How I used peel and stick vinyl wallpaper to create a faux tile backsplash in my kitchen that looks realistic and is easy to DIY.
When I started refacing my kitchen cabinets and replacing the countertop a few weeks ago, I hadn’t planned on putting up a backsplash.
I’m trying to teach myself to complete the project at hand and not get distracted by shiny objects…or very unshiny objects in this case.
But alas, when I removed my laminate countertop with “backsplash” lip it left a bit of a mess where the caulking on top of the lip had been.
And I didn’t want to get into patching and painting it when I knew in my heart of hearts that a tile backsplash would be in my near future.
So, I was looking for a quick fix that would look good and work well for the time being.
Table of Contents
- What’s the difference between removable wallpaper and removable backsplash wallpaper?
- How to Wallpaper a Backsplash to Look Like Tile
- Allen + Roth Backsplash Wallpaper Review
- Removable Backsplash Wallpaper Picks That Look Like Tile
- Frequently Asked Questions
I remembered seeing backsplash wallpaper when I was in Lowes, so I picked some up to try in my kitchen for an easy faux tile backsplash look.
I know what you are thinking.
What’s the difference between removable wallpaper and removable backsplash wallpaper?
I’m glad you asked.
The main difference that I can see is its orientation.
Backsplash wallpaper is printed horizontally instead of vertically.
Genius! Because you don’t have to do all that cutting and matching like you would if you used regular wallpaper!
You just roll the whole thing out along your kitchen countertop and trim the edges.
Now, you could just buy wallpaper to use that is already printed so it looks the same horizontal or vertical and just use it horizontal. But, not every wallpaper is oriented that way.
Another difference is that backsplash wallpaper is made from vinyl.
Which isn’t mind-blowing since you can already buy vinyl wallpaper. But it is perfect, because that way it can be easily wiped down to clean when you are messy while cooking diner…like me!
How to Wallpaper a Backsplash to Look Like Tile
Supplies for Fake Tile Backsplash
- wallpaper, I cannot find a link to the exact product I used (Allen + roth peel & stick removable backsplash wallpaper from Lowes) but I have linked other similar wallpaper products below.
- smoother tool
- utility knife
- ruler or straight edge
- screw driver
1. Prepare the wall for peel and stick wallpaper
First, using a screwdriver, remove electrical outlet covers that are in your kitchen backsplash area where you are going to be putting up the wallpaper.
Next, wash the walls to remove any dirt and grease so the peel and stick wallpaper will adhere correctly.
I have Sherwin Williams Satin paint on my walls and I just used a clean damp cloth with warm water and a drop of dish detergent to clean my backsplash walls. If your walls are dirty and greasy you may have to use something stronger.
But be careful, depending on what type of paint you have, or what sheen it is, certain cleaners could damage it.
Lastly, take note of any lumps, bumps, or large indents on your walls and sand/remove/fill if needed. My wall had a couple of random bumps that I had to sand down and some caulk from my old counter that I had to remove.
If there is an indent or something poking out from your wall, you will be able to notice it once the wallpaper is up and it will look weird, so take care of it beforehand.
2. Make a plan
After you’ve got the wall ready it’s time for wallpaper!…almost.
Now, before you start slapping the wallpaper on the walls take a moment to think about how you are going to position it.
Tip: The wallpaper I used was a little taller that the average kitchen backsplash height, so I left some wallpaper on the top and on the bottom.
The instinct is to start the wallpaper bottom edge flush against the counter. But you never know how square or equal things will be in a house, so leaving some wallpaper on the top and bottom will guarantee that you don’t run out of wallpaper on the edges.
2. Apply removable wallpaper
To make a level spot to start hanging the wallpaper, first I drew a line in pencil from the outer edge of the bottom of my top cabinets to the outer edge of my countertop.
Later on, when I came to the end of the wallpaper roll and had to match up the seams, I made a straight line with pencil and straight edge and cut with scissors, where the pattern needed to match up.
In fact, I would recommend doing this before you start hanging the wallpaper. It’s a lot easier to cut the wallpaper when it is not on the wall already.
Now, peel back a small section of the protective paper backing and very carefully line up the wallpaper where you want to begin, pressing it onto the wall and removing air bubbles as you go.
Use a smoother tool to adhere the wallpaper to the wall. I didn’t use a smoother, I just used my hands. But when I was all done, I ended up with a few areas that had small bubbles and weren’t sticking correctly, so I had to go back with a smoother tool and smooth them out.
Don’t be afraid to peel the wallpaper off the wall if it is not looking right. That’s the beauty of removable wallpaper: remove it and reapply it if it isn’t positioned right. Or remove it forever if you don’t like it with the pull of a hand! No more scraping for days to remove wallpaper!
4. Trim the wallpaper
When you get to an obstacle that the wallpaper needs to be cut around secure the wallpaper to the wall as close to the obstacle as possible and very carefully trim around the cabinet/receptacle/window with a utility knife or scissors.
Continue peeling the protective paper backing off a little at a time (about six inches), carefully pressing the wallpaper onto the wall smoothing out any air bubbles as you go, and trimming around obstacles until you have your whole backsplash covered with wallpaper.
That’s it! And you’ve got a fake tile backsplash!
I’m glad I decided to use this easy DIY to cover up my old beat up backsplash wall!
It looks nice and neat and modern!
What do you think? Does it look like real tile?
It’s hard for me to say if it looks like “real tile” because I put the wallpaper on the walls. Larisa says that it looks realistic. I say it looks neat, clean, and modern which is what I was going for, so I am happy.
Allen + Roth Backsplash Wallpaper Review
Pros
- Love that it looks like tile
- Love that it is oriented so you don’t have to cut and match the design a million times because you just roll out one big piece.
- Love that it is completely flat and easy to wipe away messes
- EASY!
- Removable! Perfect for renters or people who change their mind a lot like me!
Cons
- Wish the “tile” was a little more white than gray (although I understand why because they used white to create a line to make it more realistic looking and add depth)
Removable Backsplash Wallpaper Picks That Look Like Tile
I am so in love with removable wallpaper now that I’m dreaming up new projects just so I can use some more of this beautiful stuff in my home!
In case you can’t find the backsplash wallpaper that I used to create my fake tile backsplash, or you like the idea but don’t like the one I used. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite peel and stick wallpapers that could be used for this project or for any wallpaper project in your home.
Click on the photos below to be taken to the web page for the product. We are a member of the Etsy Affiliate program, so links to Etsy may earn us a small commission at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put wallpaper behind the stove?
The instructions on the back of the Allen + roth backsplash wallpaper that I used in this project state that the product should not be expsed to heat greater than 130 degrees F and it should have 15 inches of clearance near a stove without a backing. I can be placed on the wall behind a stove with a backing.
How long does wallpaper last when used as a backsplash in the kitchen?
I don’t know yet. I will post an update in a few months and let you know!
What type of wallpaper is best for a kitchen backsplash?
The wallpaper I used on my kitchen backsplash is vinyl and this is what I would I recommend because it is waterproof and easy to clean.
Have you used removable wallpaper in your home before?
I’ve used it once before in my spare bedroom/hobby room. And so far I’ve had good luck with it.
Thanks for visiting! Talk soon!
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