on Jul 23, 2012

Has anyone painted over a granite backsplash?

We bought our house a year ago. The kitchen has black granite countertops and backsplash - the kind with gold flakes in it. It's not our taste, but we can't afford to replace it right now, and we don't know if it can be removed without damaging the cabinets and walls. The backsplash is too dark for the kitchen and "swallows" all the light, and their choice of wood tones doesn't match it either. I plan on painting the cabinets either white or dark gray. Has anyone ever painted over granite? Would it be tacky?

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This is a picture from the listing when we bought it.

18 Comments

KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

I've never heard of anyone doing this...granite is considered the upper tier of surfaces in a home. I do know however of some people painting over ceramic tile...which would have a similar "hardiness". The painted surface would never be as durable as the granite, nor would it share the same resistance to heat, cleaning, scrubbing etc.
If your planning to stay in the home for a long time and will eventually replace it this may ...»
be an option for you. As far as short term, this event is pretty much a one way street and its effect on the homes resale would be a step backward.
It sounds like your granite is "Black Galaxy" which is one of the better and more durable varieties...it is also pretty "neutral" compared to some of the busier versions of granite that is available.

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 0
Eliesa Prettelt

Thanks for replying! I don't mind the countertop, but the black backsplash is too much. We will eventually replace it, but I need to do something in the meantime to brighten it up. I

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Is it a full back-splash or one just about five inches high? If its the lower height, it can be removed, But you must remember its fastened by adhesive on the wall and as you begin to peel it off it will damage some of the drywall behind it. Also they normally use a clear silicon where the back-splash is sitting on the top, This prevents moisture from traveling back behind the wall. You will need a very thin and sharp tool to work both behind and under the splash area to remove it. It ...»
will take a few hours to do this. Not easy but can be done.
Remember once its off, the counter may not be sitting quite as tight as you would think against the wall. Meaning there may be some gaps between the wall and back of the counter. Be prepared to install something on the wall that will stick out far enough to hide these gaps. Perhaps a nice subway tile.

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 1
Jennifer rizzo Naperville, IL

How about putting beadboard over the top?

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 0
Eliesa Prettelt

It's a full backsplash, one slab. I thought about tiling over it, or adding something like a bead board, but it's so thick, and I thought it would look odd with another layer. That's why I was thinking to paint it. I'm just terrified to just do it...

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 0
Felicia Lewes, DE

U can do a "push the plate" - broken dishes in a range of colors or tones that U like-
it will look like mosaic. Have fun

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 0
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Full back splash, wow, expensive install. Try painting it. There are tons of counter painting kits available that you can use. Also you can tile it, or apply metal ceiling tiles to give it some fancy look. There is really nothing you can do to mess it up. The 1/4 inch more will not even be seen. So do not worry about that. If you decide to tile, you will want to adhere something such as Schluter Kerdi mat on the surface. http://www.schluter.com/8_1_kerdi.aspx ...»
Normally this product is fastened to the wall using the same adhesive you would use to hold the tile, but in this case a contact adhesive would be used. What this product provides is a surface that will hold the tile tight to the otherwise glossy surface of the granite.
Also Jennifer has a good idea using a bead-board surface. Must be glued on. Just remember however, anything near a stove should be fire resistant. So wood may not be a great idea in that space.
Paint is the easiest to do. Whole project should only take a weekend from start to finish.

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 1
Becky Blair, NE

If you are thinking beadboard will be something you would like I'd use the beadboard style anaglypta wallpaper. I believe L's Home Improvement stores still carry it. They might be able to help you with what type of adhesive to use to install it so it could be later removed without harming your granite.

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 0
Connie Z Burlington, CO

If you decide to paint over it, similar to painting over tile, you could cut and glue quarter-round or other detail moulding in a "frame" similar to what you see below chair rails in formal rooms and create feature areas across the large backsplash. Select an accent color or use colors that will compliment the granite. Within the "framed" area b/c it is a raised area, you could then glue some other tile in those small areas.

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 0
Shari Tampa, FL

If you like the look of beadboard, I think the beadboard wallpaper for your backsplash would be an excellent, affordable solution for you. (I have it on the backsplash in my current kitchen.) Beadboard wallpaper would not do permanent harm to the granite either like some of the other suggestions discussed. However, if you decide to try beadboard wallpaper, please be aware, not all beadboard wallpaper is created equal. Unfortunately, some of it looks really fake. I would ONLY ...»
recommend the Graham & Brown "Super Fresco" pre-pasted beadboard wallpaper. I've used it extensively in 2 homes (including on furniture!) and even professional tradesmen working in my home on other projects have been fooled by its realistic look! At one time you could buy it online at Home Depot but I don't think they carry it anymore. However, one of the HomeTalk Ambassadors, Rhoda V ( http://www.hometalk.com/southernrhoda ) can hook you up with it, if you are interested. I'm a diehard G&B beadboard lover and sing its praises every chance I get (and no, I don't get compensated by the company). Simply put, it's just a fantastic product!

on Jul 23, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

You mention that this "swallows up the light"....it might be easier to upgrade the under cabinet lighting?

on Jul 24, 2012 · Like 0
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

A primer called X-I-M will stick well after cleaning and rinsing. It's for painting tile, glass, laminate, etc. and can be found at Sher-Wms. Then any paint can go on top.

on Jul 24, 2012 · Like 1
Eliesa Prettelt

Thank you everyone for giving me some ideas!
Peace Painting - I just used that on some tile on the floor. Great stuff - I hope it can hold up to foot traffic. KMS Woodworks - not a bad idea for night, but it would still be dark during the day. I would love to attach a picture, but it won't let me upload any.

on Jul 25, 2012 · Like 0
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

You're ahead of the game.
Take for granite the primer will stick.

on Jul 25, 2012 · Like 2
Becky Blair, NE

LOL love your pun Peace Painting Co person. LOL

on Jul 25, 2012 · Like 1
Amber Claypool, AZ

maybe you can apply some decals like a fleur-de-leis.

on Aug 21, 2012 · Like 0
Eliesa Prettelt

I did end up painting the backsplash with the same stuff I used on the tile details in the entry way, X.I.M. So far, it's held up great, and I don't regret it at all. It breaks up all that black.

on Oct 25, 2012 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

can you post a pic?...

on Oct 26, 2012 · Like 2