How to Paint a Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Wash the tile with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleanser and a rag. Even if the tile appears clean, thin oily residues may linger on the surface if you don't wash with TSP.

Apply painter's tape the edges of nearby cabinets, walls and counter tops. Painter's tape protects surfaces from stray brush strokes.

Prime the kitchen tile backsplash with bonding primer and a synthetic-bristled paintbrush. Bonding primer is made specifically for ceramics, vinyl, glass and other nonporous surfaces. General-purpose primer simply won't adhere to a tile surface, but bonding primer gets the job done. Wait 24 hours for the primer to set.

Paint the kitchen tile backsplash using high-gloss latex paint and a fresh synthetic-bristled brush. High-gloss paints are preferred for most kitchen spaces because they are easier to clean than matte finishes, but you can use a matte finish if you prefer. Let the paint dry for at least two hours.

Apply a second coat if there are any bare patches. Wait another two hours for the second coat to dry.

Paint the grout with a fine-tipped, 1/32-inch brush and latex paint if you want a two-tone appearance. Fine-tipped brushes are likely not sold at your local hardware store, but you can find them at an art supply store. The main coat of paint will have already colorized the grout, so if you want a monochromatic appearance, you can skip this step altogether.

Remove the painter's tape after 24 hours.