Kitchen Backsplash Paint - How To Choose The Best One
Paint may seem like an unusual choice with so many options in the kitchen. But painted backsplashes are growing in popularity for several good reasons. Paint is an affordable, easy upgrade that allows you to customize your kitchen. When chosen wisely, the right backsplash paint also stands up well to the messes and moisture common behind a stove.
Paint opens up endless possibilities for backsplash colors and designs. But not all paints are created equal when it comes to bonding well and holding up over time. Follow this guide to choose the best paint for your kitchen backsplash project.
Select a Durable, Cleanable Paint Finish
The backsplash area endures a lot of splatters, smears, drips and spills. For that reason, you'll want to use a paint with a finish that cleans up well. Flat and matte paints may capture stains in their porous surface. Eggshell paint also lacks the slick surface needed for easy cleaning. Opt for a paint with a glossy finish instead.
Semi-gloss paint offers medium reflectiveness, as well as good stain resistance and cleanability. High gloss paint is extremely reflective and the most resistant to staining and moisture. These glossier paint finishes allow you to simply wipe away food splatters with soap and water. Their hard surface also deters grease absorption.
Consider Epoxy Paint
Another option is two-part epoxy paint, which provides an exceptionally hard, protective finish. Epoxy paints consist of a resin and a hardener that interact chemically when mixed together. When cured, the result is a coating that resists scratches, heat, water and stains.
Epoxy paint tends to have a high-gloss look. It also enhances the vibrancy of painted colors. Make sure to follow instructions carefully however, as correctly mixing the resin and hardener together is important. Epoxy cures quickly, so preparation is key.
Evaluate Durability Needs
Consider how much use and traffic your backsplash receives to guide the paint sheen decision. For example, if you do a lot of cooking and food prep daily, opt for the most durable high gloss or epoxy paint. This will provide the toughest protective coating that cleans up easiest.
For a backsplash in a vacation home kitchen only used occasionally, a mid-level sheen like satin or semi-gloss may suffice. Just keep in mind higher gloss paints do generally hold up better over time.
Properly Prepare the Backsplash Surface
Thorough surface preparation is key to achieving great painted backsplash results. Start by cleaning the backsplash tiles well to remove any grease residue. Use an abrasive cleaner or mix baking soda and water into a paste to scrub away grime.
Next, scuff up the slick tile surface using sandpaper. This helps the primer and paint bond tightly. Vacuum up any sanding dust.
Apply Primer
Always prime the surface before painting a backsplash. Primers boost paint adhesion and provide an even finish. Look for primer specially formulated for tile and glass surfaces. These contain compounds that etch the slick surface so paint sticks better.
Allow the primer to dry fully before painting. This may take up to 24 hours. Be sure to use primer and paint from the same brand, and follow manufacturer instructions for best results. Priming well is the key to the paint lasting a long time.
Use Painter's Tape
Take steps to protect surrounding surfaces from drips and splatters before painting. Cover any countertops or floors bordering the backsplash area with drop cloths. Apply painter's tape along the edges for the cleanest paint lines.
Use the Right Painting Tools
Having the proper painting tools makes applying backsplash paint much easier. Use a dense-bristle brush to first apply paint to the grout lines between tiles. Work the brush to get the paint down into the grooves. Then roll or brush paint onto the tile surface itself.
An angled brush works well for cutting in along the edges and corners. Rollers designed for smooth surfaces help speed up applying paint over larger areas. Extension poles for paint rollers also make the job easier.
Consider using an airless paint sprayer if painting a large backsplash area. Be sure to masks surfaces to contain the spray. While spraying goes fast, you'll still need a brush for cutting in detailed areas.
Avoid Drips and Streaks
Work top to bottom when painting a backsplash to avoid drips. Apply paint in sections and avoid overloading the roller. For epoxy paints, use a high density foam roller that won't absorb the coating.
If the paint is applied too thickly, gently go over the area with a dry brush to even out the texture. Always maintain a wet edge when painting to prevent lap marks and brush strokes.
Allow Proper Drying and Curing Time
Rushing the job leads to problems down the road. Applying coats too quickly or putting items back too soon against a freshly painted backsplash causes issues. Stick to the manufacturer's recommendations for dry time between coats.
Typically latex paint needs 2-3 hours before recoating. Oil-based paint may take up to 24 hours between coats. Humidity affects drying time as well. Make sure each coat is fully dry before adding another.
The curing process takes longer than drying. Curing refers to the paint fully hardening and becoming washable, which could take 2-4 weeks. Avoid cleaning, heat or other stressors during this period.
Confirm Number of Coats
For best water resistance and durability, apply at least 2-3 coats of high gloss paint. Darker colors may require additional coats for an opaque, even look. Read the manufacturer's instructions to confirm how many coats are recommended. Patience leads to great results.
Use Paint to Create a Backsplash Design
Paint opens up amazing possibilities for backsplash designs. Use techniques like stenciling or painters tape patterns to add stripes, geometric shapes or moroccan-inspired tiles.
If feeling less artistic, solid colored paint can provide a sleek, modern look. Deep hues like navy blue, charcoal grey and forest green lend drama. Softer neutral and pastel backsplash colors keep the space airy and calm instead.
Paint also allows you easily change up the backsplash down the road. Use bold, colorful paint choices in spaces you tend to redecorate frequently.
Coordinate With Cabinets and Countertops
Select backsplash paint colors that complement your existing kitchen finishes. For example, tie in subtle accents colors from granite counters into the backsplash paint. Soft sage green paint works nicely with brown cabinetry.
If your kitchen is primarily neutral, painted backsplashes allow you to introduce color safely. Just keep the tones multi-dimensional by selecting paint with subtle undertones. Muted reds, blues and greens add interest without overwhelming.
Address Prep Issues to Ensure Good Results
Planning ahead helps avoid problems during the painting process. Fill any holes or cracked grout lines prior to priming and painting. Use caulk rated for kitchens and bathrooms.
Deal with any existing grease stains using degreaser if the primer doesn't block them. Washing the walls well also removes any cooking residue or dirt.
Taking time to correct flaws in the backsplash surface leads to a smooth painted finish. Proper prep makes the paint look its best and last.
Allow Fresh Grout to Cure
If you just installed new backsplash tile, wait at least 72 hours before painting. This gives the grout time to fully cure first. Applying paint too soon can lead to bonding and drying issues.
Push back any appliances to paint behind them as well. Don't forget inside surface edges of countertop overhangs. Full coverage looks integrated and polished.