Stick-On Vinyl For Tiles in Kitchen and Bathroom
For anyone looking to update kitchen or bathroom tiles, take a look at the options for stick-on vinyl to revitalise tiles.
08/08/2021
tilevera.co.za
I have previously featured an article on updating kitchen or bathroom tiles with stick-on vinyl stickers, but since then there has been plenty of interest in this product and the suppliers have added far more tile designs to their range. Stick-on vinyl for tiles is not something new and has been around for ages. The only problem with previous options was the quality of the vinyl used and its lack of adhesion to tiles.
This has been mostly overcome but you still need to keep in mind that these are vinyl stickers that are placed on top of ceramic tile and you need to do proper preparation before applying the vinyl stickers and also for care and maintenance if you want them to last a long time - or until you can afford to replace tiles in a kitchen or bathroom. Who knows, you might like it so much that you prefer to keep using vinyl stickers to bring interesting pattern to the room.
tilevera.co.za
Suitable surfaces for vinyl stickers
Vinyl tile stickers are specifically designed to adhere to ceramic (non-porous) tiles. They will stick onto almost any clean, dry and smooth surface such as walls or melamine.
Make sure that vinyl tile stickers are resistant to moisture or humidity, especially if you are installing these in a bathroom or kitchen. After installation, it is best to wait 48 hours for proper adhesion to occur between the tile and sticker.
If applying vinyl tile stickers to a backsplash, make sure to allow a distance of at least 20cm away from a heat source.
The installation of vinyl stickers are not recommended for shower cubicles or wet rooms.
fantastick.co.za
Preparation for stick-on vinyl stickers
As with anything you stick on a surface, the surface needs to be absolutely clean and dry before you apply. This is even more important when you apply vinyl stickers onto ceramic tiles. If the surface is not free from grease or grime, the stickers will not adhere to the surface of the tile.
If you want the stickers to stay on the tiles for as long as possible, make sure to scrub the tiles with sugar soap and warm water. After that, rinse the tiles before wiping the surface with alcohol. I recommend giving the tiles a light sanding with 120-grit sandpaper or a medium-grit sanding sponge. That way, the tiles will be as clean as possible.
fantastick.co.za
Care and maintenance for vinyl tile stickers
First things first. Keep in mind that vinyl stickers are a temporary solution for tiles. A quality vinyl sticker should last between 2 to 4 years if properly applied and maintained.
Never use a scouring pad or abrasive cleaner to clean the surface of the vinyl stickers, rather clean with a soft cloth and warm water and washing liquid solution. If the stickers are wiped down regularly there will be less build-up of grease and it will be easier to keep them clean. After cleaning, be sure to wipe the tiles dry with a soft cloth.
Vinyl tile stickers are specifically designed to adhere to ceramic (non-porous) tiles. They will stick onto almost any clean, dry and smooth surface, such as walls or melamine.
Are vinyl stickers for tiles worth the cost?
For those looking for a temporary solution or needing to cover ugly tiles until they can afford a more permanent solution, then yes. Vinyl tile stickers give you the freedom to cover up tiles. If properly prepared and applied correctly, there's no reason why vinyl tile stickers will not provide a temporary and attractive alternative for a kitchen and bathroom.
The video below takes you step-by-step through the installation process so that you can instantly refresh tiles in a kitchen or bathroom.