Reviewing peel and stick kitchen backsplash. It can be a budget choice but does it work?
So what if you can read a woman’s mind? She’ll just change it anyway!
Table of Contents
Peel and Stick Kitchen Backsplash
There are many things, after 23 years of marriage, The Mister knows about me. One is…when it comes to decorating I tend to change my mind. I love the creative process of making a home.
Since our budget is WAY TIGHT (you can read about our finances here), installing a backsplash is something I would need to commit to. It’s not a wise use of time, money, or resources to put something up I won’t want for a good long time.
Now, I love me some white subway tiles. I’ve been holding onto a sample of what I want for about 3 years, but it’s not been in the budget right now. Plus, there is so much that needs to be done to this home…so much to do!!!!. When I saw a peel and stick version, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to try it as I could complete it super quick.
Reasons to Try a Temporary Backsplash
- Test a design choice
- You live in a rental
- Budget-friendly option
- If you want a super quick and easy DIY
Backsplash Installation
Supplies Used
*Affiliate links used and we could earn from qualified purchases.
- Box Cutter or Exacto knife
- Scissors
- Pen
- Screwdriver – to remove any outlet covers
- Backsplash
- Ruler
- Smoother like a credit card (or the package may come with one)
*I purchased my backsplash paper at Big Lots at that time.
Installing
- Measure the area you are wanting to cover. Here is a guide to determine your sq footage. (Buy a little more than you need for accidents.)
- Clean the backsplash area and let it dry.
- Remove all outlets/switch covers with power off.
- Measure space for your first section.
- Starting at one end, cut your piece of backsplash, remove backing as you apply, and carefully apply using a smoother to get any air bubbles or creases.
- Cut off excess with a box cutter.
- Cut out the outlet areas with a box cutter or Exacto knife while the POWER is OFF.
- Once the area is completely covered you can add the electrical/outlet covers back on.
Backsplash Installation Tips
- Although one person can install, when it comes to applying if you have two I think it would go a little easier to keep the roll straight while applying.
- In long areas, peel off a little and remove backing as you get closer.
- When applying to a small area, cut the piece needed, and make sure to match up your seems which can be tricky.
My Review
First, I was not given this to try or paid to share anything on this product. I purchased it and wanted to see if it would do the job until a more permanent situation came into play. But even if I was given the product/paid, I would always give an honest opinion here.
Second, I wanted to put it up and try it out for several months before writing about it. I get frustrated with reviews someone tried for a day or two. This has been up for a good while – a year and a half.
oops, a small crease is in that spot
What I Love
- The price is right. I found a special and it came to about $25 to do the entire kitchen -which is long.
- Easy to put up. I did it myself although if I was doing it again, I would have another person to help – just to keep it from sticking together.
- It’s been up for a year and a half and has not pulled away AT ALL -even by the sink.
- The lines are slightly raised giving it a bit of texture.
- EASY TO CHANGE – If I decide I no longer want subway tile – it can go in a flash.
- Easy to clean.
- If you make a mistake, it can peel it up and place it back down again.
What I Don’t Love
Okay, so “don’t love” is a bit extreme but here are the slight downsides…
- It doesn’t have that high shine glossy tile look.
- It’s just like contact paper and wallpaper, you have to match up the seems which CAN lead to waste if you aren’t careful to use the scraps (minor detail).
For a budget-friendly and less permanent backsplash, I would highly recommend this product.
Review Update
5/2020 and this backsplash is still going strong approx. 4 years after it was first applied. I guess the joke is on me that it was temporary.
It’s NEVER once peeled away.
We applied this type of backsplash in two areas. One was our kitchen which had a very flat surface. The other was this Peel and Stick Removable Brick Backsplash on a textured surface. I don’t know if it was the temperature of the room, the difference in manufacturing/company, paint, or the texture of the walls but we had more issues with the brick backsplash than this one. It would peel away from the area frequently and we had to remove it.
At some point, we will do a permanent backsplash to our kitchen, but for the past 4 years this had been a FABULOUS alternative and I would do it again!
Additional Peel and Stick Options
If you want to go up one more step, there are Peel and Stick faux individual tile versions that I would definitely try.
Individual Peel and Stick Tile Options
If you are looking to go one more step up, here are some tile sheet options to consider.
Classic white subway tiles
10-Piece, 12"X12" Vinyl Stickers
Subway tile, for kitchen or bath, with a darker grout, pack of 10 (thicker design)
Adhesive Hexagon Tile Backsplash Peel and Stick Wall Stickers 10.5'' x 10.5'' (4 Sheets)
Decorative Tiles Stick on Tiles Self Adhesive Wall Tile Grey subway tile, 12" X 12" (10 Sheets)
Art3d 10-Sheet Self-Adhesive Tile Backsplash for Kitchen, Vinyl, 12"x12"
More Budget-Friendly Home Projects
Here are a few of our top DIY posts:
- DIY Bathroom Cabinet Makeover; Goodbye Honey Cabinets
- Brass Ceiling Fan Makeover
- And this was our kitchen update before we added the backsplash: Under $500 Thrifty Kitchen Makeover
Thanks for stopping by today. Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home and life. If you enjoyed this information on reviewing peel and stick backsplash, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.
I might need this! It looks pretty real in your photos. I have a Formica backsplash that matches the countertop. I am thinking this could go right on top!
It can be a good option. If ou do it, we would love to see yours.
What a great idea! Much less expensive than the real thing! Great review!!
Sam – Raggedy Bits recently posted…Waste Not Wednesday-92
Thanks Sam. It works for now and I won’t feel guilty for changing it out.
Great review Deborah. I just added some peel and stick vinyl to one of my cabinets and I have the same thoughts as you. It’s an easy temporary fix.
Denise, It sure is quick and simple way to go in some situations huh?
Awesome Deborah. I love the look of subway tiles but they’re just so expensive and the kitchen is always such a mess while the tiling is happening. Peel and Stick is a waaaaayyyyy better option. Love what you did
Thanks so much Michelle. It was def cheaper that’s for sure!!!
Dear Deborah, thank you for joining my link party, and for sharing the peel and stick backsplash review! I have been looking for an authentic looking, timeless solution for my own kitchen for years!
I hope to welcome you back soon,
warm regards,
Dagmar
http://www.dagmarbleasdale.com
Thanks so much. This peel and stick stuff can be used for so much. I have another project in the works with it.
what company makes this product? is there a link to the product? i cant find anything like you mentioned that comes in a roll.
HiLaura, the link is in the post, but here it is if you can’t find it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0711VV461/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=salvagesist08-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0711VV461&linkId=d9b7a163cc4c1f5e6c7bdb97b999d7ce