How to Cover a White Tile Backsplash

Spray a tile cleaning product over the backsplash surface. Use a scrub brush to scrub away any dirt, grime or debris on the tile surfaces.

Soak a sponge in lukewarm water and wipe away any remaining cleaning product residue.

Spray grout lines with grout cleaner. Use a scrub brush to remove dirt and buildup in the grout lines.

Wipe tile and grout with a clean, dry towel. Allow the area to dry completely before applying any paint.

Apply painter's tape to the edges of the backsplash to keep paint from getting on to the walls. If the grout lines will not be painted, cut thin strips of painter's tape and apply the tape to the grout lines. Apply an X of painter's tape to all tiles which will feature a stenciled design, rather than a solid paint color.

Use a flat-head screwdriver or a paint-opening tool to open the paint can. Stir the paint steadily to mix together any separated paint particles.

Fill the paint cup with paint from the paint can. Dipping the brush into a smaller handheld cup makes it easier to control the paint, drips and spills. Place the paint can lid on the can while working.

Apply paint to the outside edge of one solid-colored tile, using a small, thin paint brush. Use long strokes to apply an even coverage of paint.

Select a larger, thicker brush. Paint inside the edged lines made in Step 8 to fill in the remainder of the tile. Continue repeating Step 8 and Step 9 until all of the solid-colored tiles (those without the X) are painted.

Remove the painter's tape X from the first tile to be stenciled. Use additional pieces of painter's tape to secure the stencil over the selected tile.

Dip a foam brush into the paint cup. Use a blotting motion to apply paint over the stencil surface. Allow the paint to dry for several hours before removing the stencil. Repeat Step 10 and Step 11 until all of the stenciled tiles are painted.

Read the paint can to determine how long the paint should be allowed to dry in order to fully cure. For most brands, this is at least 12 hours. Allowing paint to cure creates a solid adhesion between the paint and the tile.

Use a flat-head screwdriver or paint-opening tool to open the can of water-based, urethane clear coat. Use a stirrer to mix the clear coat particles together.

Apply clear coat over the painted tiles using a clean, wide paint brush. Paint in long strokes to apply even coverage.

Read the label on the clear coat to determine how long the urethane should be allowed to dry. Allow the clear coat to completely dry before painting a second coat.

Apply at least three coats of clear coat urethane to the tile surface. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Clear coat protects the painted surface, allowing the new backsplash treatment to last.