Covering up the kitchen backsplash: A DIY guide without a tiler
You don't need to remove your old kitchen backsplash. With self-adhesive tile stickers, you can cover it up in a single afternoon—no dust, no tiler required, and they can be removed without leaving any residue. This also makes the method an interesting option for rental apartments.
Before: beige tiles with a border, typical for many kitchens from the 80s and 90s.
After: the same backsplash, covered with the Mediterranean Blue tile stickers.
Before and after in time-lapse (visualization).
Summary
- Is it possible? Yes, self-adhesive tile stickers adhere directly to smooth tiles.
- For rentals? Yes, the film can be removed without leaving any residue.
- Near the stove? Yes, but keep a distance of at least 20 cm from the hot zone of the cooktop.
- What do I need? Film, squeegee, utility knife, measuring tape, degreaser.
- Costs? One roll (58 × 300 cm, approx. 1.74 m²) costs €39.99. An A4 sample is available for €1.
Which method is right for you? Film, panel, or paint
There are three common ways to handle a backsplash. Which one fits depends on whether you want to be able to revert the changes later and how much effort you want to invest.
| Tile stickers | Kitchen splashback (panel) | Tile paint | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effort | low, no special tools | medium, cutting and adhesive | medium, pre-treatment and multiple layers |
| Removal | residue-free | complex, depending on adhesive | virtually impossible |
| Grout lines | remain tangible as a texture | disappear completely | remain visible |
| For rentals | well-suited | only with permission | only with permission |
The film is the quickest way to get a new look and the only one that allows you to revert it without leaving a trace. You can find a detailed comparison of all methods for bathrooms and kitchens in our guide to covering tiles.
How much film do I need?
Measure the width of your backsplash and divide it by 0.58 m (strip width). Round the result up to get the number of strips. At a typical height of 60 cm, a 3 m roll mathematically yields five strips – enough for about 2.90 m of width.
Example: 2.30 m backsplash ÷ 0.58 m = 3.97 → 4 strips of 60 cm = 2.40 m of film → one roll.
Plan for some extra if using a patterned film to ensure the strips align neatly. When in doubt, buy an extra roll.
Instructions: Covering your backsplash in 6 steps
- Degrease the tiles. Especially in the kitchen, there is a layer of grease on the tiles, even if you can't see it. Clean thoroughly with a degreaser and let everything dry completely.
- Cut the strips. Cut the strips with a few centimeters of excess at the top and bottom. For patterns, pay attention to the alignment with the adjacent strip.
- Start at the top. Peel back the backing paper only about 10–15 cm, position the strip at the top, and align it vertically.
- Press down with the squeegee. Peel off the backing paper piece by piece and smooth the film with the squeegee from the center outwards and from top to bottom. Press it firmly over the grout lines.
- Sockets and edges. Turn off the power, remove the cover, cover with the film, and cut the opening crosswise with a utility knife. Trim the edges along the countertop and upper cabinets with a sharp utility knife using a ruler as a guide.
- Wait 24 hours. Only then should you wipe it down with a damp cloth, allowing the adhesive to set completely.
What you need to consider in the kitchen
- Heat: Keep at least 20 cm clear of the hot zone of the cooktop. A glass or metal panel is the better choice for the area directly behind the stove.
- Humidity: The film is moisture-resistant. Splashes at the sink are no problem, as long as you wipe them off shortly after cooking.
- Cleaning: A damp cloth is sufficient. Do not use scouring agents or steam cleaners.
- Surface: Smooth tiles, glass, and plastic are ideal. The smoother and cleaner the surface, the better the result.
Why Pimp-My-Wall tile film?
- PVC-free, 170 g/m²
- Printed with GREENGUARD Gold-certified inks
- Made in Germany
- Light and scratch-resistant
- Removable without leaving residue
- 63 designs – from Mediterranean to metro tiles
Feel it first, then apply: Order your desired design as an A4 sample for €1 and try it out directly on your tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you simply cover a kitchen backsplash?
Yes. Self-adhesive tile film adheres directly to smooth, clean, and degreased tiles. You do not need tile adhesive.
Can I cover a tile border?
Yes. Simply apply the film right over the tiles and the border. Afterwards, the border will no longer be visible – just like in the before-and-after example above.
Does tile film hold up behind the stove?
Keep at least 20 cm distance from the hot zone of the cooktop. For the area directly behind the stove, we recommend a heat-resistant glass or metal panel.
Is this allowed in a rental apartment?
The film can be removed without leaving any residue, and the tiles underneath remain unchanged. This makes it one of the few methods that leaves no trace upon moving out.
How do I clean covered tiles?
With a damp cloth. Avoid scouring agents and steam cleaners, and wait 24 hours after application before the first damp cleaning.
Are the grout lines still visible afterwards?
The grout lines remain tangible as a slight texture beneath the film. If you press firmly with the squeegee, the film will lie flush. With tile patterns, this is barely noticeable, as the motif itself shows grout lines.
