The so-called “vinyl tiles” are a type of coating that is easy to install, economical and decorative. These ’tiles’ are the ideal solution for covering walls without work and on a low budget. We tell you everything!
WHAT ARE ADHESIVE TILES?
There are two types of adhesive tiles: vinyl, which is glued on the tile we already have or on a smooth surface. Although they are sometimes called ’tiles’, they are actually vinyl pieces that imitate the finish of the tile. On the other hand, there is the decorative mesh, a cut-out and flexible piece, made up of a square or rectangular set of tesserae that can be cut with a cutter or scissors and adheres to any surface. You will find them in standard one-piece packages, although the measurements of each package depend on the manufacturer.
THE ADHESIVE TILES DO NOT NEED ANY GLUE
Both the adhesive vinyl and the decorative mesh are self-adhesive. So they do not need glue or any other adherent material, but simply peel off their back and stick them as if they were a wall sticker or decorative vinyl. That easy!
A MATERIAL FOR EVERY ROOM
Adhesive decorative meshes can be made up of tesserae of a single material or a combination of different types, such as stone, ceramic, fiberglass, steel, wood. Depending on the type of room where you want to place them, you must choose one tiles or another. You can find a wide variety in establishments such as Leroy Merlin or Smart Mosaic on tiles belfast.
ADHESIVE TILES WITH CERAMIC FINISH
They are the most common. You find them forming a grid, with bubble decoration or imitating a chessboard. This type of mesh is perfect for placing in bathrooms and kitchens, both indoors and outdoors, as this material is highly resistant to moisture.
ADHESIVE TILES WITH GLASS FINISH
Square or rectangular and in various colours, their main asset is to provide light to the walls through a combination of matt and gloss finishes. With a medium resistance to scratching, it is not advisable to apply it outdoors.
ADHESIVE TILES WITH STONE FINISH
They have a natural image, imitating stones such as marble. Indicated for interiors and exteriors, for walls and floors, they even serve as a shower tray if an anti-slip product is applied to them. In the photo, Alveolar Mármol cladding by Leroy Merlin, made of matt white PVC with an embossed finish from edge to edge. It improves acoustic well-being, it is fixed with self-adhesive and can be used anywhere in the room and in damp places.
ADHESIVE TILES STEEL FINISH
This type of finish for adhesive tiles can be applied as a kitchen backsplash, combining its ease of installation with the hygienic and resistance benefits of steel. In addition, it is decorative and bright. In the image, Hexagonsilver self-adhesive mesh from the Smart Mosaic brand
WOOD FINISH ADHESIVE TILES
This type of tile can even have the appearance of wood, like the one in the image, which belongs to the Smart Mosaic Brickwood collection and is actually vinyl. Due to this condition, it can be installed even in wet areas without any problem.
ADVANTAGES OF ADHESIVE COATINGS
The advantages they offer are many: they are very resistant to weather, waterproof and suitable for kitchen and bathroom. All this thanks to its ability to resist humidity, steam and water; They are comfortable, easy and quick to install and can be glued and peeled off directly on the tile without having to remove it.
DISADVANTAGES OF ADHESIVE COATINGS
Until relatively recently, they were considered the “ugly duckling” of coatings. His appearance was perceived as too artificial and of low quality. Thanks to the new technologies applied to their production, adhesive tiles have positioned themselves as an attractive alternative.
WHAT IS USUALLY ITS THICKNESS
One detail that you should not ignore is the thickness of the decorative mesh, which you can find between 4 and 8 millimeters, since each DIY job will need one thickness or another. The smaller the surface to be covered, the finer the mesh of adhesive tiles must be.
INSTALLATION POSSIBILITIES
You can cover an entire wall with them or just a part; leave a column or place a border. Once you have placed your decorative meshes on the wall, you can finish off your work with a listello, a square or an edge cover (red-paste molding -ceramic- that is used to give the edges a perfect finish); or failing that, with an aluminum, PVC, stainless steel or wood profile (intended for external corners to protect the edges).
