White Subway Tile Temporary Backsplash – The Full Tutorial

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Make a White Subway Tile Temporary Backsplash with removable wallpaper. Follow this tutorial for a smooth, perfect finish. This temporary backsplash is the perfect option for anyone looking for a rental-friendly decor option or a home owner not ready to commit to tile and grout.

Ladies and gentleman, I have discovered my greatest rental-friendly DIY to date: temporary backsplash!  In just a few hours, I completely changed the look of my rental kitchen by adding a white subway tile temporary backsplash.  No caulking or tile cutting was required.  Plus, my landlord will still be happy!

This post contains some affiliate links.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

What’s my secret?  Removable, respositionable wallpaper.  It is the absolute perfect rental-friendly solution for those of us who want to brighten up our kitchen walls.  Keep reading for a full tutorial and tips to help you install your own temporary backsplash!

Temporary Backsplash – Tutorial + Tips

(1) Be Flexible

I have read some product reviews that complain the removable wallpaper stretches.  That’s a good thing, people!  The little bit of give in the paper allows you to line up patterns perfectly.

Also note: not all homes or apartments are constructed with perfect angles.  Measure both ends of every cut.  You want to be precise.

(2) Stay Smooth

Start on one side and smooth to the other.  Here, I worked from left to right.  I peeled away the back paper about 25%.  Then I lined up the paper with the bottom of the cupboard and the window sill.

It’s best to anchor your wallpaper along a corner or edge.  Then smooth across to the opposite edge or corner.

Important to Note: Smooth is the name of the game.  If your walls don’t have a perfectly smooth finish, this temporary backsplash may not be the best option for you.

(3) Get in Line

Lining up the edges of the wallpaper and creating a continuous pattern is perhaps the most difficult part of this project.  Here’s how I lined up my faux subway tiles perfectly!

Secure each point where the horizontal lines meet.  In this case, there were 4.  Just take your thumb and press down to make sure each horizontal line matches up perfectly.  DON’T WORRY if the wallpaper between lines isn’t perfectly flat.

Once your 4 horizontal lines are “anchored,” smooth from left to right.  The wallpaper has enough give that you can create a smooth finish.

(4) Measure Twice, Cut Once

My kitchen backsplash area had a few outlets and light switches to work around.

It’s important to measure carefully.

Case in point:

I was so excited that I measured and cut properly for the outlet, that I forgot about one small detail.  It’s a good thing I can hide this spot with the toaster and coffee maker!

Also note: not all homes or apartments are constructed with perfect angles.  Measure both ends of every cut.  You want to be precise.

Not Sure Where to Start?

It’s your lucky day!  I’ve made a quick shopping guide with my favorite sources for affordable temporary wallpaper – just click the image below!

Temporary Backsplash – The Big Reveal

I am completely thrilled with how my new kitchen walls turned out.  For under $35 and a few hours of time, I completely transformed my rental kitchen!  I tried to cover the important points in my tutorial.  If you want to try this at home, please feel free to leave a question in the comments and I will do my best to answer you.