Peel and stick backsplash has become a popular choice for DIYers looking to easily upgrade their kitchen backsplash. Often made from vinyl or another type of plastic material, peel and stick backsplash consists of adhesive sheets that can be applied directly to existing surfaces. One of the main advantages of this type of backsplash is that it can be installed quickly and easily without any special tools. However, one common question that arises is, is peel and stick backsplash removable? The short answer is yes, peel and stick backsplash can be removed. However, the ease of removal will depend on several factors.
How Peel and Stick Backsplash Works
Peel and stick backsplash gets its name from the installation process. The backsplash comes in tiles or full sheets that have an adhesive backing. To install, you simply peel off the adhesive backing and press the backsplash tile or sheet onto the wall.
The adhesive is designed to form a tight bond to surfaces like painted drywall. This allows the backsplash to adhere directly to the wall with no need for extra glues or grout. The tight bond of the adhesive also creates a waterproof barrier.
Many peel and stick backsplash tiles and sheets are designed to be removable to allow for replacement or upgrade. However, removable does not necessarily mean easy removal.
Is Peel and Stick Backsplash Easy to Remove?
Whether peel and stick backsplash is easy to remove depends on:
- Type of Backsplash – Vinyl tiles are typically easier to remove than full vinyl sheets. The small tile size means the adhesive is only attached in smaller sections rather than one large sheet.
- Adhesive Strength – Stronger adhesives will bond tighter to the wall, making removal more difficult. Weaker adhesives may allow the backsplash to peel off easier.
- Time Installed – The longer the backsplash has been installed, the more securely the adhesive will bond. A backsplash installed for years will be harder to take down than one installed for weeks.
- Wall Surface – Rough or uneven walls give the adhesive more surface area to grip. This can make removal more tedious compared to smooth drywall.
- Removal Method – Using the right tools and techniques can help ease removal.
Tools and Techniques for Removing Peel and Stick Backsplash
Removing peel and stick backsplash takes patience and care to avoid damaging the wall underneath. Here are some tips:
- Heat – Using a blow dryer or heat gun to warm up the adhesive can help soften it and make the tiles easier to pry off. Be careful not to overheat.
- Dental floss – Sliding dental floss behind the tile or sheet can sever the adhesive bond with the wall.
- Plastic putty knife – Insert a putty knife between the backsplash and wall and gently pry up. Plastic putty knives are less likely to scratch.
- Vinegar and water – Spraying diluted vinegar behind the tiles can help weaken the adhesive.
- Goo Gone – Adhesive remover sprays like Goo Gone can dissolve the backing for easier scraping.
- Patience – Taking it slow and easing the tiles off bit by bit reduces damage to the wall. Don’t rip forcefully.
What About Adhesive Residue After Removal?
Once you’ve removed the peel and stick backsplash tiles or sheets, there will still be some adhesive residue left on the wall. Removing the leftover adhesive takes some extra effort. Here are some tips for getting rid of the residue:
- Let any adhesive remover solution you’ve applied fully soak in for 5-10 minutes first. This allows it to dissolve the adhesive.
- Use a plastic putty knife or plastic scraper to gently scrape off any softened adhesive.
- Rubbing alcohol can help break down stubborn adhesive residue. Use a cloth and rub vigorously.
- For heavier residue, an adhesive remover like Goo Gone may be necessary. Apply and let sit, then scrape away.
- Heat from a blow dryer helps soften tougher areas for easier scraping.
- Avoid harsh chemical solvents that could damage the wall underneath.
- Take your time scraping. Rushing can damage the drywall or paint. The adhesive will eventually peel off.
- If any adhesive won’t budge, you may need to skim coat over it with joint compound before repainting.
With some work, the adhesive residue can be fully removed off the wall after removing peel and stick backsplash.
Can You Reuse Peel and Stick Backsplash?
Once removed, can you reuse those peel and stick backsplash tiles somewhere else? Unfortunately reused peel and stick backsplash tiles often don’t stick very well the second time around.
There are a few reasons for this:
- The adhesive becomes less tacky after the initial application and removal. Even with residue cleaned off, it won’t bond as well.
- Traces of dirt and wall material can get embedded, which inhibits the adhesive.
- Removing the tiles can warp or tear the backing, preventing smooth attachment.
- Reattaching to a new surface often leads to an uneven appearance from wall gaps.
For these reasons, it’s generally not recommended to reuse removed peel and stick backsplash tiles or panels. New backsplash will provide optimal adhesion.
However, depending on the product quality and amount of use, you may be able to reuse intact tiles in a small section that won’t be noticeable, like inside a pantry. Test one tile to see if the bonding holds up.
Tips for Easier Removal of Peel and Stick Backsplash
If you’re preparing to remove existing peel and stick backsplash in your kitchen, keep these tips in mind for easier removal:
- Use low tack vinyl tiles which have weaker adhesive and are designed to be removable.
- Stick to smooth and clean wall surfaces when installing. Rough paint or concrete makes removal harder.
- Keep the installation time short if you think you’ll want to remove in the near future. The shorter duration will mean weaker bonding.
- Install the backsplash properly, following all manufacturer’s instructions for full adhesion. Improper installation leads to tiles falling off unexpectedly.
- Use heat from a blow dryer or heat gun at removal to soften the adhesive backing.
- Remove tiles slowly and carefully. Rushing can tear the tiles or drywall.
- Have the necessary solvents and tools handy for easing scraping of adhesive residue.
- Consider hiring a professional installer and remover to ensure proper techniques are used.
Signs Your Peel and Stick Backsplash Needs Replacing
Over time, peel and stick backsplash can show signs of wear and damage, indicating it’s time for a replacement:
- Tiles curling or peeling – This occurs when tiles loosen at the corners and edges. It indicates a weak bond with the adhesive.
- Discoloration or yellowing – Exposure to heat, grease, and sunlight can make vinyl backsplash fade or turn yellow.
- Mold or mildew growth – Moisture seeping behind backsplash promotes mold growth, meaning it needs replacement.
- Stains – Kitchen splatters that won’t wipe away point to an issue with the backsplash surface.
- Cracks or holes – Cracked, punctured, or torn areas allow water penetration and need replacement.
- Dull appearance – Glossy peel and stick finishes can also turn dull, dingy, and dirty looking over time.
When you spot these signs, it’s best to fully remove and install fresh peel and stick backsplash. Leaving failing backsplash up allows more water damage.
Alternatives to Peel and Stick Backsplash
If you find removing peel and stick backsplash too difficult, what are some alternative backsplash ideas to consider?
- Ceramic tile – Classic and elegant, ceramic tile comes in endless colors and patterns for a custom look.
- Glass tile – Made from recycled glass, these tiles have shine and depth with eco-friendly appeal.
- Natural stone – Materials like marble, travertine, and granite make a sophisticated statement.
- Metal – Copper, stainless steel, and tin tiles lend an industrial modern vibe.
- Brick – For a rustic cottage charm, exposed brick backsplashes are visually appealing.
- Wood – Whether planks or textured wood panels, a wood backsplash brings natural warmth.
- Wallpaper – Removable wallpaper backsplashes allow easy change-ups of styles when desired.
Moving beyond peel and stick allows you to upgrade to a high-quality backsplash that can last for decades with proper sealing and maintenance.
FAQs About Removing Peel and Stick Backsplash
Many homeowners have additional questions about successfully removing backsplash. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Will peel and stick backsplash damage walls when removed?
Removing peel and stick has the potential to damage walls if not done properly. Ripping tiles off forcefully can tear sheetrock or rip off layers of paint and drywall. Using the right tools and techniques minimizes wall damage. Heat, plastic scrapers, dental floss, and adhesive removers allow safe removal when done carefully.
Can new backsplash go over existing peel and stick?
It’s not recommended to install new backsplash directly over peel and stick. The adhesive residue will prevent proper bonding of tiles, grout, or mastic. You’ll end up with a failing backsplash in the future. It’s best to take time to fully remove old backsplash first.
Should I replace just damaged tiles or the whole backsplash?
Spot replacing a few damaged peel and stick tiles rarely looks good. The new tiles will likely not match the existing design or level of wear. Fully removing the entire backsplash and starting fresh ensures a cohesive look.
How can I soften old adhesive for removal?
Heat is very effective for softening adhesive residue behind old backsplash. A heat gun, blow dryer, or even a hot damp rag held to tiles can activate the adhesive. Vinegar and water solution and adhesive remover sprays also help dissolve old backing for less scraping.
What’s the best way to remove adhesive from painted drywall?
Painted drywall requires gradual adhesive removal to avoid peeling off the paint. Goo Gone adhesive remover helps soften residue for gentler scraping. Avoid harsh chemical solvents. Work slowly with plastic scrapers to protect the painted surface underneath. Limit heat to prevent bubbling the paint.
Conclusion
Peel and stick backsplash provides a convenient DIY-friendly option for quick kitchen upgrading. However, when it comes time for removal, the process often proves more difficult than expected. With strong adhesives, time, and proper techniques, these backsplashes can be taken down successfully. Using heat, plastic tools, and remover sprays allows safe removal with minimal wall damage. Alternatively, upgrading to ceramic, glass, or natural stone backsplash avoids future removal hassles. With some patience and care, that outdated peel and stick backsplash can be ready for a fresh new look.