humidity and temperature limits when picking one out.
Preparing Your Wall for Peel and Stick Tiles
Plainly and simply, if you select a peel and stick tile and intend to stick it to an incompatible base, it won’t stick. If your base wall is something very smooth and non-porous, this isn’t something you’ll have to spend too much time working around (though see here for how to work with a base wall of ceramic tile).
If your base is wood, textured wallpaper, latex paint, or something else that’s porous, you do have a couple of options:
Priming
Without a doubt, priming is more labor-intensive (and will add more time to your redecorating process) than using an adhesive, but typically it’s a more permanent solution as adhesive can break down more easily over time. Priming is especially good if you have plans in the near or not-too-distant future to remove it, as you won’t have to deal with extra adhesive glue to melt and clean, and ideally you can skip priming your base wall again for whatever comes next.
If your surface wall is something highly textured like stucco, priming will be necessary.
Adhesive
Using a spray adhesive is quicker and cheaper than priming, and comes without any wait time either (unlike primer which needs to set). 3M adhesive spray tends to be the most highly recommended by peel and stick tile manufacturers.
How to Fill in Surface Wall Grout Lines
The smoothness of ceramic tile makes it ideal for laying peel and stick backsplashes over but before you do, you have to fill in the grout lines to make the entire surface smooth.
Before you start on the grout lines, make sure that you remove any existing tiles that are cracked or broken–you can do this with a hammer and chisel.
Filling in surface wall grout lines is very easy–all you need is thinset mortar (which is made of cement, sand, and water) and either a putty knife or a metal trowel. Once your mortar is mixed, just use your metal instrument to work the mortar into the grout lines and any empty spaces left by unfit tiles until the wall is one smooth, even sheet.
Make sure to fill in your grout lines far enough in advance of your planned peel and stick tile installation time so the mortar has enough time to cure and solidify (for best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
Installing Peel and Stick Times
While peel and stick tiles are much easier than most home improvement projects, there are still tricks that make installing them a breeze and more importantly, ensure the longevity of your backsplash. Above all, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to installing your tiles.
Preparation
Having the right tools is very important. Some tiles can be cut with kitchen scissors, but most tiles are cut best with a very sharp blade, like an exacto knife or a boxcutter. Levels and straight edges are also very helpful, as are tape measures. If you need to use mortar over the grout on your surface wall, you’ll need those supplies as well.
Make sure your tiles aren’t left out in the hot sun for a long period of time, as this will melt the adhesive. If you’re ordering them from the internet, take them inside as soon as possible once they’re delivered.
Remember to remove electrical outlet plates and anything else on the walls, this will make your tiles look neater once they’re installed.
And of course, thoroughly clean your surface wall with a degreaser (like dish soap) before attempting to install tiles. If you’ve just re-painted, wait 21 days before tile installation.
During Installation
Corners can be a big obstacle during installation. If your tile won’t bend around a corner that you want tiled, all you need to do is cut the tile along where it falls on the corner and carefully lay each cut piece on the meeting walls. This will take a little bit of extra time; if you don’t line the tiles up correctly, it will be off in a noticeable way. If it’s possible to cut along the faux grout, that will be more aesthetically appealing (and easier to work with).
The number one thing to keep in mind is to work slowly and double check your measurements and placements. It’s tempting to rush through a project like this because it’s so easy, but if you make a mistake it can be difficult to undo–costing you time and money.
Cleaning Peel and Stick Tiles
Exact cleaning instructions vary depending on what kind of backsplash you get, but most peel and stick tiles just have to be cleaned with a damp cloth like you would a countertop. It’s recommended to clean tiles at least once a week to keep them looking fresh.
Most of the peel and stick backsplashes available have some texture–like for example, small mosaic tiles such as the BEAUSTILE Decorative Tile Stickers. With these, you’ll have to make sure you take extra time keeping the spaces between the mini tiles clean when you wipe over them.
For a textureless options that doesn’t require that extra step, check out Livebor Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper.
It’s extremely helpful to wipe grease or any other food off right away so it doesn’t have a chance to stain or settle in between the spaces of the small tiles. You can do that with a paper towel or a kitchen cloth.
Cleaning products aren’t recommended for use on peel and stick tiles because of their abrasive nature. Warm water and soap is going to be your best bet when it comes to not doing any damage to the synthetic materials.
Removing Peel and Stick Tiles
Properly removing peel and stick tiles can be messy and a little time consuming, but a clean and undamaged wall is the first step to successfully installing your next backsplash. If you’re moving or just need a change of scenery, here’s how to uninstall peel and stick backsplashes:
- Use a hairdryer to make the adhesive more malleable.
- Move the hairdryer in vertical motions along one of the corners.
- After a few minutes of heat, carefully peel the tile from the corner.
- Repeat steps 1-3 on all corners.
- Once you’ve done the corners, apply heat to the middle portion.
- Carefully peel off the remaining middle portion.
- Use a degreaser on any glue that gets left behind.
Final Thoughts
The idea of installing a new backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Using peel and stick tiles are not only much easier, they’re also less expensive and time consuming. The aesthetic options of peel and stick backsplashes are also endless, no matter what your home color palette is. Whether you’re looking for a simple upgrade or a dramatic color change in your space, peel and stick tiles have you covered.