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Can You Put Peel And Stick Tile Over Brick? (How To)

The peel and stick tiles are popular for their strong adhesive backing and unparalleled heat and heat resistance. They might be your go-to option if you want durable and affordable tiles to charm your indoor space. You may have heard about these self-adhering tiles but are wondering if you can put them over your brick wall.

The short answer is yes. You can put the peel and stick tiles over brick. However, you will have to make preparations for the brick wall to allow for better adherence and work efficiency. 

white brick on the wall

So, why must you prepare the brick wall? Though famous for its strong adhesive, it’s important to note that the peel and stick tiles may not stick to the bricks. And, if they do, they will peel off after a short period since the bricks are not smooth enough to allow for a better grip.

For best results, you should install the peel and stick tiles on an extra panel with a smooth surface. Examples of the panel options you can use include:

  • Covering the brick wall with cement sheeting
  • Covering the brick wall using a stud wall with a plasterboard

In this guide, I have detailed how to put peel and stick tiles over bricks using cement sheets as an underlay. I have chosen the cement sheets because they are sturdier and more durable than a stud wall with a plasterboard. Read on.

Should You Put Peel Stick Tile Over Brick? 

confused man standing

The peel and stick tiles are affordable and the easiest to install. In addition, they are resistant to heat and water and don’t peel off after installation. As such, you should feel free to install them in the kitchen, living space, or any other surface in your abode. 

But should you put peel and stick tiles over brick? Generally, the peel and stick glue would adhere well on a smooth, dry, leveled surface. Considering the texture of most brick surfaces, they least comply with the requirements above. 

Most brick walls are rough and dusty, and putting self-adhering tiles on such surfaces may compromise the structural integrity of your house. 

For best results, you should stick the peel and stick tiles on an extra panel like the concrete sheets in our case. However, there are times when the tiles won’t adhere to the concrete sheets (or any other board you may wish to use). If that happens, you need to watch out for the following culprits.

Your Installation Panel Does Not Meet The Three Requirements: If your concrete panel is not level, you’ll have difficulties installing the tiles. On the other hand, the tiles won’t adhere if the installation panel is wet or rough. 

So, you need to ensure that your surface is smooth, flat and dry, by using either gypsum, plasterboard, or concrete as your underlay.

The Installation Surface Is Dirty: Any accumulation of dirt, grime or grit on the installation surface may prevent the tiles from binding well. That’s why you clean your installation surface thoroughly.

You Are Tiling In A Cold Environment: The adhesive used in the peel and stick tile needs higher temperatures to cure. And working in a cold environment will elongate the curing process or affect the entire chemical reaction. 

So, make sure that your tiles, the installation surface and the ambient temperature of your space are favorable before you start the installation process.

What Tools Do You Need To Put Peel And Stick Tile Over Brick?

man peeling the tile

Installing the peel and stick tiles is super easy. But the experience comes true when you have access to the right tools. So, what tools do you need to peel and stick tile over brick?

Examples of tools you need to peel and stick tiles over brick include the underlay surface (like concrete in our case), primer, a utility knife, level, cleaning soap, water, a wiping towel, and a measuring tape. Below is a brief description of each.

An Underlay Surface: This is the surface you need to fix to the brick wall to give it a smooth, dry and flat surface for putting the peel and stick tiles. In our case, we chose to work with concrete.

Primer: It is sticky flat paint devoid of any pigment that you can apply as an undercoat to create a non-porous/ consistent foundation on the underlay for better adherence to the peel and stick tiles. In our case, we should apply it to the concrete sheets to create a smooth, non-porous surface.

Utility Knife: For reducing the self-adhering tiles into custom shapes and sizes

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 3, 2022.

Cleaning Soap And Water: For cleaning any dirt, grime, or grit off the installation panel (concrete sheets)

Towel: For wipe drying the installation panel

Level:  For identifying uneven areas on the installation panel

Sandpaper: For scrubbing raised areas on the installation panel to level them

Trowel: For applying mortar or any other adhesive in the concrete panel

Measuring Tape: For taking the correct measurements of the installation areas and the tiles to calculate the number of tiles required, among other reasons.

What Preparations Do You Need To Put Peel And Stick Tile Over Brick?

confused man standing

Now that you understand the tools, you need to put the self-adhering tiles over brick walls, the next step is to look at how to install the tiles over brick.

So, what preparations do you need to put peel and stick tile over brick? You only need to fit the brick wall with the extra (concrete) panel. To do so, remove any grime, mortar, dust and other debris on the brick wall to achieve a clean flat surface. Then fit the concrete sheeting as required.

Removing the brick wall will eliminate elements that may interfere with effective sticking if the adhesive connecting the concrete sheets to the wall.

Now, the biggest question is: how do you install concrete sheeting over the brick wall? To install concrete, apply the adhesive to the back of the cement sheet, then press the sheet against the brick wall. Repeat the process until you cover the whole brick wall.

Be sure to stick the sheet with the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive. Also, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching the cement sheets. 

Note: Your efficiency in installing the peel and stick tiles will depend on how well you install your cement sheets or any other panel you may prefer to use. So, you must ensure that your cement sheets/board is well leveled to avoid frustrations when installing the self-adhesive tiles. 

After installation, allow the extra panel to cure completely, clean any dirt or grime on its surface, and apply primer. 

The primer will act as a moisture barrier between the concrete sheet and the adhesive used in the peel and stick tiles. Remember, concrete is a porous material. Proceed to the next step—putting peel and stick tiles over the brick.

How To Put Peel And Stick Tile Over Brick?

confused man standing

Now that you have a smooth, level and dry surface to work on, it’s the right time to install the peel and stick tiles over brick. 

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 3, 2022.

To put peel and stick tile over brick, peel the plastic backing at the back of your tiles and then install them on the concrete panel. Work from the bottom, moving your way up. Be sure to do it one tile after another until you cover the entire wall. 

Do not peel more than one tile at a go, as it could risk the adhesive setting before installation. That means you have to apply an adhesive to install the tile.

If working in a tight space where a whole tile cannot fit, use a tape measure to measure the installation space and then transfer the measurements to peel and stick the tile; use a utility knife to reduce the size of the tile to the required size and shape, then install it.

Be sure to clean the peelings, tile remains and other debris from the floor after installation.

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