Prep the Wall Surface
Degrease behind the stove, fill holes. Surface must be clean, dry, and smooth. Use TSP on cooking area—it's greasier than you think.
Quick Summary
1-2 hours + drying
$15-$40
Easy
4-24 hours
Why Prep Matters So Much
Skip prep = watch your work peel off
Kitchen walls accumulate invisible grease layers from years of cooking. This grease prevents paint and adhesives from bonding properly. Without thorough degreasing, peel-and-stick tiles fall off within weeks, and paint peels within months. This step is boring but non-negotiable.
Think of it like painting a car—you wouldn't spray paint over dirt and expect it to last. Your kitchen backsplash needs the same attention to surface preparation.
Materials You'll Need
Cleaning Supplies
- TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) - $8 for a box
- Large sponge or scrub brush
- Bucket for mixing
- Clean rags or cloths
- Rubber gloves
Surface Repair
- Spackle or joint compound - $6-10
- Putty knife (2" and 4")
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Painter's tape (blue tape)
- Drop cloth or plastic sheeting
Step-by-Step Process
Protect Your Kitchen
Clear everything from countertops in the backsplash area. Cover counters with plastic drop cloths or old towels. Tape off edges of cabinets and appliances. TSP can damage finished surfaces.
Tip: Remove outlet covers now—they'll need cleaning too, and you don't want cleaner dripping behind them.
Mix the TSP Solution
Follow package directions—typically 1/4 cup TSP per gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves; TSP is a skin irritant. Mix thoroughly until dissolved.
TSP Alternatives
- • TSP Substitute - Phosphate-free, safer but less effective
- • Krud Kutter - Pre-mixed degreaser, works well
- • Simple Green - Milder option for light grease
For heavy kitchen grease, real TSP works best.
Degrease the Wall
Start at the bottom and work up (prevents streaking). Apply generously with a sponge. Let the solution sit for 3-5 minutes to break down grease. Scrub with the rough side of your sponge.
Behind the stove: This area is usually the worst. Plan to clean it 2-3 times. Touch the wall—if it feels slippery at all, clean again.
Rinse Thoroughly
Wipe down the entire surface with clean water and a fresh sponge. TSP residue can interfere with adhesion, so rinse until you're sure it's all gone. Change your rinse water frequently.
Let It Dry Completely
This is critical. Wait at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before moving to the next step. Any moisture trapped behind peel-and-stick tiles will cause them to fail.
Speed it up: Run a fan pointed at the wall, or set your HVAC to dehumidify mode. Check with your hand—wall should feel room temperature, not cool (cool = still damp).
Fill Holes and Cracks
Once dry, inspect for any holes, cracks, or damage. Fill with spackle using a putty knife. Apply thin coats—thick spackle cracks. Let dry between coats (follow product directions, usually 1-2 hours).
What to Fill
- • Nail or screw holes from old backsplash mounts
- • Cracks in drywall
- • Chips in existing tile (if applying over tile)
- • Gaps around outlet boxes
Sand Smooth
Once spackle is fully dry, sand all patched areas smooth with 120-grit sandpaper. Feather edges so patches blend with surrounding wall. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth.
Final Wipe-Down
Do a final wipe of the entire surface with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Let dry completely. Run your hand over the wall—it should feel smooth, dry, and dust-free.
Special Situations
Prepping Over Existing Tile
If you're applying peel-and-stick over existing tile:
- 1. Clean tile and grout thoroughly with TSP
- 2. Fill any cracked or crumbling grout with caulk or grout
- 3. Lightly sand glossy tiles with 150-grit for better adhesion
- 4. Wipe clean and let dry completely
Deep grout lines may telegraph through thin peel-and-stick. Consider a skim coat of joint compound to create a smoother base.
Prepping Bare Drywall
If you're working with unpainted or bare drywall:
- 1. Dust and clean the surface
- 2. Prime with latex primer (essential for good adhesion)
- 3. Let primer dry 24 hours before applying backsplash
Primer prevents the peel-and-stick adhesive from damaging the drywall paper if you later decide to remove the tiles.
Dealing with Glossy Paint
Shiny or glossy painted walls don't hold adhesive well:
- 1. Clean thoroughly
- 2. Sand lightly with 150-grit to dull the finish
- 3. Wipe away all dust
- 4. Optionally apply a coat of primer for maximum adhesion
How to Know You're Done
Pass This Test Before Proceeding
Touch test: Run your hand over the wall. It should feel dry, smooth, and clean—not tacky, gritty, or slippery.
White cloth test: Wipe a white cloth across the wall. If it picks up any residue, clean again.
Tape test: Press a piece of painter's tape firmly to the wall, then peel off. If the tape peels easily with no resistance, adhesion will be poor—consider sanding or priming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TSP and why is it important for kitchen wall prep?
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) is a powerful cleaning agent that cuts through grease, grime, and smoke residue. Kitchen walls, especially behind the stove, accumulate layers of cooking grease that regular cleaners can't remove. TSP prepares the surface for paint or adhesive-backed materials to stick properly. Without degreasing, peel-and-stick tiles will fall off and paint will peel.
How do I know if my wall is clean enough for peel-and-stick tiles?
Run your hand across the wall after cleaning and drying. It should feel completely smooth and dry, not tacky or slippery. If your fingers feel any residue or oiliness, clean again. You can also tape a piece of paper to the wall overnight—if it falls off or peels easily, the surface isn't clean enough.
Can I prep drywall that's never been tiled?
Yes, bare drywall needs less degreasing but still requires cleaning. The main concern is dust and any grease from cooking. Lightly sand any glossy spots, wipe clean, and prime with a latex primer before applying peel-and-stick tiles. Primer creates a better bonding surface and prevents the adhesive from damaging the drywall if you later remove the tiles.
Do I need to remove existing tile before applying peel-and-stick?
Usually no. Peel-and-stick tiles can go directly over smooth, clean existing tile. The key is that the old tile must be firmly attached, clean, and relatively smooth. Deep grout lines may show through thin peel-and-stick products—in that case, skim coat with joint compound first. If old tiles are loose, cracked, or moldy, they should be removed.