3 Pointers For Updating Your Tile Backsplash With A Fresh Coat Of Paint
Changing up your kitchen's backsplash is a surefire way to give your kitchen a brand new look without breaking the bank. According to My Move, the backsplash in your kitchen is a great place to show off your design skills. Exploring different colors, shapes, textures, and patterns that could be overpowering in other parts of the space is a great opportunity to experiment. They recommend a variety of styles you could try, including wood, tin, beadboard, and even mirrors. They also note that one of the simpler alternatives you could go for is painting your backsplash tile. This method doesn't involve changing the material of your backsplash and is a budget-friendly solution to an outdated backsplash.
While painting tiles isn't that common, knowing the right tips and tricks will help you do a great job. We've put together a list of top tips that you must absolutely know before getting started.
Prep your tile for paint
According to The Home Depot, you have to make sure your tile is adequately cleaned before you begin painting. They recommend scrubbing them down with tile cleaner and a sponge before rinsing them with clean water. This will make sure they're free of any dirt, grime, or unnecessary buildup. Additionally, they recommend using a degreasing cleaner for kitchen backsplashes as they could have oil buildup on them. Make sure you leave them to dry before proceeding with the next steps. Next, they suggest doing a thorough inspection of your tiles for any imperfections, such as cracks or chipping. You can use a putty knife and caulk to fill in the cracks, ensuring a smooth and even surface.
Homebuilding & Renovating says you should also sand your tile before painting. They recommend going over the tile with 120 220 grit sandpaper for best results. If you own a hand sander, it can help you get the job done quicker. They explain that sanding your tile will give it a coarser surface, making sure your paint sticks to it well.
Protect your counters and walls
As with any paint job, you're going to want to make sure the rest of your kitchen is well protected against paint splatters before you begin. As Martha Stewart explains, covering any furniture with plastic covers and placing some drop cloths on your floor can help. If you have switch plates on your wall, it might be a good idea to unscrew their face plates too. Windows should also be protected with painters' tape laid along the pane. They also recommend keeping on hand paint cleaning tools such as dish soap, a brush comb, plenty of rags and sponges for wiping, and a razor blade to scrape off any paint splatters from surfaces.
In the case of a kitchen backsplash, as The DIY Nuts suggest, it might be wise to protect your countertops with painters' tape as well. They recommend pressing into the seam with your fingernail in between your counters and the tile to make sure it's well protected when taping it.
Which type of paint should you use?
Now that you are ready to start putting paint on your tiles, you must also make sure you've picked the right paint. According to Forbes, there are a few options you can choose for your kitchen. They recommend making sure you take note of what ingredients are in your paint before making your choice. Water-based or latex paints, for example, dry fast and are resistant to mold, although they usually require more than one coat of paint for an even finish and aren't as durable as oil-based or shellac paints. On the other hand, oil-based paints are durable and provide great coverage, but they take much longer to dry and can sometimes discolor with time. Make sure you do your search and weigh the pros and cons each paint type offers to find what's suitable for you.
Treehouse explains that epoxy paint is a great option. Epoxy paint is very resistant to abrasions and doesn't produce strong odors. You do, however, have to thin it with water before use. They explain that there are also paints specifically made for use on tiles, such as acrylic tile paint. Acrylic tile paint is also water resistant, making it another great option to consider.