One Year Review: How to Paint Tile Backsplash
My mantra: If you hate it, paint it
Painting tile is a quick, affordable, and approachable way for changing and updating any space. Almost a year and a half ago we moved into our current home and I knew I needed to update the backsplash. We had just finished our new kitchen in our house in Michigan and this kitchen, while beautiful, felt not like mine. I had gotten to chose the backsplash and counters, and lights and this changed all that.
I’ve painted tile on a fireplace (twice actually!), I’ve painted stone fireplace (it was an 80’s style pink stone, not cute) and a kitchen backsplash was no exception. It was a variety of dark colors like black, brown, copper glass tiles with some porous cement tiles mixed in. It was busy and made a dimly lit kitchen feel darker and more cramped. I had only painted fireplaces before and I was a little nervous to approach this new territory, but I knew it was worth it.
PAINT IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE WAY TO UPDATE A SPACE.
Like a wise man once said, “if you hate it, paint it.” agreed.
I wrote a blog post here that lays out the steps and all the how-tos of the project (I even made a checklist and download for you). Let’s remember the before of the project and where we started. The walls were a mid-tone gray and honestly it was perfect for someone else, just not me. It didn’t feel like me or fit my hopes for the house. We needed to lighten it all up and I wanted the backsplash to blend more and be less of a focal point.
BEFORE:
REMEMBER:
Paint can be a great temporary fix or a way to try out a look or a new color before doing a full demo/renovation. I painted our backsplash with the intention of buying time knowing that we may have to fully retile it one day with tile of my dreams. I’m not expecting this paint to last 30 years and to never be chipped or blemished. I will be thrilled with the years this buys and you know what if it chips? I can sand spots and touch them up again. Please go into this knowing it the nature of this is more of a temporary fix versus a forever/permanent fix
A review over a year later-
So where are we now? Would I do again? Do I still love it as much as I did a year ago? Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes!
Painting the backsplash has surprised me in so many ways! I’ve actually fallen in love with the texture even more and I love how the little imperfect wonky squares add some depth and fun to the simple space. It feels unique without being overwhelming and focus grabbing.
Everything has exceeded my expectations and has held up incredibly well. I think super heavy duty paint is truly key. Talk to your local paint shop and maybe even bring in photos of your tile. Knowing what type of primer you need is key. I do think using a semi-gloss paint is best because it is so, so wirable. Any spills or splatters wipe up with such ease. I originally painted with more matte paint and while I loved the look of that, it wouldn’t have been as durable.
I have seen some wear and tear in exactly one spot and it does not surprise me at all. Our kitchen sink attaches directly to our wall and it also has this drainage rack that allows water to go back into the sink and allows brushes and sponges to dry. Those lovely little grooves need scrubbing and cleaning the most and the paint that directly comes in contact the sink has started to chip a little bit. It can easily be touched up and painted and I think it could be avoided with a little bead of caulk. It honestly hasn’t bothered me too much and it is still so minimal. Check it out below-
It has been such a gift and I even painted the same type of tile that was around our tub in our master bathroom. Remember, if you want the exact steps on how to paint your backsplash, I have that written up here with tons of info and printables to help you. But so far, a year later this is the gift that keeps on giving! And while maybe one day she will need more help, I think we still have lots of time ahead of us. I would 1000% do this again in a heart beat!
So what do you think? Could you do it?
Hugs & Warm Mugs,
Mere
