How to Make a Fake Backsplash

A tiled backsplash can add visual appeal to a plain kitchen or bathroom. However, tiles can be expensive, and unless you're the handy sort, you may need to pay someone to install your backsplash. A less expensive alternative for those with artistic abilities is to paint on a fake tile backsplash. Such an approach allow you to customize your backsplash with any details you might prefer. Designs, murals and patterns are only a few of the options available with a painted backsplash.

Painter's tape
Brush
2 colors of paint (one slightly darker shade than the other)
Sponge
Paper towels or rag
Clear sealant/urethane

Instructions

- 1
  Tape off the edge of your cabinets and your countertop to avoid getting paint on them. Placing paper towels or a rag on your counters is also a good idea. If the color you plan to paint with is significantly lighter than the color of your wall now, you'll first need to prime the wall and let it dry completely.
- 2
  Use the thinnest painter's tape you can find to create horizontal tape lines across the area where you want your backsplash to be. How much space you leave between the lines is up to you. For instance, if you want to paint a brick backsplash, the width between your lines of tape should approximate the size of a brick.
- 3
  Apply small pieces of tape vertically between your horizontal lines of tape to create squares if you wish to create a tiled look or rectangles if you want a brick look. These strips of tape will leave unpainted "grout" lines on the wall.
- 4
  Paint over the area using a brush and paint in a color that complements the other colors in your kitchen. For example, if you are creating a brick look, you'll want to use a deep red color. If you are creating a tiled appearance, you can use almost any color you like.
- 5
  Lightly dip a sponge into the can of slightly darker in color paint and dab it once on a piece of paper towel or rag to remove excess paint.
- 6
  Apply the paint on your sponge to the painted area using a dabbing motion (for a brick-like appearance) or a lightly scrubbing motion (for a textured tile look).
- 7
  Peel the masking tape off gently once the paint has dried.
- 8
  Paint the grout lines, if desired, with a thin painter's brush and a neutral color, such as cream or gray. Dab paint onto your grout lines to create a porous look that resembles real grout. If you don't have a steady hand, you can use masking tape to block off the grout lines and then dab paint over them.
- 9
  Apply a clear coat of sealer or urethane with a painter's brush over the faux tiles to protect your new backsplash once the paint has fully dried.
- 10
  Allow the coat of sealer to dry fully before cooking in your kitchen to avoid ruining your hard work.

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