How To Cover Kitchen Wall Tiles Without Removing Them
Covering existing kitchen tiles with new wall panels is a mess free, cost effective, and time saving way of transforming your kitchen. This blog will explore the benefits of choosing wall panels over other tile covering options, how to install new wall panels over existing tiles, and how to choose the right panel for you.
Why Cover Kitchen Tiles Instead of Removing Them?
Removing tiles often requires the services of a professional, the disposal of old tiles, and potential repairs to damaged walls. This takes time, costs money, and makes a lot of mess. By covering your kitchen tiles, rather than removing and replacing them, you can reduce costs, mess, and time. So how do you cover your kitchen tiles?
What Are the Best Ways to Cover Kitchen Wall Tiles?
There are several ways you can cover your existing kitchen wall tiles:
Paint
Paint is an easy option. However, it is important to use a paint specifically designed for tiles. It is also worth bearing in mind that paint does not guarantee a consistent finish and it can peel, particularly in a damp, humid atmosphere.
Vinyl covering
Vinyl coverings or wraps are a cost-effective way of covering your kitchen tiles. These coverings come in a variety of finishes and colours, enabling you to transform your kitchen quickly. However, the warmth and humidity in a kitchen may cause the covering to lift from the tile, which can look unsightly and let moisture in underneath the wrap.
Tile stickers
Peel and stick tiles are becoming a popular way of quickly transforming old or worn tiles. They are easy to apply and can be removed just as easily, which means you can change the design of your kitchen whenever you choose. But again, in a room with high levels of humidity it is easy for these stickers to peel, which can be both unattractive and unhygienic.
Kitchen wall panels
The most effective, long lasting, and durable way of covering kitchen tiles is by using PVC kitchen wall panels.
These panels, such as those available from National Plastics, perfectly emulate real materials, such as contemporary concrete, traditional tile, opulent marble, and stunning stone. As well as looking realistic, these panels are 100% waterproof, extremely durable, and can be installed over most surfaces, including existing tiles. They are easy to install and even easier to maintain, needing only a wipe with a clean damp cloth to keep them looking like new. Overall, for a solution that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also extremely practical and long lasting, wall panels are the ideal choice.
Can You Put Kitchen Wall Panels Over Tiles?
Yes! Kitchen wall panels can be fitted directly over tiles, as long as the surface is clean, level and structurally sound. PVC wall panels are particularly forgiving and are ideal for disguising imperfections.
Benefits of Using Kitchen Wall Panels Over Tiles
- You do not need to remove old tiles, which saves time and money.
- You do not need to use grout, which if not kept clean can develop mould, which is both unsightly and unhygienic.
- Kitchen wall panels are 100% waterproof, which makes them ideal for rooms with high levels of moisture, such as kitchens.
- Kitchen wall panels are extremely easy to maintain, needing only a wipe to keep them clean.
- Kitchen wall panels offer a clean, professional finish, in a style that is perfectly suited to you and your home.
- Kitchen wall panels can be installed by any competent DIYer and in a third of the time it takes to fit traditional tiles.
Step-by-Step: How to Cover Kitchen Tiles with Wall Panels
Installing kitchen wall panels is a simple and straightforward process. Our step-by-step installation video is the perfect place to start, as it will guide you through the process, from which tools you need to how to attach your new kitchen wall panels, but to give you an idea of what’s involved, here’s a brief overview:
- Firstly, look at the condition of your existing tiles. PVC wall panels are extremely forgiving so the surface does not have to be completely smooth, but loose tiles should be removed and the remaining tiles wiped clean of any residue.
- Let your tiles dry completely before installing your new kitchen panels.
- Starting with your trims, measure the wall and cut the trims to the required length before fixing them to the wall.
- Next, move on to your PVC kitchen wall panels. Measure and mark the first panel.
- Once your first panel is cut, remove the tongue to ensure the panel fits fully into the trim, apply adhesive or silicone to the back of the panel, and fit into the trim.
- Repeat the above process as you work your way along the wall, ensuring any pattern aligns and remembering to check your panels with a spirit level.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Wall Panels for Your Space
The right kitchen panel for your home will almost certainly depend on your personal taste and the style of your kitchen. However, we always recommend looking at your kitchen’s existing décor and choosing a panel that blends beautifully into this.
With so many different finishes available, such as matt or gloss, and a variety of designs, from warm wood and traditional tile effect to contemporary sparkle and stunning stone effect, we’re confident you will find the perfect panel for your kitchen.
It is worth remembering that kitchens experience high levels of moisture, so it’s important to choose a panel that is 100% waterproof, such as those from National Plastics. It is also essential that you read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing your new panels, particularly when it comes to location, for example, behind a hob. Many manufacturers may recommend adding a protective Perspex layer over the panel to prevent damage.
Shop Kitchen Wall Panels and Accessories at National Plastics
If you’re considering rejuvenating your kitchen with new wall panels and would like further guidance and advice on where to start, call our friendly expert team today on 0800 22 77 77.
