How To Affordably DIY A Custom Kitchen Backsplash With Tile Tattoos

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In many kitchens, tile can be a dominating feature of the space. So, if you're unhappy with the tiles in your backsplash, you may find yourself feeling a little stuck. If you're a renter, it's likely that you aren't permitted to change out the tiles, and if you're a homeowner, you may be daunted by the idea of retiling due to high costs. In fact, the cost of retiling a backsplash can start at around $700 — a number that can rise quickly, particularly in a larger kitchen. But you don't have to give up on your dream backsplash just yet. Believe it or not, there is actually a fascinating product which can transform the look of your tiles without making any permanent changes, and all for a fraction of the cost of retiling.

This genius solution is known as the tile tattoo. Much like a temporary tattoo you might buy for a children's party, these adhesive patterns can be applied to tiles in a few simple steps and then removed just as easily. This means no lasting damage to the tiles, which is great if you rent your home or you're looking for styles to try out in your kitchen without committing fully. So, how do they work? First, choose a tattoo that you like from the various styles available, including simple geometric patterns, florals, and even animal shapes. Once you've ordered the ones you like, you will then need to read the product instructions. However, installation is generally as easy as placing the tattoos into water, peeling the backing off, and applying the stickers to the tiles. So, what are some creative ways to use decor tattoos on your tiles to give your kitchen backsplash a beautiful refresh?

A key part of this DIY process starts before you even order your new tile tattoos. First, carefully plan where you want the tattoos to go in order to create the desired effect. This will help you order the correct number that you need for the size of backsplash you have and enable you to begin placing them as soon as they arrive. For example, these art deco-style French Tiles tattoos from Suteka come in a base pack of 44 corner tattoos and 28 dots for the center of each tile while these FRED tile decals from Etsy are meant to spread over multiple tiles and come in a set of two.

Once you have your tattoos, you may wish to clean your tiles before applying them to remove any kitchen grease or dirt which could interfere with the tattoo's adhesive or cause it to bubble. Then, simply follow the product's instructions to remove the backing paper and stick onto the tiles. A great tip to keep in mind when using these tattoos is that many of them can be applied to other smooth, flat surfaces as well. So, not only can the stickers make your backsplash fresh and up-to-date, they can be used to make your kitchen more aesthetic as a whole. By placing some matching tattoos on glass windows, decor pieces, and even dishes, your custom backsplash will fit right into the overall aesthetic of the room. If your tiles cover the whole kitchen and you want to delineate a specific backsplash area, these tattoos work great for that, too. Simply purchase a small number and apply them around the sink or stove to create a visually-appealing, separated backsplash without having to change out any of the tiles.