Kitchen Backsplash Paint Ideas

Faux Marble

• Gray and white Carrara marble is fairly simple to imitate. Decorative painters apply a base coat of white paint in a satin finish. Two glazes---one gray and the other white---are brushed on randomly and dispersed with soft rags. A thin lettering brush or a feather dipped in dark gray paint makes diagonal veins. A coat of clear varnish adds a layer or protection and allows you to wipe off your faux marble backsplash without damaging the glaze.

Faux Stone

• Faux limestone blocks are fitting for a backsplash in a Tuscan or French country kitchen. Very thin painter's tape blocks out faux grout lines. A variety of glaze shades in beige and brown mimic the natural stone blocks. Rags and sea sponges disperse multiple coats of glaze to create a mottled surface.

Faux Tile

• Handpainted tiles make a pretty border or backsplash for a rustic kitchen. You can copy Spanish, Italian or Mexican tile motifs or design your own for your faux ceramic tiles. Tile painters practice their designs until they can paint them fluently. Measure your grid, and place a thin strip of tape between your tiles. Paint and varnish your tiles before removing the tape lines for glossy tiles and dull grout lines.

Metallic Paint

• Metallic paint provides a contemporary backsplash for a streamlined kitchen. Color washing---or brushing on in a variety of directions---produces a pattern of brushstrokes with a subtle sheen. Blend tints with metallic paints for a surface with shine and a hint of color.