Tiles in no time: how to apply self-adhesive wall tiles

What can I use vinyl wall tiles for?

Self-adhesive tiles are a high-quality, user-friendly solution for tiling areas in your bathroom or kitchen. No need to worry about grouting, adhesives, trowels or tile cutters – our vinyl tiles arrive ready to go. Simply score & snap to size, clean your wall, peel, and stick; job’s a goodun!

You can use vinyl wall tiles behind bathroom basins or kitchen sinks, behind electric or induction hobs, or even around the shower! 30cm tiles from d-c-fix have a waterproof membrane which keeps water out of the joins, making them perfect for wet areas as long as the raw edges are sealed with a silicon sealant. 15cm tiles are water-resistant, so these are best suited to splashbacks.

Looking for a sticky-back solution to other surfaces in your home? Swot up on our guide to how apply self-adhesive vinyl film for tips & tricks on covering tables and other surfaces!

The tools for the job

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Utility knife
• Metal ruler
• Silicone sealant

Step 1: Clean the wall

Vinyl tiles can be used on flat, painted walls, or on top of existing tiles. This means they’re perfect for rental homes, or if you don’t fancy the mess of removing old tiles.

The surface that you’re tiling onto has to be squeaky-clean and dry before you stick your tiles on, so take some time to give it a good wipe down with a multipurpose spray or cleaning wipe. For areas around the hob, you may need a degreaser to clean it fully.

Step 2: Measure & cut

You know the old saying ‘measure twice, cut once’? It applies to vinyl tiles too! Carefully measure the area that you’ll be tiling to make sure there’s no waste.

Mark any areas that you need to cut on the reverse side of your tile sheet. If you’re joining 2 or more sheets together, double check that the pattern continues where the sheets join for a seamless finish.

Next, grab a metal ruler (or any straight edge) and use a utility knife to carefully score the sheet. You should then be able to simply snap the sheet apart. Doesn’t get easier than that!

Step 3: Peel & stick

Once your pieces are cut and ready, you can start applying them to the wall. Peel off the white backing paper from your tiles, making sure the clear membrane stays in place – this is what will stick the tiles to the wall, but also forms the waterproof barrier behind the joins.

Gently press the panel into place, then move on to any extra pieces. Butt-join tiles together and overlap the clear membrane to continue the waterproof barrier.

Step 4: Seal raw edges

Water can be a real nuisance if it gets behind your tiles, so we’d recommend using a silicone sealant on any raw edges for a perfect finish – especially if they’re next to your shower.

Step 5: Relax!

Step back and take a look at your stylish and professional-looking tiles, and just think about how much time, energy, and money you just saved with self-adhesive tiles. Go and treat yourself to a cuppa and a biscuit.

Cleaning vinyl tiles

Keeping your tiles in tip-top shape is even easier than fitting them; simply wipe down with your favourite household cleaner.

How do I remove vinyl tiles?

When the time comes to take your self-adhesive tiles off the wall, carefully slot a flathead screwdriver underneath the tile and gingerly wiggle to lever it free. You can then peel the rest off like a plaster.

If there’s any remaining sticky stuff that you can’t scrub off, using rubbing alcohol will help you remove it.