Using wallpaper as a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can be an attractive, budget-friendly way to add visual interest. Wallpaper backsplashes provide a quick and easy decorating option, allowing you to change up the look without remodeling or tile work. However, there are some important factors to consider before installing wallpaper as a backsplash.
What to Consider Before Using Wallpaper for Backsplash
When deciding whether wallpaper is the right choice for your backsplash, here are some key points to keep in mind:
Moisture Resistance
The number one concern with using wallpaper as a backsplash is moisture resistance, as backsplashes are prone to water exposure from sinks, dishwashing, and cooking. Standard wallpaper is not designed for high-moisture areas and can buckle, peel, or develop mold if it gets wet frequently.
Look for wallpaper specifically designed for bathrooms and kitchens. Vinyl-coated options provide more water resistance. Avoid paper-based wallpapers, which will not hold up.
Cleanability
Wallpaper backsplashes need to withstand occasional cleaning and scrubbing. Gently wipe vinyl wallpaper with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can damage the surface. For heavier cleaning, use mild soap and warm water. Test cleaners on small sections first.
Durability
Backsplashes take wear and tear from daily use. Vinyl wallpaper is more durable and scuff-resistant than standard papers. Avoid delicate or easily torn papers. Also consider satin, textured, or lightly embossed finishes to help hide scuffs and stains.
Installation Needs
Apply wallpaper backsplashes to smooth, primed, and painted surfaces for best adhesion. Don’t apply directly to tile, joint compound, or textured walls. Follow the manufacturer’s directions closely. Use a professional installer for complex layouts or large spaces.
Seams and Edges
With wallpaper, you’ll need to cope with seams between panels. Opt for patterns where seams blend in. Use trim to hide and seal edges against moisture. Apply caulk along the top, bottom, and corners. Take careful measurements so you don’t end up with thin slivers of wallpaper at edges.
Removability
While durable, wallpaper will eventually need replacement. Standard wallpaper can damage surfaces when removed. Use strippable or peel-and-stick wallpapers to make future changeouts easier. Vinyl papers also tend to come off cleaner.
Cost Factor
Wallpaper can provide big visual impact for less compared to higher-priced tile. However, consider long-term costs. Tile lasts longer, while wallpaper will need periodic replacement. Factor in professional installation fees too. Shop sales and clearance lines for the best deals.
Types of Wallpaper Suitable for Backsplashes
If you decide wallpaper works for your space, look for these ideal varieties:
Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is the top choice for backsplashes because it is water-resistant and withstands humidity, grease, and scrubbing. Made from durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it comes in stylish prints, textures, and solids resembling tile, stone, brick, and other materials. Some peel-and-stick vinyl papers make installation a breeze.
Pre-pasted Wallpaper
Pre-pasted wallpapers have an activatable adhesive backing, so no wallpaper paste is needed during installation. This makes the process much cleaner and easier. Pre-pasted papers also tend to be more strippable and removable. Many vinyl and fabric-backed papers come in pre-pasted versions ideal for DIY application.
Acrylic-Coated Wallpaper
Acrylic coatings create a protective barrier making wallpaper more moisture resistant and scrub-friendly. Acrylic finishes are often applied to wallpaper designed for bathrooms and kitchens. This allows for beautiful designs on paper substrates with added durability.
Grasscloth or Fiber Wallpaper
Natural fiber wallpapers made from pulp, grass, or other plant materials create an earthy, textured look popular in contemporary kitchens. The rough surface helps hide flaws. Moisture-resistant backing is a must for backsplash use. Match seams carefully due to color variations in natural fibers.
Fabric Wallpaper
Fabric wallpaper offers a soft, textile feel and often features charming prints. Look for acrylic-coated or laminated versions as the fabric itself absorbs moisture easily. Use fabric only behind stove hoods or in protected areas without direct water contact.
Design Considerations for Wallpaper Backsplashes
Focus on these design factors when selecting and installing wallpaper backsplashes:
Pattern Choices
- Opt for medium to large-scale patterns that camouflage seams. Avoid layouts with big horizontal bands.
- Look at samples to see how patterns align and repeat before ordering.
- Match patterns precisely or choose free-flowing designs where mismatches are less noticeable.
Colors
- Consider if colors complement existing cabinets, countertops, floors, and paint choices.
- Contrasting hues can make the backsplash pop while similar tones blend in.
- Look at adjacent rooms for scheme inspiration. Tie backsplashes to overall home aesthetics.
Special Shape Accommodations
- Measure space carefully to order enough wallpaper, factoring in special cuts around windows, outlets, and switches.
- For outside corners, select patterns that can be fanned out without interrupting the design.
- Inside corners often end up with seams; minimize with small, simple repeats.
Outlets and Lighting
- Plan outlets into the overall design so they enhance rather than detract.
- Use decoratively shaped covers and plates to conceal cut edges.
- Highlight sconces, under-cabinet lights, and other fixtures with surrounding wallpaper designs.
Focal Points
- Use the backsplash to emphasize particular features like a professional stove, marble countertop, or gorgeous sink.
- Bring attention upward with vertical stripes or patterns tailored around a window over the sink.
- Introduce contrasting designs over different work zones. Frame the cooking range with eye-catching wallpaper compared to more subtle areas.
How to Install Wallpaper as a Backsplash
With proper prep and care, you can handle wallpaper application yourself as a DIY project. Follow these steps:
1. Clean and Repair Surfaces
- Wipe down walls to remove grease and soil. Fill any holes or imperfections for smooth installation.
- Lightly sand glossy paint. Apply primer/sealer so wallpaper bonds properly.
2. Measure Precisely
- Take careful measurements including inside corners, electrical outlets, and any fixtures.
- Add 8-10 inches around all sides to allow for adjustments and pattern matching.
- Note measurements of target area and outlet/fixture locations on paper template for reference.
3. Prepare Adhesive
- Use pre-mixed, heavy-duty, mold/mildew resistant wallpaper adhesive. Turn off heating/AC so paste doesn’t dry out quickly.
- Pour enough paste for one strip into clean tray to prevent lumps and skinning over time.
4. Cut Wallpaper Panels
- Unroll and inspect wallpaper, verifying pattern/color consistency and no printing flaws.
- Cut strips about 2-3 inches longer than measurements. Cut perpendicular across top and bottom edges for clean joints.
5. Apply Adhesive
- Using roller or brush, evenly coat wall surface where panel will go with paste. Don’t paste the wallpaper itself.
- Fold pasted panel in half loosely and allow to relax before installation to avoid wrinkles.
6. Hang Wallpaper
- Position panel so all edges align with template markings. Smooth any bubbles or wrinkles.
- Use smoothing brush or plastic scraper to adhere wallpaper firmly to wall, eliminating air pockets.
- Use razor along top/bottom edges for an exact fit. Wipe away excess adhesive.
7. Seal Edges and Joints
- Carefully apply next panel, pattern match if needed. Wipe away excess adhesive at seams.
- Use silicone caulk to seal edges along countertops, cabinets, ceiling. Let dry completely.
- Consider decorative trim pieces at corners or edges for a finished look.
8. Clean Up
- After installation, thoroughly wipe wallpapered area to remove any lingering paste residue.
- Avoid getting overly wet or using harsh cleaners. Gently wipe with damp sponge and mild detergent.
Tips for Maintaining Wallpaper Backsplashes
Once installed, follow these tips to keep wallpaper backsplashes looking fresh:
- Avoid abrasive scrub brushes or scouring pads that can damage wallpaper surfaces.
- For routine cleaning, wipe gently with soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid heavily saturating wallpaper.
- Immediately wipe up any food, grease, or water splashes to prevent stains. Avoid bleach or acidic cleaners.
- Protect wallpaper from heat sources like stovetops. Use range hoods when cooking to prevent moisture buildup.
- Reapply caulk if gaps appear at seams, corners, edges to keep moisture out.
- Watch for curling edges or peeling as signs wallpaper needs reapplication. Mildew indicates moisture issues.
- To refresh look, consider repainting cabinets and trim for an instant color change without redoing backsplash.
- Strippable wallpapers make it easier to change when styles evolve or pattern wears over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wallpaper Backsplashes
Is wallpaper cheaper than tile for backsplashes?
Wallpaper can provide big visual impact for less compared to tile. However, tile is longer lasting. Wallpaper needs replacement 5-10 years down the road. Factor in long-term costs and professional installation fees too when budgeting.
How do you clean grease off wallpaper backsplash?
Gently wipe grease splatters immediately before oil penetrates surface. Use mild detergent and warm water applied lightly with soft sponge or cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbing. For heavier grease, try gently dabbing with baking soda paste then wiping clean. Test small area first.
Can you put wallpaper over existing tile backsplash?
It is not recommended to apply wallpaper directly over existing tile. The textured surface will likely cause adhesion issues leading to bubbling or peeling. Remove old tile, reprep wall surface, prime, and apply wallpaper per manufacturer’s directions for best results.
Should you caulk edges of wallpaper backsplash?
Yes, caulking around edges helps waterproof wallpaper backsplashes. Apply flexible silicone caulk where wallpaper meets countertops, around cabinets and fixtures, along the ceiling line, and in inside corners. Use trim or bullnose edges to hide caulk lines.
What’s the easiest wallpaper to install for backsplash?
Pre-pasted, peel-and-stick vinyl wallpapers are the easiest DIY options. The paste is already activated so no mixing is required. Simply peel off backing, stick on wall, and smooth. But follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully for best results.
Beautiful Wallpaper Backsplash Ideas
Wallpaper offers limitless options to transform your backsplash into a stunning focal point. Here are some inspiring ideas:
Layer Textures and Patterns
Create visual depth by layering contrasting prints and textures. For example, apply a bold graphic print against a grasscloth base layer. Mix sheens like matte and metallic. Vary scale from large repeats over cabinets to smaller motifs behind the range.
Mimic Natural Materials
Choose wallpapers that realistically mimic pricier materials like marble, handmade tile, stone, and wood. Trompe l’oeil faux finishes and high-quality printing offer affordable luxury style. Pair faux materials with real stone countertops for an extra dose of drama.
Define Zones
Use wallpaper to delineate different task zones in large or open kitchens. Frame the sink area in serene blue waves, while the coffee station sports lively cherry prints. The range deserves an eye-catching pattern as the main attraction.
Hang a Mural
Turn your backsplash into an artistic masterpiece by hanging a stunning wallpaper mural. Black and white cityscapes, abstract geometrics, and landscape vistas all make strong design statements. Resist overloading the rest of the space to let the mural shine.
Introduce Color and Whimsy
Don’t be afraid to get playful with wallpaper prints and colors. If your cabinetry and counters skew neutral, the backsplash is the perfect spot for bold hues, funky motifs, or cheeky prints. Garnished fruits, sputnik-style graphics, or cheeky animal prints inject fun.
Conclusion
The right wallpaper can take your kitchen or bathroom backsplash from bland to beautiful without breaking the budget. With moisture-resistant papers designed specifically for backsplashes, wallpaper can handle the demands of high-use areas while adding style. Take proper safety precisions, carefully prep and install wallpaper, and use gentle cleaning methods to protect your investment. With limitless possibilities for colors, prints and textures, wallpaper backsplashes breathe new life into tired spaces. Let your imagination run wild!