Warning: my $20 peel and stick backsplash in the kitchen started bubbling after a month

I was in my apartment in Portland trying to cover an ugly tile wall behind the sink. The adhesive on the vinyl sheets failed near the stove where it gets steamy, and now there's a big air pocket. I'm debating if I should try a different brand or just paint the old tiles with that special tile paint. Has anyone fixed something like this without starting over?

3 comments

3 Comments

west.alice3mo ago

That steam from cooking is a real problem for those stick-on tiles. Painting the original tile with a proper primer and epoxy paint is a more permanent fix. You have to clean and sand the tiles really well first, but it holds up to moisture. I've seen it last for years in a rental.

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amyc223mo ago

I read that epoxy paint can yellow over time though.

the_seth1mo ago

yeah but @west.alice I mean that yellowing thing is real. I painted my bathroom cabinets with epoxy a few years back and they started looking kinda off after like 18 months. not terrible but noticeable. still way better than those stick on tiles though.