DIY Peel and Stick Wallpaper Backsplash in 4 Easy Steps

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So, what do you do when you can’t decide? You go with a DIY peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash. It’s a great alternative idea for the kitchen, and it’s removable.

Updated August 2026: After living with this peel and stick wallpaper backsplash for two years, I’m sharing how it held up, how easy it was to clean and remove, and whether I would use it again.

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DIY Peel And Stick Kitchen Backsplash – 4 Easy Steps

When we replaced the countertops in our newly purchased ranch-home fixer-upper, we knew we would need a new kitchen backsplash. We really didn’t want ceramic tiles. They’re such a hassle to install and way too permanent.

Me being the impatient one in the family (shocker, right?), I wanted to install the shiplap kitchen backsplash we had in our prior home, but I just couldn’t make up my mind. I’m pretty sure, but not sure. Does this sound familiar?

So, after some “careful” online research, I’m going with a DIY peel-and-stick wallpaper for a temporary, removable backsplash until I can decide on a permanent one. It sounds easy enough. There’s no glue involved; it’s peel and stick, and I have scissors; this would be a quick 1-hour project, and no one will notice it’s wallpaper. So I thought.

The one thing that I thought wouldn’t matter is that the wall is TEXTURED! And it has a bit of sheetrock damage from my aggressive demo skills.

DIY Peel And Stick Wallpaper Backsplash - 4 Easy Steps

Before starting, use kitchen-and-bath silicone to seal the countertop to protect it from water before applying the wallpaper.

SUPPLY LIST:

vinyl peel and stick wallpaper
utility knife
scissors
screwdriver (to remove the electrical covers)
and a whole lot of patience

Step 1: Peel And Stick Backsplash (Easy Installation)

Here is what I figured out really quickly. For the best and long-lasting results, it’s best to have a smooth wall. Our wall is textured, but I knew this peel-and-stick wallpaper would be a temporary, affordable solution. I was totally on board with that, so I pushed on. I’m a trailblazer!

Determine the amount of wallpaper you need for your project. Our kitchen countertops are approximately 10 ‘ x 10 ‘. I used less than three rolls to complete this peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash. CLICK HERE to see where I purchased the wallpaper.

Remove covers from electrical outlets, and be sure to clean (wipe down) your wall to remove any dirt, grease, or grime it may have accumulated, then allow it to dry. It is a kitchen, and things do tend to splatter.

* Before working on any project involving electrical outlets, turn off the power to prevent serious injury or death.

For the best and long-lasting results, it's best to have a smooth wall. Our wall is textured, but I knew this peel and stick wallpaper would be a temporary solution. But I was okay with that.

Step 2: Pick A Design That Is Easily Matched

Measure from the top of the backsplash to the bottom of the kitchen counter, and cut a piece of the wallpaper about 1/2 inch longer than you need to allow for wiggle room. Any extra can be cut away after applying with a utility knife or whatever you have in your kitchen junk drawer. I used a scraper blade. Use what you have!

For this peel-and-stick wallpaper kitchen backsplash design, I chose vinyl wallpaper (which repels water) with a pattern that is easy to match. There is less waste when the design is repetitive. That’s less waste, more savings.

I also noticed after purchasing that the white wallpaper is a bit transparent, and if you look closely, you can see the line of sheetrock damage behind the paper. From across the room, it’s not visible. Yeah, I’m going with that. Remember, it’s temporary, I kept telling myself, pushing on!

Try this easy DIY peel and stick wallpaper backsplash idea when you can't decide in your kitchen. It's a great alternative and so affordable.

Step 3: Top To Bottom Application – Removable Peel And Stick Wallpaper Backsplash

After cutting (use the cut lines) the wallpaper into the size strips you need, then peel away the back sheet to expose the sticky side of the paper about 1/3 of the way down. Don’t try to remove the whole back sheet because I promise the results won’t be good. Trust me, and I tried it. Learn from my mistakes.

After cutting the wallpaper into the size strips you need, then peel away the back sheet to expose the sticky side of the peel and stick wallpaper about 1/3 of the way down. Don't try to remove the whole back sheet because I promise the results won't be good.

Start the application of the peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash from the top, smoothing the paper as you work your way down with your hand.

STEP 4: Trim the Wallpaper and Replace the Outlet Covers

Once you have the DIY peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash in place, use a utility knife to carefully remove the excess at the bottom of the paper and cut around electrical outlets.

Replace all outlet covers and turn the electricity back on to see the beautiful results of your labor. Time to take some Aleve!

Here Is How It Turned Out!

I love how the natural light reflects off the backsplash, giving the kitchen a fresh, airy feel.

The easiest DIY peel and stick wallpaper backsplash you'll ever do in your kitchen. It's the perfect temporary alternative when you can't decide on a design.

My total out-of-pocket was about $30 for this DIY peel-and-stick wallpaper backsplash in my kitchen. Not bad, but it would have been better if my wall had been smooth. It’ll DO for now.

How Did the Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Backsplash Hold Up?

Will peel and stick wallpaper stick to textured walls?

Yes, peel and stick wallpaper can adhere to a textured wall as long as the texture is minimal. A heavily textured surface may prevent the adhesive from making full contact with the wall, causing bubbles, lifting, or peeling. My wall had some texture, so the finished backsplash wasn’t perfectly smooth, but it worked well enough for the temporary solution I needed.

Is peel and stick wallpaper waterproof?

It depends on the material you choose. The peel and stick wallpaper I purchased was vinyl, so it repelled water and could be wiped clean. However, I wouldn’t consider it completely waterproof. I also sealed the area where the wallpaper met the countertop with kitchen and bath silicone to help keep water from getting behind it.

Can it be used behind a stove?

I personally would not install peel and stick wallpaper behind a stove because of the heat exposure. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions and safety recommendations before using any wallpaper near a heat source. A heat-resistant backsplash material would be a safer choice for that area.

Is it easy to remove?

Yes, peel and stick wallpaper is designed to be removable. The adhesive isn’t intended to create a permanent bond, which makes it a good option when you want a temporary update. Remove it slowly and carefully to help protect the painted surface underneath.

Would I use wallpaper as a backsplash again?

Perhaps, in the right setting. This wallpaper backsplash served its purpose as an affordable, temporary solution while I decided what I wanted permanently. I would consider using it again for a short-term update, especially on a clean, smooth wall away from excessive heat and moisture.

Final Thoughts on My Temporary Wallpaper Backsplash

For an affordable temporary solution, this peel and stick wallpaper backsplash did exactly what I needed it to do. It brightened my kitchen, handled everyday splashes, and stayed in place for two years, although the edges began lifting after the first year. Best of all, it was easy to remove and didn’t damage the wall when I was ready to install my permanent wood shiplap backsplash.

Would you try peel and stick wallpaper as a temporary kitchen backsplash? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think!

Until the next project,

xo, Do

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