DIY Faux Backsplash

Apply painter’s tape to the bottom sides of your cabinets and the top of your counters. Lay plastic sheeting over your counters and floors.

Apply painter’s tape even with the end of your cabinets to delineate where the backsplash needs to end.

Open your paint can you choose for the “grout” lines with a paint key. Stir the paint with a stir stick and pour the paint into a paint tray.

Paint the backsplash area with the grout color with a roller. Allow the paint to dry and apply a second coat if desired.

Use a measuring tape to determine the size of your tiles. Use 1/8-inch painter’s tape to mark off the tiles and to protect the “grout” paint. Make sure the tape extends 1 to 2 inches past the area to allow you to pull the tape off easily.

Mix the drywall compound according to the manufacturer’s directions. Use a drywall trowel to apply the compound to the backsplash area. Apply the compound so that it is ¼ to ½ inch in thickness.

Press fabric onto the compound lightly to create texture if desired. Remove the painter’s tape while the compound is still wet. Let the compound dry completely.

Reapply the 1/8-inch tape over the grout lines to protect the base coat. Paint the tiles with the interior colors of your choice. Use a roller or paintbrush. Cover both the tops and sides of the faux tiles. Let the paint dry completely.

Remove all of the painter’s tape from the backsplash.