The Complete DIY Guide to Installing Peel-and-Stick Hexagon Tiles with Gilded Borders

White hexagonal tiles with brass trim are an eye-catching focal point in any room. Installing peel-and-stick versions of these tiles takes the hassle out of a kitchen or bathroom upgrade. Follow this step-by-step DIY guide to install a dazzling hexagon tile backsplash or wall accent with gilded borders.

Compared to traditional tile that requires tedious mortaring and grouting, peel-and-stick tiles can be simply pressed onto surfaces for an easy DIY project. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to transform your space with this on-trend look.

Selecting Your Hexagon Tiles

Tile Material

Hexagon tiles come in either lightweight PVC or heavier porcelain. PVC options have an adhesive backing for peel-and-stick application. Porcelain may have a decorative metallic finish but requires traditional mortar installation. For DIY projects, PVC vinyl tiles are the easiest to work with.

PVC tiles are water-resistant but not waterproof, making them suitable for backsplashes and dry wall areas only. Porcelain is more durable for high-moisture areas like shower surrounds. Both offer realistic marble looks, with porcelain having a more textured finish.

Color and Pattern

For a versatile neutral, white hexagon tiles get paired with gold, brass, or chrome borders. Going for an all-white mosaic creates a clean, contemporary look. Or add some drama with black, gray, or boldly-colored tiles.

Combining different size hexagons or rectangle shapes creates visual interest. Laying all the same size hexagons in a grid pattern gives a more classic, tailored appearance. Offset brick layouts and angled herringbone designs deliver more modern vibes.

Metallic Trim

Opt for real brass strips or plastic metallic finish borders based on your budget and installation location. Plastic trim resists tarnishing better in wet areas like kitchens. Brass trim gives a richer, elegant finish but requires sealing to prevent corrosion.

The trim pieces either clip onto grooves along tile edges or have adhesive backing for easy application. Make sure trim matches the sizes and shapes of your hexagon tiles.

Tile Size

Standard size options for hexagon mosaic sheets are 3", 4", or 6". Smaller tiles let you create more intricate patterns but require more grout lines to clean. Larger tiles make faster installation and have fewer grout lines.

Many brands sell mounted mosaic sheets with sections of uniformly sized tiles. This allows creating patterns without tedious individual tile placement. Gruppo Hex Mosaics offer the most flexibility with diamond, triangle, and hexagon combinations.

Where to Shop

Specialty retailers like Arizona Tile and Modwalls have the largest selections online. Big box stores may carry a few options in popular colors and sizes. Be sure to order samples to see the quality of materials and finishes in person before purchasing.

Preparing Your Installation Surface

Cleaning and Repairing Wall

Start by fully cleaning your installation surface - usually a kitchen backsplash wall. Remove any old backsplash tile, then scrub away all grease and grime so the new tiles properly adhere.

Fill any dents, holes, or uneven spots with drywall compound. Sand bumps smooth. Prime and paint damaged drywall patches once dry. Your surface must be pristine before sticking on tiles.

Textured Wall Considerations

Heavily textured walls make installing peel-and-stick tiles tricky. The adhesive sheets can't flex to conform to deep grooves. Lightly sanding smooths ultra bumpy paint. Or skim coat the entire surface with joint compound for a flat underlayer.

With extreme wall textures, it's often easier to install new drywall or a thin backer board. This creates the smooth foundation needed for tiles to properly stick.

Painting the Wall

Use semi-gloss or satin water-resistant bathroom paint on your installation surface. After two coats, let the paint fully cure for at least 24 hours before applying tiles. Darker grout will show through light paint, so keep that in mind.

How to Arrange the Tiles

Layout Patterns

A basic grid pattern aligns the points of all the hexagons. Offset brick patterns add interest by staggering rows. Angled herringbone designs take offset tiles a step further for major visual impact.

Frame a central mosaic with borders in a contrasting color. Use sparsely placed patterned tiles to create accents beside solid blocks of color.

Measuring and Planning

It's crucial to map out your entire tile layout before installing anything. This ensures you don't end up with unfinished edges or other awkward endings. Consider the dimensions of your space, tile sizes, pattern technique, and any obstacle areas.

Leave a small gap between sheets to account for natural size variations between tiles. Use spacers between tiles to maintain even spacing and keep rows straight.

Start full tiles near the center and work outward toward the edges. Cut edge border tiles to fit for a seamless finish.

Cutting Tiles

For most DIY-friendly peel-and-stick tiles, a utility knife easily scores through the material. Run blades along metal rulers for straight cuts. Snip individual corners as needed to fit around outlets or pipes.

Cut holes in tiles using a power drill before installing them. Measure and mark cut lines before peeling off backing paper to avoid scratches.

Installing the Tiles

Peel and Stick Application

Simply peel away the adhesive backing paper to reveal the sticky surface underneath. Press tiles firmly onto the wall, starting in the center and working outward. Use a hand roller or the back of a spoon to apply even pressure.

To move tiles, pull them off gently and reposition quickly before the adhesive wears off. Expect to replace any tiles pulled up after sticking.

Grouting Options

Grout isn't mandatory for peel-and-stick installations, but it helps secure tiles and hides any gaps between them. Use sanded grout for joints wider than 1/8 inch. Apply with a rubber grout float, wiping excess away with a damp sponge.

Use non-sanded grout for the thin joints around brass trim pieces to avoid scratching the finish.

Finishing Touches

Let tiles sit 24 hours before wiping away any remaining haze and applying caulk along the edges. Countertop backsplashes usually get installed after cabinetry, so measure carefully for a perfect fit.

Add LED lighting to illuminate and highlight the tile design. Floating shelves, decorative moldings, or frameless mirrors seamlessly incorporate into the layout.

Maintaining Your Hexagon Tile Backsplash

Cleaning Recommendations

Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild dish soap and warm water to regularly clean hexagon tiles. Rinse off any cleaner residue. Avoid harsh, acidic cleaners which can damage grout and metallic trim.

Magic erasers or soft toothbrushes remove stuck-on gunk from crevices. Dry immediately to prevent water spots, especially on real brass accents.

Replacing Damaged Tiles

If a tile gets badly damaged, carefully pry up the surrounding tiles to remove it with minimal disruption. Scrub away leftover adhesive and reapply new removable adhesive dots to re-stick the intact tiles.

Regrouting Over Time

Check for cracks or fading grout once a year. Dirty or deteriorating grout indicates it's time for regrouting. Rake out old grout with a special saw before reapplying fresh grout.

With the right prep and patience, DIY installation of hexagon backsplash tiles can give your home a stylish custom look. Peel-and-stick options skip the hassle of traditional mortar and grout. But don't be intimidated to try this project yourself.

For more unique and affordable ways to refresh your home's style, browse our design ideas and decorating inspiration. With a little creativity, you can achieve striking designer looks without the designer price tags.