Peel-and-stick kitchen backsplashes offer a quick and affordable way to upgrade your space. When it’s time for a refresh, removing them is just as easy — no chisels or tile cutters are required.
I removed my old peel-and-stick kitchen backsplash with just a few basic tools. By following my step-by-step guide, I have no doubt you can remove these tiles without damaging the wall. Once you take off your old backsplash, you’ll have a clean, blank slate for your kitchen’s next look. Home Gnome can connect you with a pro to finish the job.
| Project difficulty: Beginner Estimated time to complete: 1 to 2 hours Project cost: $10 to $25 |
Step 1: Gather Materials and Tools
Before you get started, compile all your tools and materials.
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Putty knife or plastic scraper
- Adhesive remover
- Rags or sponges
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
Length of project: Usually 1 to 2 hours, depending on adhesive strength and backsplash size.
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
First things first, let’s clear the area and protect the surfaces around the kitchen backsplash. Remove anything on the counters, cover nearby surfaces with drop cloths, and line the backsplash edges with painter’s tape where the tile meets the wall. This will catch any sticky bits that may fall off as you go.
Step 3: Loosen the Adhesive
Next, it’s time to heat things up. Grab a heat gun or a hair dryer and set it to the highest heat setting. Start at one corner of the backsplash, holding it about 2 inches away. Move it back and forth over small sections, warming up the adhesive for about 30 to 60 seconds. Some adhesives may need slightly more or less time, so adjust as needed.
My Tip: My hair dryer worked like a charm here. At first, I thought it would not be as effective as a heat gun, but it did the job well. The heat softened the adhesive, making it easy to peel off the tiles in larger chunks.
Step 4: Peel Tiles From the Wall
Once the adhesive is warm, begin peeling from a corner of the tile. Use your putty knife or scraper to lift the edge gently, then pull the tile away at a slight angle to reduce wall damage. Pause to check the wall periodically to avoid any tearing. Continue until all tiles are removed.
My Tip: Going slow is the key. Rushing caused me to tear a few tiles, which left more adhesive on the wall. Stick to a gentle pace, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 5: Remove Leftover Adhesive
After the tiles are gone, you’ll notice a sticky residue left behind. To tackle this, use an adhesive remover. Spray it over the sticky spots, let it sit for a minute or two, and wipe away with a rag. For super stubborn spots, you may need a second application or a gentle scrub with a nylon brush.
My Tip: Personally, Goo Gone worked amazingly and made this step much easier. But remember to let it sit long enough to be effective.
Step 6: Clean and Inspect the Wall
Finally, wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove any leftover traces of adhesive remover. Check for rough spots, and if needed, lightly sand any areas that still feel sticky or uneven. This step might seem small, but it’s essential if you’re planning to put up a new kitchen backsplash.
Update Your Backsplash
Taking down an old peel-and-stick backsplash was a game-changer for my kitchen. It’s an easy reset that makes way for something fresh. Need it done perfectly? Home Gnome connects you with a handyman who’ll get the job done hassle-free.
- How to Install Tile Backsplash
- Types of Kitchen Backsplashes
- How to Install Peel-and-Stick Tile Backsplash
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Photo Credit: Maren Winter / Adobe Stock
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