Rather than replacing an old or dull kitchen backsplash, give it a fresh new look with painted designs. Anything’s possible with paint — out of chevrons to triangles, vines and fleur de lis designs. Paint with the assistance of stencils or painter’s tape if the idea of freehand painting seems frightening.
Keys to Success
A backsplash has the potential to be one of the most grungy, dirty areas in the kitchen. Wash it thoroughly using a household degreaser appropriate to your wall surface, wipe the region down with gentle soap and water before wiping it a more time using a damp cloth. Allow the area to dry completely before painting. The place has to be completely clean before you paint designs on it — paint will not stick well to grease, and also the paintbrush may skip over some soiled areas, resulting in an incomplete design, complete with encrusted dirt.
Selecting a Paint
The paint that should be used on the backsplash depends on what the backsplash is manufactured from while latex paint might cling for some time to the surface, then it might peel off from materials such as ceramic tile after a while, or after you wash the tile. Pick an enamel-based paint for small designs. For large designs such as stripes and chevrons, use a high-quality primer created for the backsplash surface. Then you may apply your favorite latex paint or acrylic craft paint atop that. You can also use a spray paint designed to cling to the backsplash material rather than a brush-on paint. To be sure the layout will remain, seal your completed project using a urethane sealer to help prevent the paint from chipping.
Tape-Template Designs
Regular painter’s tape creates templates or borders for some kinds of backsplash designs, such as stripes and geometric shapes. Line the tape up in the desired pattern, with a straightedge and tape measure to help plot your patterns. Smooth down all of the tape edges to prevent paint from seeping under. Paint involving the tape lines, remove the tape after about 10 minutes or wait till the paint completely dries to peel the tape off — only don’t peel the tape while the paint feels tacky or rubbery, or the tape might pull up the paint with it.
Stencils, Stamps and Freehand Painting
Pick stencils that suit your kitchen’s theme, such as grapes, teacups or one of the favorite quotes. Elect for sticky-backed stencils whenever possible with highly detailed designs to help prevent the paint from seeping under; homemade stencils cut from touch paper also get the job done. Implement routine stencils by taping down their edges and holding the stencil flat against the wall as you apply paint. Paint by brushing the paint through the stencil holes or with a stencil pouncer to dab the paint on. Rubber stamps allow for much more detail than stencils — brush a reasonable quantity of paint above the raised parts of the stencil without allowing any paint pool to the recessed areas; press on the stencil on the backsplash in the desired place. For freehand designs, sketch the idea in pencil on paper, then on the wall, or even use a wipe-off marker to draw outlines, and fill them in with paint.
Paint Alternatives
If you prefer to try a temporary option before committing to your painted backsplash layout, add stickers created for tiles or walls. These sticker-like pieces give you a stylistic update that does not necessitate an artist’s touch, and they may be swapped out for new designs at any time. Produce your own by drawing a layout or phrase to the financing paper stuck to contact newspaper, keeping in mind the layout will show in reverse.