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Painting your kitchen backsplash can be a rewarding and easy DIY project. There are many options for how to paint tile backsplashes. However, some tiles are more durable than others. They can withstand heat and water and other bumps.
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The kitchen we have now was renovated in 2017 – a few years after we bought the house. Although it was not my ideal white kitchen, I loved the dark cabinets and moody design. I liked the combination of the granite and dark wood. The backsplash reminded me of an Italian vineyard. It had been living with me for a few years and I was beginning to feel it needed some brightening.
I was not interested in painting the cabinets. It was too big a project at the time. I also didn’t want the expense of new granite. So I started with the backsplash to see if it helped.
Although the original backsplash was a tan, sandy color that complimented the granite well, I knew that a glossy, white finish would brighten the space. I loved the style and size of the tile so I began to research how to paint it.
Before we move on…
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These are the top questions we get asked:
What kind of paint should I use to paint a tile backsplash?
Although there are many opinions about which paint is best for a tile backsplash, I decided to use Behr Urethane® Alkyd Enamel after considering all the pros and cons. The enamel paint is as durable and hardy as an oil-based paint, but it’s much easier to clean up and doesn’t emit harmful fumes. It was applied on top of a primer coat to increase adhesion.
How do I choose the best paint color?
Let’s suppose you want to paint the backsplash white. That’s great! There are over 900 colors of white paint. It is important to choose the right tone and depth for your paint. This can have a significant impact on how the room looks.
Start by looking at the surrounding elements to see if you can find any shades or tones that could be used. My granite is a mixture of cream and brown tones and leans warm. So I narrowed down my options to three warm white colors for the backsplash: Palais White and Alabaster (which is more of a grey).
It is a good idea to get a few scrap tiles and paint samples from the store. This will allow you to see how it looks in real life in your own room with your lighting and fixtures. It’s amazing how different they look in different settings. I initially planned to choose Palais White, but I changed my mind after seeing how Alabaster looked on the tile.
How do I prepare my tile backsplash for paint?
First, clean your tile with an oil-free cleaner or Dawn dish detergent. Next, give your tile a thorough sanding. This will improve primer adhesion, and ensure that your paint job lasts as long as possible. This doesn’t mean you have to use an electric sander. You can just use a moderate-weight sandpaper and a vigorous hand sanding. Next, use a damp towel to remove all dust.
Which Primer should I use?
For this project, I used the KILZ multi-surface stainblocker and sealer. It is a favorite of mine and provides excellent adhesion to a variety surfaces.
Do I need to apply a sealant after painting?
No if you are using the enamel paint described above. The enamel paint is extremely durable and does not require sealing. If you are using regular wall paint for your backsplash, I recommend sealing it with something that can resist heat and water.
Now, you are ready to get started.
Here are the steps to paint a tile backsplash:
Medium grit Sandpaper (100ish Grit)
A Scrub Brush
Oil-free cleansing soap
Tapes of painters
A medium-sized paintbrush. I prefer a paintbrush to a rolling pin for two reasons. It’s difficult to reach every corner with a rolling pin and you risk having small bubbles in your paint.
A quart of Kilz all purpose primer
A quarter quart of Behr Urethane Alkyd Enamel Paint in semi-gloss. If you have a large backsplash or plan to do this entire wall with tile, you might want to buy a gallon.
How to Paint a Tile Backsplash
To remove food and grease, give your backsplash a thorough scrub with a heavy-duty toothbrush (like the one below).
To remove any shine from your tile’s surface, sand it and then roughen it for maximum adhesion.
To remove dust and debris, clean the tile.
To protect countertops, cabinets, and walls, apply painters tape to the edges.
This step is important as it will prevent you from having to clean up paint seepage beneath your countertops.
Apply a coat of primer to the entire backsplash. Make sure you get primer into every crevice and grout line. Allow the primer to dry.
Apply the enamel paint to your backsplash. Apply the enamel paint to the backsplash in the same way as the primer. Let dry.
After the first coat is dry, apply a second coat. Wait for the third coat to dry before you apply if you feel you require it.
Take off the tape. The tape will peel less if it is still wet. I recommend removing the tape shortly after you have applied your last coat. This allows you to remove any paint that may have seeped underneath the tape.
You can touch up any areas that you missed using a thin brush.
That’s all! The paint will continue to cure for approximately 30 days. It will feel dry within a few days, but it is important to use gentle pressure for the first month.
What have you done to your tile backsplash? Let me know how it went in comments!
This post might be of interest to you: How to Paint and Stencil Old Tile Floors
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