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Hanover, NH on May 10, 2012

backsplash behind kitchen sink

i have an area behind the kitchen sink which is below the window it is only 9 inches high is painted. i really like the paint color but it is constantly getting spotted from washing up in the sink. . could i seal this painted surface.? i thought about using a polyurethane floor sealer. would this be okay. and could the area be repainted in a few years if i wanted to change the color? i have granite countertops and did not want to extend the surface for a backsplash but now i need to do something.

8 Comments

Pam D Alexandria, LA

Elinnor, if you do apply a coast of poly, make sure it's water base and not oil or you will never be able to use latex paint over it down the road. And I would not use gloss, I would use satin finish (2 Coats). Down the road, if you repaint your kitchen you may have to sand a little to give the paint some tooth to stick to. If that doesn't work, you could just paint over it with an oil based solvent primer first and then use your latex same as everywhere else.Make sure you tape this off so that your area has a nice straight edge.

on May 10, 2012 · Like 1
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

What about getting a small piece of glass cut and get edges polished to set behind the sink? or even plexi glass. Simply remove and clean with glass cleaner when it gets spotted and put under sink when company comes a knocking. Put it back when they leave.

on May 11, 2012 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

there is a reason backsplashes are installed...behind the sink in the most critical area. I would look into getting some tile that might go with your granite.
check out this article I wrote on some designs I have done.
http://www.networx.com/article/backsplash-de...

on May 11, 2012 · Like 0
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Elinor,
Would you be open to adding the backsplash yourself? It is not as hard as you would think.
KMS, if Elinor decides to install backsplash do you have any tips for her doing it over the existing drywall? I would scuff it, make sure it is plumb, then use either mastic or mortar depending on the material. She could use small glass tiles as they are pretty easy to score and cut.

on May 12, 2012 · Like 1
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

A back splash is about the only place in the entire home where tile can be installed over "drywall". As these areas only see minimal amounts of water. The trick to a good install is to caulk the bottom edge. This is the problem area where water can be "wicked" under the tile and get to the drywall.
mosaic glass and subway tiles are pretty popular these days.

on May 13, 2012 · Like 0
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

KMS,
Thanks for your response. Do you use any special kind of mortar or perform any special prep work for glass mosaic or glass in general. I have my own protocol but wanted to get your thoughts.

on May 13, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

If the glass is semi transparent I use a smooth application of mastic. Notches from a notched trowel will be visible. I normally use acrypro. The key to a good install is to take your time to get the details right. clean precise cuts etc. I like to "tape off" the corner so grout will not get in that joint. Then after the grout has cured I caulk that line using a grout matching color caulk.

on May 14, 2012 · Like 0
Home Repair Tutor Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks KMS for your instructive tips. I always smooth the notched look of the mastic with the squared end of the trowel to prevent any imperfections from showing through the glass. The tape in the corner is a cool action to take to prevent grout from going into that space.

on May 14, 2012 · Like 0