DIY Saturday #63 – How to Apply a Self Adhesive Kitchen Backsplash (Video)

Guest Blog #146, Entry #617, August 13, 2011

Happy DIY Saturday! If you’re contemplating adding a tile backsplash to your kitchen, you know the time, materials, and mess can be more of a chore than you had anticipated. Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips for applying a self adhesive kitchen backsplash.

See what the advantages of this type of finish can add to your kitchen, and watch a Vimeo video showing this great peel and stick technology.

Self Adhesive Kitchen Backsplash

SmartTiles Ang from Sylvain Dube on Vimeo.

Spruce up your kitchen with a self adhesive backsplash

Renovating can be a hassle. Sometimes, just want to add a little something extra, like a backsplash, to spruce up the look of your kitchen without having contractors invading your home for days. You could always try to install something yourself, but even professionals sometimes have a hard time installing tiles.  You can still try to bite the bullet and do it yourself, taking the risks that come along with that type of renovating project, or, you might want to try out self adhesive tiles that will allow you to obtain professional looking results, in half the time, and here are the reasons why:

Short preparation time:

Installing tiles can be problematic. You have a whole list of things to do before you can even get started. In your kitchen, you have to cover up your counter to prevent it from getting damaged in the process. You also might want to empty your cabinets because removing old tiles to install new ones creates a lot of dust. The surface you plan to decorate with the new tiles needs to be sanded down to insure that the tiles will adhere to it completely. Self adhesive tiles take virtually no preparation time at all. All you need to do is clean the surface before the application can begin. They stick to virtually any surface and they can be placed over old tiles, so no dust will be lifted while you prepare to install your new self adhesive backsplash.

Waste less material:

When you’re using regular tiles for a project, it’s always wise to buy some extra ones because some tiles will be destroyed in the installation process. Adjusting tiles to fit on the desired space you want to decorate is complicated, even professionals have a hard time doing it. Once the tile is cut, it cannot be used anymore, and you have to run back to the hardware store and pray that they have enough of the model you’re using in stock in order to complete your redecoration. Self adhesive tiles are a breeze to fit on your wall. The only tools you will need on hand are a regular box cutter along with a ruler or measuring tape. Just measure the length of the surface you want to decorate, transfer it on your panel of tiles, cut and trim, that’s all that needs to be done and less material will be wasted.

Get the look of real tile, without the cost, mess and time

Less of a mess:

You won’t be able to avoid it; using regular tiles will cause a mess in your kitchen. Once the sanding is over and the surface of the wall is prepped for installation, the tiles need to be applied with mastic and covered in grout. You’ll have to be careful when you apply the grout. You want to put enough so that everything remains in place, but, you’ll also have to avoid getting it on the tiles because it could leave some permanent stains. With self adhesive tiles, all you need to do is peel and stick, but be careful, once the tiles are stuck on your wall, they will be very hard to remove, so make sure you are certain of the spot you want to put them on before you do it.

Less maintenance:

Once the grouting process is over, you’ll need to (once again) clean the mess that has been left behind in your kitchen. If you want to protect your backsplash from moisture, you’ll need to apply sealant to it. This process will protect your tiles and it will help them retain their color longer. You’ll have to repeat the process a couple of times to maintain the beauty of your backsplash. On the other hand, self adhesive tiles will retain their beauty for many years to come. They are resistant to both heat and humidity and are unbreakable. You might get tired of your design and will need to update it before your tiles show any sign of deterioration.

Valerie Gravel blogs for Smart Tiles .  For ideas on how do it yourself renovating projects for your home, visit the Smart Tiles website today.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.