Have you ever thought about updating your kitchen without completely ripping it to shreds? The answer is yes, you can absolutely paint the backsplash tile in your kitchen. Over the last few years, we have painted tile twice: once at our own house in the bathroom, where we painted our old 1950s tile shower, and the other was in our friend’s kitchen refresh! There are a few tips and tricks that make this project go smoothly and look polished. I’m going to cover the basics and show you how painting backsplash tile can really spark your creativity, allowing you to go with any color pattern and just have a lot of fun with it!
FAUCET | PULLS | KNOBS | SHELF BRACKETS | WICKER BASKETS | BRONZE WALL PLATE | TILE
Does Painting Tile Really Work?
The question everybody always asks is, “But does it actually work, and how durable is painting backsplash tile?” I can tell you from personal experience, after we painted our own shower tile, we have been more than impressed! After following all the right steps, I can confidently say there have been no chips or discoloration. I will say that painting vertical tile, as in a shower or kitchen backsplash, is a great way to save money and update any space. You can tell we did a whole refresh and which includes extending and painting the upper cabinets as well!
However, when it comes to painting floor tiles it can be done. It’s definitely not as durable, as it has a lot more wear and tear with people walking, running vacuums, and dogs scratching across the floor! Painting a floor tile, you’re going to experience some chips, but as far as the kitchen backsplash it is a great option! The project only takes a day or two and it definitely can make a space feel instantly more modern.
LAMP (SIMILAR) | RUG | YELLOW CANDLES | FAUCET | PENDANT LIGHT | PULLS | KNOBS | CURTAINS | TILE
What Paint Sticks to Backsplash?
I read on the Internet that there are definitely a few different types of paint that would work for this project but in today’s post, I’m going to share what I have done and what has worked for me. When painting backsplash tile, it’s important that you scuff up the area with a sanding block prior to adding a high-quality primer. Between the rough surface of the backsplash and the primer, that should really prepare the backsplash for painting and will help avoid chips and flaking!
After priming, I used a low-luster concrete paint from Home Depot. The best thing about the concrete paint is. The specific product is called low-luster, enamel porch and patio floor paint. This product is specifically designed to be durable and has a mildew-resistant finish, which is perfect for a kitchen where you’ll be wiping down the backsplash.
I also love that with this type of paint, you can use a custom color! This will allow you to get really creative in your own space whether you want to do a check or design, a stencil, or pull a specific color from the space to keep the design looking cohesive. I also love that this specific paint cleans well with soap and water and resists scuffing, fading, cracking, and peeling!
Can You Paint Over Tile and Grout?
When it comes to painting, you can paint right over the tile and grout! Not everybody loves the one note of the grout and backsplash being the paint color, so I have a solution for you! After painting your backsplash, you can go over the grout with a grout marker! They come in lots of different colors, and this can add dimension to your kitchen backsplash. We did not use a grout marker in our friend’s kitchen when we painted their backsplash tile as the tile format was small, and we felt that it may be too busy for the space. However, it’s definitely an option and something to consider when you do this project yourself!
Best Paint Color for Tile Backsplash
This is the best part about painting backsplash in the kitchen! You really have no limit to what color or creative design you use. We’ve seen lots of people use it to add a fun pattern or pop of color.
When we were deciding on what color to paint in this kitchen, we decided to look at the dated countertops. It wasn’t an option to get rid of the dated brown countertops at this moment so we decided to work with them. We grabbed a bunch of paint samples from Home Depot, brought them back to the counters, and matched up the paint swatches to the dark veining in the granite countertop. We ended up going with “Satin Black” by Behr. This is how we were able to pull together the space and make the countertops feel like an intentional design choice rather than a piece of the project that we just had to keep.
Paint Tile Backsplash Before and After
Overall, this is such a great option and a fun project! It only takes a couple of days and can really update a space! Painting backsplash tile in the kitchen is a cost-effective way to change your space, get creative, and is a low-commitment project! The before and after of this brown kitchen update turned out amazing with painted tile!