How To Install Peel And Stick Tiles Over Ceramics Tiles?

Peel and stick tile is a great way to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh, new look without the expense of traditional tiling. Installing this type of tile is incredibly easy and requires very little skill or special tools, so it’s ideal for first-time DIYers. 

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Installing the Peel and Stick Backsplash

Before you begin, make sure that the surface you plan to tile over is clean, level, and free of any dust or debris. This will ensure that the backsplash sticks firmly and looks its best! 

If the existing ceramic or marble tile has grout lines that are not flush with the top of the tiles, you may need to fill the gaps with grout before installing your peel-and-stick backsplash. Otherwise, your new tile will adhere to the indentations and leave a patchy, uneven finish on the wall. This will be very unsightly and it will create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. 

When you purchase your peel-and-stick backsplash tiles, check the label for instructions about how to install them. These instructions will tell you how to place your tile and will also recommend whether or not you need to apply a special adhesive to your surface. 

Generally, you will need to apply a thin layer of adhesive to the surface of your old tile. This can be done using a putty knife, but it can also be applied with a heat gun or hairdryer. The heat will loosen the adhesive on your old tile and make it easier to remove, though the adhesive may need to be sanded or scraped off before the new peel-and-stick tiles can be installed. 

Lay the Tiles correctly

When laying the peel-and-stick tiles, it’s important to lay them according to their arrows on the backing paper. This will ensure that the tiles are oriented in the same direction, making it easy to align them with their neighboring tiles. 

Lay a Full Row of Tiles

Before you start laying your peel-and-stick tile, it’s important to lay a full row of tile on the floor to get an idea of how the finished product will look. This will help you plan out the layout of your project and ensure that there are no obstacles that prevent you from completing your installation properly. 

If you need to cut around any walls, windows, or cupboards, use a sharp utility knife to carefully make cuts, keeping the edge of the tile as straight as possible. It’s also a good idea to use an angle cutter, which will allow you to make multiple cuts at once with little finesse needed. 

Then, move the tiles out of the way and clean the original tile well with a degreasing soap, ensuring that it dries completely before moving on to your next step. 

Do not remove all the backing paper at once. This can cause your peel-and-stick tiles to crack or tear.