I Gave My Dingy Backsplash an Update in One Afternoon
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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Forgive me for pointing this out, but you made the same initial mistake I did when working with these tiles by cutting the "overlap here" section off. Cut from the "staggered" side to begin your corner. The overlap area is there to act as a "grout" background when you butt your next section. You place the edge of each subsequent tile on top of the overlap section so none of your wall shows through. I used my tiles to frame a huge3 builder's grade bathroom mirror. By using the overlap sections as intended, no mirror lines show through.
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I was crazy about these when I did my kitchen but over time they turned sort of yellow. I wound up removing them.
Frequently asked questions
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Three different counter tops in this project???
Mine is not sticking on the top, did you add adhesive to the top and ends?
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.