Stick on tiles can provide a great finishing solution that is both easy to install and looks great.
They can be used to breathe new life into a kitchen or bathroom, and are even suitable for use over existing tiles.
They are a cheap tile to use, but as cost effective and convenient as the peel and stick tile method is, it is not ideal for use on any surface.
Stick On Tile Gallery
Smooth is Key
When installing stick on tiles, the smoother the surface the better. It can be applied to surfaces like existing tiles, glass and even wallpaper that has a strong bond to the wall. The more contact the adhesive makes with the surface it is being applied to, the better it will stick.
Of course, the tiles would still adhere to many rougher surfaces, but they would be far more likely to lose their grip over time, if not fail to adhere at all. Not to mention a rough or bumpy surface could affect the look of some tiles after being applied.
It is possible to apply these tiles over wallpaper; however, it is essential to make sure that the wallpaper is not textured, and that it has firmly adhered to the wall.
The tiles will form a secure grip on the wallpaper, but if the wallpaper peels off of the wall that grip won’t be much help. If there are loose sections of the wallpaper, be sure to tear them off before applying your tiles.
Avoid Porous and Dusty Surfaces
Never apply peel and stick tiles to porous surfaces, such as concrete, brick, or plaster that has not been “sealed”.
Sealing can mean a general paint finish, but could also be a coating of PVC glue specifically intended to prepare the surface for tiling. The reason for this is that porous surfaces absorb the moisture from the adhesive and leave it brittle and ineffective.
Clean the Area
It is crucial to ensure that the area you want to apply stick on tiles to is cleaned well in advance…
The main culprit to avoid here is dust. Dust acts as a barrier between the tile adhesive and the surface on which it is applied.
This can result in the tile sticking to the loose dust rather than the surface. The result is that the tile will not hold as firmly as it otherwise would have done.
Where to Apply Stick on Tiles
There are many applications for stick on tiles, and you shouldn’t feel limited by what the intended or common uses are.
That being said, these tiles are great for any area where water may be making contact with a surface.
Such areas include the space around showers or baths, the kitchen backsplash zone or behind the sink in the laundry.
They can be applied over existing tiles if you are looking to give the space a fresh look, or over an untiled wall as long as it has been sealed or otherwise finished as mentioned above.
If applying over existing tiles, be aware that the grooves and contours will show through the newly applied tiles, so you may want to find an adhesive tile that matches your existing tile pattern so that it can be lined up.
Let us know if you are planning to use stick on tiles for your next project – we would love to hear from you…
