Customized Tile for Your Kitchen or Bathroom

Using Vinyl Graphics is a great way to personalize your home.  You can update your old tile, or personalize your new tile to the look you want.  When redoing an older bathroom, the tile could not be matched.  I decided on a nice boarder look and purchased a blending color tile, then used vinyl colors that matched the color scheme I had chosen for the bathroom.  Now I have a one-of-a-kind bathroom that no one else has.  You can choose 1 color or 2, depending on the look you want. You can change the look whenever you are ready by just pealing off the old vinyl and adding new – a new look any time.

After you have installed your new tile, or if you are updating old tile, do a complete clean up.  This is very important for the vinyl to stick.  Make sure all grout is cleaned off as well as any residue.   The surface area that the vinyl goes on must be clean. A 60/40 mixture of vinegar and water or soap and water works well to prepare the surface; glass cleaners may not allow vinyl to adhere properly. Towel the area dry and follow one of the methods below to apply the vinyl graphic.

HINGE METHOD: This method is a little more involved, but perfect alignment is guaranteed. Position the entire vinyl package (application tape, vinyl graphic and backing paper) and hold in position with a small amount of masking tape. Step back, look, and/or measure to check alignment. Next lap masking tape from upper to lower edge of the package onto the surface you are applying to. This creates a hinge that will allow perfect alignment. Hinge the package down so that the backing is exposed. Slowly peel the backing away from the application tape/vinyl package, slowly hinge back into position, and press in place starting at the lower edge and working back and forth as you move up the decal. Go over the area with a credit card or other stiff plastic to further press the vinyl in place. Do the same for the other side.  Once the decal is on, slowly start to peel the transfer tape from one end. For best results, peel the tape at a low angle (close to the surface) toward the remaining tape and graphic. If the tape is pulled up at 90° to the surface, the vinyl might come with it. If any vinyl tries to lift, simply press it back down with the transfer tape and try peeling again.

SLIP-N-SLIDE METHOD: This method is messier, but the graphic can be re-positioned if necessary.  Liberally spray the surface that the vinyl is being applied to with some water containing a small amount of dish washing liquid (2-3 drops of soap per quart). Slowly peel the transfer tape/vinyl package away from the vinyl backing and position on sprayed surface. Since the area has been heavily sprayed, the graphic can be moved and repositioned. Once it is in the correct location, squeegee the water out from the vinyl/tape package with a credit card or other stiff plastic. Smaller drops of water left under the vinyl will eventually evaporate. Allow the package to remain until completely dry before peeling the transfer tape. Again peel the tape at a low angle, press any stubborn vinyl back in place and re-peel.