The newly painted wall behind the cooktop began showing streaks that were somewhat puzzling. Finally I determined they were caused by moisture that escaped the vent fan and sat on the wall. That told me the surface needed to be protected.
I liked the idea of tile which I could do myself except for the fact that proper tools were lacking at the little house. Efforts to find a tile layer proved fruitless as the job was small and it seems everyone is busy. What to do?
A trip to Lowe’s where I found an adhesive material that looked pretty much like tile seemed an acceptable solution. The real plus was that installing it seemed to require a minimum of skill. While that was somewhat true, there proved to be some challenges.
Tools were not a problem. While an x-acto knife would have been best, scissors worked fine for cutting though the adhesive did leave a residue. The spoon came in handy for flattening edges and corners.
I won’t go into all the details for installing, but should you ever decide to use this product, precise measurements are a must. Also, one should be aware that it sticks, I mean really sticks, as soon as it touches a surface. That means there are no second chances because if it is pulled from the wall to make a modification, the paint comes with it and there is slight sheetrock damage. How do I know? Yep, I tried to straighten a piece and found out in a hurry that it had to be right the first time!
When all was said and done more hours later than I’d anticipated, I was pleased with the result. The last piece to go on is slightly crooked, but hidden by the coffee maker no one has to know it isn’t perfect!
For sure, when the tea kettle spits out its steam it won’t matter if the wall behind gets a little damp!
Lulu's Musings 
Your posts always remind me of sitting down for coffee with a good friend and catching up on what she’s doing. They are always fun and upbeat. Thank you for sharing!
It would be great to sit and have coffee with you and lister to your stories.
Ambitious undertaking! Bravo!!! I used to tackle these kinds of projects with gusto, but now I just “call the guy.” I applaud you for giving it your all and doing it so successfully! So what if there’s one tiny flaw? You did it, it looks great, and that’s all that counts! Congrats!!!!!!
This turned out to be more of a project than I bargained for as it took hours!
Well done! It really looks great and I’m guessing it will be easy to wipe off any splatters etc. !
Yes indeed, it wipes down very easy.
Thank you for showing us! 🙂
Smart solution, it looks great!
Thank you. At least the wall isn’t streaking.
Linda, now you can add this to your many talents and skills!! It looks great!
Thanks. I don’t know that my skill set is much improved!
Can I hire you? How much an hour?
I don’t think you could afford me!
Ooops!
Missed seeing your whole posting, complete with photos, on first read!
Like what you have done, PRO that you are!
BRAVO!
HOORAY Linda!
Post photos of your “job well done”.
Looks great! I could never take on a project that didn’t allow for second chances!!
Second chances were hard to come by!
What a pro you are!! I am impressed with your finished product and your great attitude to take it on!👏👏👏
At least is solved the problem though it was more of a challenge than I bargained for.