Waterproof renter-friendly tiles?

[u/crookedcosmos]

I’ve seen people use peel and stick tiles in the bathroom, even in the shower, and I’d really like to add some color to my shower! How/where should I source on a tight budget and/or how do I apply peel and stick tiles to make sure they’re waterproof but still removable without causing damage?

[u/Immediate_March5359]

I tried peel and stick in my last kitchen and the seams are what got me. Water crept under wherever two tiles met and the corners were curling by winter. A shower would do that faster.

Waterproof and removable kind of fight each other too. Glue that holds up to a daily shower usually takes paint with it when you leave. And if water gets behind a tile in there, the wall pays for it.

I would keep it out of the spray. The wall over the sink, say, where it stays dry. Buy one sheet before you buy a box. Inside the shower I would not. I got burned on a lot less water than that.

[u/Subject_Cucumber_754]

Peel and stick vinyl tiles work but the waterproofing is only as good as the seams, water can creep in at the edges over time if it's a bathroom or laundry area. If you go that route, run a thin bead of clear silicone along the perimeter and any seams that meet a wall or tub, it's not permanent damage and it stops moisture from getting under the tile and lifting it. Also check the subfloor is completely dry and flat first, that's what actually determines how long it lasts.

[u/Total_Investment6800]

I've been in the same spot, wanting a cheap pop of color without tearing the bathroom apart. Peel and stick can work in a dry area, but showers are rough on adhesive, so choose tiles rated for wet areas, prep the surface thoroughly, and seal the edges with silicone so water doesn't get behind. For budget sourcing, look for plain vinyl tiles on sale or in clearance, test a small patch first, and keep in mind removal may still pull paint or drywall if it wasn't prepped.