We just bought a new house, and down the line, we will do a full kitchen renovation. For right now, however, we wanted to change up the backsplash, but didn't want to rip out the old one or spend a lot of money. The solution = Vinyl Peel-and-Stick Tiles.

These steps will include both a temporary way to install the tiles and a more permanent way to install the tiles. The steps are the same with the exception of using one material over the other. Please read through all of the directions and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks!!

Materials:

Vinyl Peel-andStick Tiles (Enough to cover the square footage of your kitchen backsplash)
Self-Stick Tile Primer (Temporary Install*)
Short Nap Paint Roller (Temporary Install*)
Supreme Silicone (Permanent Install*)
Caulk Gun (Permanent Install*)
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Utility Knife/Box Cutter

FYI - The total cost of this project was under $40, but this will vary depending on how many square feet of tile you need for your backsplash. Our backsplash was 30 ft. sq.

More information and directions on how to do this project can be found here: http://rhodylife.blogspot.com/2013/05/diy-vinyl-tiled-backsplash.html

Step 1: Prep Your Surface

Remove all electrical outlet and light switch plates. If you have more than one of each, be sure to label them based on location so that installation is easier once the project is finished.

Clean your existing backsplash with a soap and water solution. I did not use anything stronger than Dawn dish soap to remove the grease and grime from the tiles. Make sure that the water and soap solution does not make its way in the electrical components. if you do use something stronger than Dish, make sure it does not leave any residue or film on the surface - that will interfere with the adhesive on the vinyl tile.

Dry the surface with a paper towel, then let air dry for at least one hour.

Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Tiles

Next, take measurements for the tiles. Draw your cuts on the backside of the tile, before the wrapper is removed, and use a utility knife to score the tile, then just snap it off at the cut by bending in the opposite direction. Don't forget to account for any electrical openings in your tiles.

Once your tiles have been cut, lay them out on the surface, and push them together to make sure that your cuts are precise and that your tiles match up. Make any modifications as needed.

Step 3: Prime the Surface

***FOR TEMPORARY INSTALLATION ONLY***

If your tiles will only be a temporary installation and you wish to save the original kitchen backsplash, please follow this step. Otherwise, please skip to Step 4.

Apply two coats of the adhesive, which dries completely and is not tacky at all. It is a very watery liquid, and looks like milk when it is rolled on the surface.

Let this dry completely before adhering your tiles to the surface.

Once the primer has dried, skip to Step 5.

Step 4: Apply the Silicone

***FOR PERMANENT INSTALLATION ONLY***

If your tiles will only be a temporary installation and you wish to save the original kitchen backsplash, please follow Step 3. Otherwise, please use the information below for a more permanent installation.

Clip the silicone tube into the caulk gun and cut off the tip to the desired opening, or approximately 1/4".

Remove the paper backing from the peel-and-stick tiles. Apply the silicone to the back of the tiles in a snake pattern, that way air has the chance to escape from either the top or the bottom of the tile, and there won't be any pockets in the middle of the tile.

Step 5: Adhere the Tiles to the Surface

***FOR TEMPORARY INSTALLATION ONLY***

If you are following the temporary installation directions, remove the paper from the backside, and place the tile on the backsplash, aligning the top first, and working your way towards the bottom.

Use books or other items, like kitchen appliances to keep the tiles in place for an hour or longer, if you'd like.

***FOR PERMANENT INSTALLATION ONLY***

If you are following the permanent installation directions, apply the tiles from top to bottom, pressing down firmly in the middle, pushing outward from the middle towards the sides of the tiles, then around the edges.

Use books or other items, like kitchen appliances to keep the tiles in place for an hour or longer, if you'd like.

Step 6: Finished Product

Once the tiles are set, 24 hours if you are using the temporary method, or 1/2 hour if you are using the permanent method, you can put everything back on your counters and remove the supports that you may have put up!

Your work is done and now you can enjoy your new kitchen backsplash!

More information and directions on how to do this project can be found here: http://rhodylife.blogspot.com/2013/05/diy-vinyl-tiled-backsplash.html