The Thick and Thin of STICKGOO’s Peel-and-Stick Subway Tile

Why this waterproof, thicker-backed backsplash might be just right—or a little frustrating

What These Tiles Are About

STICKGOO’s peel-and-stick subway tiles come in packs of 10 sheets, each about 2–2.5 mm thick—roughly twice what you get with typical peel-and-stick options. Each sheet is 12.6” by 10.6”, made up of a dozen 2.6” by 4.9” smaller tiles. They’re made from polyurethane (PU) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), so they’re far sturdier than your average foam or vinyl stickers. They’ve got a polished, glossy finish and square edges with no pre-made trim or corner pieces.

In terms of looks, these tiles shine on the wall, especially when you line them up tight—the grout lines nearly vanish, making them look more like real subway tiles than cheap decals.

How Strong Is the Adhesive?

The backing claims to have triple-strength glue, and on smooth, clean walls, the adhesive grabs very firmly. But that strong grip has its downsides:

• Misplacing a tile by even a fraction means you’re probably stuck with it or risking paint damage when prying it off.
• On rough or textured walls, the adhesive just doesn’t hold. Sanding the surface smooth and boosting it with spray adhesive is necessary; otherwise, expect tiles to start popping off after a few weeks.
• Peeling the backing paper isn’t quick or easy. Plan extra time to carefully lift corners with a fingernail or tool.

Cut Clean, Not Jagged

Don’t even think about scissors or kitchen shears—they won’t give you the crisp edges you need. A sharp utility knife paired with a metal ruler and a sturdy cutting surface is the way to go. Mark your cut lines before slicing, and save your scraps to patch tricky corners—that trick saves you from obvious gaps or mismatched grout lines.

Installation Takes Patience

While the packaging makes it sound like a quick fix, give yourself 2–4 hours for a standard 4’×2’ backsplash. Much of that time goes into:

• Getting each tile lined up perfectly (a laser level or chalk lines help).
• Slowly and carefully peeling the backing paper.
• Fitting and cutting tiles around outlets and edges.

Rush this, and you’ll end up with uneven grout lines and visible gaps.

Get Your Walls Ready

These tiles hate anything but smooth, dry walls. Textured surfaces, fresh paint, or bumps will sabotage adhesion.

• Wait at least 3 weeks for fresh paint to fully cure.
• Sand down any plaster swirls, bumps, or stippling until your wall surface is flat.
• Wipe down thoroughly and let it dry before sticking on tiles.
• Extremely rough surfaces might need a skim coat or floor-leveler to smooth things out.

Skip this prep, and tiles will peel off at edges or corners within a matter of weeks.

Beware the Stretch and Sag

The PU/EVA material isn’t rigid—it’s slightly stretchy. If you slam a full sheet flat with a hard press, the tile edges can stretch and sag, causing a visible wave on your backsplash.

To prevent this:

• Gently smooth from one corner outward without heavy pressure.
• Use a small silicone roller instead of a putty knife for even, controlled pressure.

This flexibility lets the tiles conform to minor unevenness but means they won’t stay perfectly flat like ceramic.

Watch Those Edges

No pre-made corner or edge trims come with this product, so raw edges at countertops or wall ends are unavoidable. The best fix is to have silicone kitchen or bath caulk handy to seal these edges, hide imperfect cuts, and keep water from sneaking under the tiles. Pick a caulk color close to your grout or clear if you want it subtle.

Durability and Care: What to Expect

These tiles handle typical kitchen splashes well and clean up easily with a damp cloth and mild soap. But keep in mind:

• Avoid placing them closer than 4–6 inches to direct heat sources like stove flames to prevent warping.
• Steer clear of abrasive cleaning pads—they’ll dull the shiny finish.
• Silicone caulk can stain if raw vegetable oils contact it frequently.

They’re tougher than foam stickers but won’t match the durability of ceramic or stone.

Thinking About Coverage and Ordering?

A box claims to cover 9.28 square feet, but after cutting and trimming, expect usable coverage closer to 7.4 square feet—factor in about 10–15% waste.

• Measure your backsplash carefully in inches before converting to square feet.
• Order extra to cover cuts, outlets, and mistakes—a half-box more is a good rule of thumb.
• Stick with tiles from the same batch so you don’t end up with subtle color differences mid-project.

Laying your tiles out on the floor in your intended pattern before installation helps avoid surprises on the wall.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Pick These

Go for these tiles if:

• You want a no-mess backsplash upgrade without grout or mortar.
• Your walls are smooth and well-prepped.
• You have patience and the right tools (sharp utility knife, roller, level).
• You like the look of polished subway tiles and plan to keep them in place long-term (removing them can damage paint).

Skip them if:

• You rent and can’t deal with potential wall damage when removing the tiles.
• Your walls are textured or you won’t prep them properly.
• You hate fiddly alignment or matching grout lines.
• You want something foolproof or are willing to hire a pro for real tile.

In sum, these STICKGOO peel-and-stick tiles won’t fool tile purists, but for a stylish, waterproof, and straightforward upgrade on a smooth surface, they deliver well—provided you can handle the quirks.