Peel and Stick Backsplash Tiles

How to choose a peel and stick backsplash

Start with the look you want and the surface you have. Marble styles suit a clean, classic kitchen. Mosaic and subway styles read as tile. Floral, mandala and medallion patterns add color to a plain wall or a rented kitchen.

Then check the wall. Most sheets here bond to smooth painted walls, tile and glass. Some also work on metal, wood, cabinets and appliances. The surface needs to be smooth, flat and dry. Freshly painted walls should cure first. Textured walls, brick and concrete block do not give the adhesive enough contact.

Finally, match the material to the room. PVC vinyl is the common choice for kitchens and bathrooms. PET vinyl is waterproof and works well behind a sink or stove. Embossed PVC adds raised texture. PET and XPE foam gives a thicker, softer feel underfoot or on a wall.

Sizes, coverage and measuring

Peel and stick tile comes in two formats: single sheets and multi-sheet packs. Sheet sizes on this page range from 10 x 10 in (25.4 x 25.4 cm) to 15.7 x 39.4 in (40 x 100 cm).

Coverage varies by product. A 10-sheet pack of Marble Peel and Stick Tile Stickers covers 10.8 sq ft (1 m2). The same 10-sheet count in Stone and Pebble Peel and Stick Tile covers 9.7 sq ft (0.9 m2) because the sheets are larger and thicker. Peel and Stick Backsplash Tile Sheets cover 0.67 sq ft (0.06 m2) per sheet, so this style suits a small accent area. Geometric and Floral Peel and Stick Tile Stickers come as 24 sheets that cover 2.6 sq ft (0.24 m2) at 10 x 10 cm each, which fits a narrow strip or a border.

To measure, multiply the height by the width of your backsplash in inches, then divide by 144 to get square feet. Add 10 to 15 percent for cuts and mistakes. For a 24 in by 60 in backsplash, that is 10 sq ft, so one 10-sheet marble pack covers it with a little left over. Order the full amount in one go so the sheets come from the same batch.

Materials and where each one works

Matte PVC vinyl is the most common material here. It has a low-sheen finish that hides smudges. Geometric and Floral, Marble Look, Dream Blue Floral, Medallion Mix and Marble Peel and Stick Tile Stickers all use it. Dream Blue Floral is waterproof and oil-proof, so it wipes clean in a kitchen.

PET vinyl is waterproof and slightly glossier. Mosaic Self-Adhesive Backsplash Tile Sheet, Mosaic Peel and Stick Tile Sheets and Subway Tile Peel and Stick Backsplash use it. Subway Tile sheets measure 12 x 12 in (30.5 x 30.5 cm) and come in packs of 5. Mosaic Peel and Stick Tile Sheets are 0.2 mm thick and come in packs of 10.

Embossed PVC gives a raised stone feel. Stone and Pebble Peel and Stick Tile is waterproof, moisture-proof, mould-proof and heat insulating. It suits kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms and studies.

Marble Peel and Stick Tile Stickers combine PVC vinyl, PET and XPE foam for a thicker sheet. Marble Peel and Stick Backsplash Paper is a single large roll-style sheet at 15.7 x 39.4 in (40 x 100 cm) for a continuous marble look with fewer seams.

Installation and removal

Clean the wall and let it dry fully. Cut each sheet to size with scissors or a craft knife, then peel the backing and press from the center outward. A smooth, flat surface gives the best hold. Work in small sections on larger sheets to keep the edges straight.

Removal is simple on most styles. Marble Look, Mosaic Self-Adhesive and Medallion Mix sheets peel off without residue. Warm the sheet with a hair dryer on low if it feels tight, then lift a corner and pull slowly.

Care and cleaning

Wipe most sheets with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Dream Blue Floral and Mandala Peel and Stick Tile Sticker are waterproof, so they handle splashes near a sink or stove. Marble Peel and Stick Backsplash Paper also wipes clean with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh solvents, which can dull the matte finish. For greasy kitchen spots, a drop of dish soap on a soft cloth is enough.