I Gave My Dingy Backsplash an Update in One Afternoon

2 Materials
$150
4 Hours
Easy

My backsplash was old and dingy. I wanted to give it a quick update. We will be doing a complete remodel in two years so I wanted it to be fairly simple.

I love the look of subway tile but I did not want to go through ripping out the old backsplash, repairing drywall, and tiling. I decided to try peel and stick tiles instead.

I prepared the backsplash by removing the switch and outlet plates and cleaning the backsplash with soap and water. I wanted a nice clean surface for the tiles to stick to.

I started in the corner. I measured and cut the first piece.

Then I removed the backing and smoothed it into place. Be sure to press firmly to get all the air bubbles out!

I lined up the next tile. They fit together very simply.

I competed the first row pretty quickly!

Then I prepped for the top row. I measured to see how much to trim the tiles.

Then I trimmed the tiles. Be sure that you pay attention to the pattern and line the second row up accordingly.

I completed this row just like the first.

I started the second wall in the same corner. I lined up the tile and made sure I was following the pattern. I repeated the same process as the first wall.

Finally, after the tiles were set, I caulked the seem between the backsplash and counter.

I ran a bead and smoothed with my finger. I also did the gap around my window and cabinet brackets for a finished look.

I love the way it turned out! It was a whole new look in one afternoon's time!

It completely updated the look of our kitchen!

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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 48 questions
  • John Carson John Carson on Sep 03, 2022

    Three different counter tops in this project???

  • Janmarie Janmarie on Sep 03, 2022

    Mine is not sticking on the top, did you add adhesive to the top and ends?

  • Lula Porter Lula Porter on Sep 03, 2022

    I'm wondering how easy these 'tiles' are to clean, but then I saw the author hasn't answered other questions. Does anyone have these in a cook from scratch kitchen? I'm tempted to just make a shiplap and poly backsplash. At least it wouldn't stain easily.

Comments
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2 of 100 comments
  • Mamalyn Mamalyn on Sep 10, 2022

    I was crazy about these when I did my kitchen but over time they turned sort of yellow. I wound up removing them.

  • Short Short on Sep 02, 2023

    Was a bit confused about the counters they were different colors in your pics. Tile looks good.

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