For the typical do-it-yourselfer, the installation of Aspect peel and stick tiles is a relatively “easy” project that adds instant style to your kitchen or bathroom.
Read these instructions completely before you start. If you have doubts about doing this installation, you should contact a qualified contractor, carpenter or a professional installer.
Installation Overview
Plan – There are many tile patterns, from basketweave to herringbone to stack bond. Choose the design that best fits your style and décor. Click here to see these patterns installed in a kitchen.
Lay out & measure - Measure the area to be covered. Lay out the entire project on a flat surface, like a table or the floor before installing the tiles to be sure you have enough tiles and your design is correct. Using a chalk line, create at least one vertical and one horizontal reference lines to guide tile placement.
Install Tiles – Aspect allows for two easy installation methods: Method 1 requires wall preparation. Method 2 requires additional adhesive.
Method 1
Method 1: Proper wall preparation is required for this application. Aspect can be installed over most structurally sound substrates if they are clean, flat, smooth, dry, and free of dust, wax, soap scum and grease. Acceptable substrates are drywall, plaster or clean, smooth tile (glazed, porcelain type tile; not porous or textured). Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched, leveled and primed. Fill cracks and irregularities with wallboard compound or spackling, then sand smooth with fine-grade sandpaper. If method 1 fails, use method 2.
The substrate to which you are applying Aspect tiles must be primed with a fresh coat of high-quality oil-based (not latex, vinyl or PVA-based primer). Tile application to latex -based paints or primers will cause adhesion failure. Below are several of the recommended primers.
- KILZ™ Interior Oil-Based Sealer/Primer/Stainblocker
- Zinser™ B-I-N Shellac-Base/Primer/Sealer
- Behr™ Interior/Exterior Oil-Based Primer & Sealer
Method 2: If you do not intend to prepare, sand and prime the surface, an additional adhesive should be used. We recommend a high-quality polyurethane construction adhesive be applied to the back of each tile in these cases. Be sure to remove the release film on the back of each tile before applying additional adhesive. Apply no more than about five pea-sized dots of adhesive to the back of a full tile (see below). Keep the adhesive a half-inch from the edges. Firmly press the tiles into place. If adhesive squeezes out around the tiles, be sure to wipe it off before it dries.
Method 2
Here are the recommended adhesives:
- LOCTITE™ Power Grab
- PL™ 200, 300 or 400
- Liquid Nails™ Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive
We recommend you lay out the entire project on a flat surface, like a table or the floor, before installing to the substrate, to be sure you have enough tiles and your design is correct. As each project is different, be sure to plan for cutouts, corners or edge treatments before applying tiles.
Installing your first tile: Here’s where the fun begins. Be sure the substrate is clean and dry. Remove the film backing from both sides of the tile. Align the tile where you want it on the reference lines and press into place. Be sure to align it exactly where you want it. Lightly place the tile against the substrate. The tiles may be removed within a minute or two and reset if they are only lightly placed on the substrate. If it is in the right position, firmly press the tile over its entire surface area to be sure it adheres properly. CAUTION: Do not stand or walk on release paper or a tile with release paper on the back as it is extremely slippery. Place it in a wastebasket immediately upon removal from tile.
Cutting tiles: The most important thing to remember here is to cut only the tiles, not yourself — be careful. If cutting tiles, one of the following tools will be needed:
- Chop saw
- Miter box
- Hack saw
- Coping saw
- Straight edge and utility knife
Use a chop saw, miter box, hack saw for any necessary straight cuts, and a coping saw for circular cuts or electrical outlet cutouts. When cutting is complete, use a fine-grit sandpaper or a small metal file to debur the cut edges. Take the cut tile to the work space and place it in its intended location, ensuring it fits properly before removing the protective film on either side of the tile.
Alternative cutting option. A utility knife with a sharp blade can also be used for straight cuts on the tiles. Measure and mark the tile where the cut must be made with a marker on the protective film. Using a straight edge, score along the entire tile using a utility knife. Carefully make a few passes with a bit more pressure each pass. Bend back and forth until tile separates.
Install and/or cut remaining tiles in the same fashion as described above. When tiles are installed to your satisfaction, press each again firmly with your hand. This will ensure that the adhesive bonds to the substrate. Allow 24 hours for the tiles' adhesive to set before exposing them to a heat source (such as a stovetop or oven). Clean or touch-up tiles with a glass cleaner and soft cloth or paper towels.
Caulking/sealing
If desired, apply a 1/8" bead of caulk or silicone sealant in the gap under the bottom row. Wipe off excess sealant. Choose clear or colored caulk according to your preference
Matching outlet covers – For plate covers we recommend using WallPlateWarehouse.com. Their selection of covers match the finishes of Aspect the closest of any we have found. Below you will find the suggestions for each specific Aspect finish.
Brushed Champagne – Antique Brass Steel
Brushed Stainless – Pewter Tone/Stainless Steel
Brushed Copper – Brushed Copper Steel
Tips and Techniques
Adhering small pieces - Use construction adhesive (as in method 2 at the top) for cut pieces of Aspect that are less than a third of a full tile.
Fitting Partial Tiles - To fit partial tiles, lay the tile to be cut exactly over the last full tile. Place another full tile against the wall and mark the cutting line where the tiles overlap. Cut tile on line. Before peeling the backing paper off self-adhering tile, check that the cut tile fits. Do not force it into place. Install tile (removing paper from self-adhering tile), and press tile firmly into position.
Fitting Around Pipes - To fit around pipes, make a cardboard pattern as a guide and use it to draw an outline on the tile. Cut to shape. A carbide-tipped hole saw can also be used. Check fit before peeling off backing paper. The tile should fit snugly but don't force it into place.
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