How to Install a Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash

How to Install a Peel and Stick Tile Backsplash. After reading this blog you will know how to install press and stick tiles. These tiles make a beautiful backsplash or statement piece on a living room fireplace surround. I would like to note that I am not sponsored by Lowes or Peel&Stick Mosaics. This post is my experience with this product, my opinions, and purchased 100% by me.

The Back Story…

A few years ago I had our spare bathroom gutted and renovated by a professional (never again). While waiting to be installed, the backsplash plate that came with the new vanity was dropped. Of course it broke and I could not find a replacement through the manufacturer.

Like may things in my home I let this broken piece sit for a few years. Yes, I know what you are thinking… why would I leave something broken just sitting in the bathroom. I was waiting for inspiration ya’ll.

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I left the vanity area without a backsplash of any sort while trying to decide what to do until I was inspired. This inspiration was very random actually. One afternoon I was at Lowes picking up some sanded caulk to re-caulk my bathtub when I spotted some beautiful Carrara marble look Peel&Stick tile sheets.

Inspiration!

I went googlie eyed! This was just what I didn’t know I needed in the bathroom. It was perfect. There were a few options that were stone rather than vinyl. Ultimately, I went with a marble look ceramic tile. I thought it would look beautiful and match the existing vanity top. Best yet, these peel and stick tiles are grout-less, ceramic (most peel and stick are vinyl), had a sticky backing, and inexpensive! This was a total win.

I grabbed a few sheets and headed out to begin this easy DIY project. In total this project took about an hour to complete from start to finish. If tiling a larger area of course it will take longer. As will if there are many cuts and obstacles (outlets and other things to cut around).

Peel and Stick Tile Sheets

A little more about these wonder tiles…

These Peel & Stick Moasic Natural Stone Tiles are a grout-less variety that are evenly spaced with a super sticky adhesive backing on them. This makes them easy to install, however; once they are pressed down, they will not come back up without damage to the walls. Therefore, you will want to be sure the placement is exactly where you want them before adhering them (dry fit).

The look of these is of natural stone with the tiles varying in length and depth. I was stunned when I got these peel and stick tile sheets home and put them next the the marble vanity top. The marble looking pieces match while the other shimmering accent pieces look so beautiful together.

In my opinion, with the adhesive backing this is the perfect product for a beginner DIY’er who needs an instant WOW factor in a room. According to the product recommendations, Peel&Stick Mosaic tiles are to be used indoors on areas that will remain mostly dry (think outer area of fireplace, backsplashes, and walls). This particular product would not be recommended for shower areas(splashing, moisture, and humidity), pools, or as flooring (they will crack, somewhat delicate).

Side Note about Moisture.

In my own home, these were installed as a backsplash to a bathroom vanity. There is the potential for excessive water in a bathroom. However, in this particular bathroom, not much water gets on that area. If there are people using that bathroom who get water everywhere (small kids) than these are probably not the best choice.

Supplies

• Peel&Stick tile sheets (only sheets were needed to do the bathroom vanity backsplash)
• White silicone caulk (kitchen and bathroom caulk)
• Soap and Water
• Sealant

Tools

• Wet saw to cut tiles (I used a Dremel tool with a diamond blade)
• Razor Blade
• Paint Brush
• Caulk Gun

Peel and Stick Tile Application

Step 1. Clean Walls

If walls are smooth a good cleaning will suffice. However, if there as holes or other problem areas patching, priming, and paining may be needed.

Clean all surfaces where the tiles will be attached thoroughly with a mild detergent (dish soap) and warm water to remove any soiling. If there is any heavy grease or grime, use a grease cutting product. I like to use Krud Kutter on areas where a lot of grease and other gunk has built up. TSP is also an option. Rinse thoroughly with clean water a couple of times.

Step 2. Dry Fit Peel and Stick Tile Sections

Once the area you will be tiling is clean and dry, do a dry fit of where you want the tiles to go. With the backing still intact place tiles on the wall to see how high and far you want the tiles will go. At this time, mark where any cuts need to be made. Pencil in on the back of the adhesive where outlets and straight cuts will need to be made. If everything looks good move onto step 3.

Step 3. Caulk (Optional)

I thought a bead of kitchen and bath silicon caulk where the vanity meets the wall would provide the vanity/wall with added moisture protection. This is not a step listed to do by the manufacturers. My thought: if there is any water that gets splashed onto the area where the vanity and tile meet, the caulk will prevent the water from running behind the vanity/wall. This may cause mold, mildew, or other water damage behind the vanity.

The bead of caulk will not be noticeable when the peel and stick tile is installed.

For more information on how to apply caulk like a pro (or a beginner wanting to do it the right way) check out this blog post: How to Apply Caulk.

Step 4. Make Cuts

How to Cut Peel and Stick Tile.

Cuts can be made using a wet tile saw or a Dremel tool with Diamond blade. Personally, I do not have a wet saw just yet (future investment). Because this was a small job I used what I already had, a Dremel with a diamond blade. It worked great surprisingly. There are videos on YouTube that show you how to cut around outlets and other obstacles. I did not have any obstacles other than the straight edges.

When cutting these tile, first and foremost, be sure to use proper personal protective equipment. This may include a dust mask (the Dremel kicked off so much dust) and safety glasses. Next, trace what you need cut (usually an outlet) or draw a line using a straight edge. Then, using the diamond blade and a steady hand, let the your Dremel guide on the cut line. For the most part the cuts should be straight. Clean up and bumps with the Dremel and give a light sand on the cut edges with 220 grit sand paper. I wanted them smooth enough no one would cut themselves.

If you have a wet saw , you are lucky and can cut tiles the easy way. I have no experience with a wet saw.

Cutting Sections.

Each sheet of tile is 18 rows high. To reduce waste and for ease of application, I chose to have the tiles go 6 rows high (just enough to work as a black splash like would typically come with a bathroom vanity). To cut the peel and stick tile sheets into sections, take a sharp razor blade/ utility knife and cut in between the rows at the desired height.

Step 5. Apply Tiles

Now that the cuts are done, here is the quick and easy part. Once everything is prepped, start in the corner and work your way out. Peel the backing off the tile sheet and butt the lower strip of tile as close to the vanity top as possible. Then press firmly on each section for a few seconds (10-30 seconds on each section). Be sure of placement because once the adhesive is on the wall it is not easily removed.

Tile Placement.

Once the first corner section is placed, move to the next strip. Once again do a dry fit before actual placements. I did a dry fit again for each piece installed before removing the backing. I found there were some pieces that fit better rotated and I am happy I did not have the tiles already stuck to the wall.

After the preferred placement is found, remove the backing and press the strip butted up against the vanity top and the first section of tile.

Next, repeat that process until you have completed the amount of tiles you want. I think the ends of the tile look fine. Although I have gone back and forth about putting some sort of edging around it. I like it for now, but if I find something to edge it with (not the metal edges) I may go back and add it.

Here is a video showing how to install and fit the tiles.

Step 6. Seal the Peel and Stick Tile

The last step in this project is sealing the peel and stick tile backsplash. This is a porous natural looking stone and Press&Stick Mosaics does recommend applying a sealant to the tiles. Sealing the tiles will help prevent staining of the tiles as well as protecting them. Here is the sealant I went with; it was recommended by the Lowe’s associate who was most helpful

Application is simple. Mask up (this stuff smells) and brush the sealant all over the tiles. Let it set for 3-5 minutes, then wipe off any excess. Let it dry overnight and it’s good to go. Once applied this product should protect the tiles for a couple of years. However, sealant should be reapplied every 1-2 years for maximum protection.

Peel and Stick Tile Tips.

• Place tiles inside at room temperature for 24-48 hours before installation.
• If any pieces are not going together well flip the piece and try to match up pieces with the opposite end.
• Consider using caulk in areas that may need a moisture barrier.

As you can see, with all rows installed, the gap from the corner piece is barely noticable.

Another easy DIY project complete! Look how beautiful these peel and stick tiles look against the vanity. Have you ever tiled anything before? Do you prefer peel and stick tiles or grouted tiles? Let me know in the comments section below.

If you haven’t already, check out this post that outlines more DIY easy and inexpensive bathroom updates. I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the exact products I use. For full disclosure statement, click here.