They are popular to use inbathroomsandkitchens.

Here, review this adhesive’s advantages and disadvantages for backsplashes to determine if they’re right for you.

What Are Adhesive Tile Mats?

Blue geometric adhesive tile mat backsplash in kitchen with wood cabinets and black appliances

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Adhesive mats are like large sheets of double-stick tape.

They are sold in rolls with adhesives on both sides.

One form is known as mastic.

Mastic is a term that essentially refers to fast-grab glues for laying tiles.

Thinset is another version of adhesive for tiles, comprised of inorganic and composed materials.

Thinset is available in wet, pre-mixed, or dry varieties.

Thinset is inexpensive but it doesn’t work well with vertical applications because of its slow setting time.

However, mastic cannot be used in high-moisture areas.

While the selection with peel-and-stick tile sheets is more limited, peel-and-stick mosaic sheets are even more accessible.

Design

Adhesive mats work for many types ofceramic tiles.

Adhesive mats are not as practical with mesh-backed mosaic sheets either.

And because so many great glass andporcelain tilespopular for backsplashes aremosaics, this can limit your design options.

Adhesive Tile Mat Installation

Adhesive tile mats are very well-suited for DIY installation.

Unroll the adhesive mat and cut it to fit the backsplash space using scissors or a utility knife.

Then, peel away the outer protective film and begin installing the tile.

As with anytile installation, you do need to use spacers to maintain uniform joints between tiles.

Grouting the tileis done the same as for any other ceramic tile installation.

This is a straightforward method for installing backsplash tile, especially for novice DIYers.

The best adhesive for backsplash will depend on where you’re installing the backsplash.

In kitchens, your best bet is a mastic adhesive.

For bathrooms, go with thinset mortar.

The strongest tile adhesive is epoxy.

Epoxy works on various surfaces, including walls and ceilings.

Not only that, epoxy is impervious to moisture, water, and most chemicals.

It also doesn’t need a latex additive to prevent cracking.