I need ideas for painting this backsplash!

Question

I'd like some thoughts about painting this backsplash. It's a rough stone tile, and a lot of the painted backsplashes that I see are the slick/smooth tiles. Has anyone painted a rough tile like this or do you have reference photos for the before/after? I'm also wondering what color to paint it. My walls are SW Requisite Gray and bright white trim and the column you see is SW Naval. I do like the cabinet colors but the granite colors aren't my favorite. The granite is black with gold and grey spots. It looks dirty to me. Types of paint and prep info would be helpful too. Any ideas? Thanks!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Personally I do not think there is anything wrong with your back splash, however should you choose to paint it I have found this site for the know how. www.ehow.com/how_5845743_paint-stone-tiles.html Next my thought is to sherwin williams and look at the color samples. I would take a piece of your countertop (if you have one) as colors vary with location and different lighting. When choosing paint I look in all kinds of situations from florescent lights in the store to going to a window with natural light and then of course testing the paint in my home.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

how much do you have to do? sq ft? Is it just this spot in the pic above? can you post a photo of the entire spot? Is replacing it out the question? There are inexpensive options. This tile doesn't appear to be the best quality. Here is a link to some ideas on how it will look and how to do it. It's pretty simple to paint. https://www.pinterest.com/explore/painting-tiles/

Laurie Doscher · Answer

Why would you paint over that nice tile? Get some nice outlet covers maybe?

MN Mom · Answer

Did you choose the paint colors and now don't care for how it looks with the tile work? If you just want to change that little counter by the navy blue wall, it looks small enough to have a cork board installed as a little message nook. I personally wouldn't mess with painting that tile.

Julie Storms Robuccio · Answer

I saw another post, where they painted their bathroom tiles using oil based paint. I've painted my bathroom floor tiles using this same method.

Johnchip · Answer

I love that backsplash tile as is. No matter what you might paint it, it will still look the same with the pattern and texture. I hate the navy blue wall and cabinet color. I would repaint them and the rest around the colors of the tiles. and probably also extend the top and maybe bottom tile line across the other adjoining backsplash area.

CK · Answer

It seems like it 'works' with your countertop but maybe you'd like it a bit more if the diamond shape coordinated with the navy blue? Why not try priming and painting the diamonds only with the same blue wall paint? If it's an area that doesn't get wiped off to frequently,it'll probably last till you're ready to do something entirely different. Just a thought.....

Barbara · Answer

If you use an oil based paint,make sure that your fire safety code permits oil based paints in the kitchen. We can't use oil based paints in SO CA due to fire code restrictions (in the kitchen). I'd wait until you can redo it the way you want.

Lyndell · Answer

Since its a rough stone I would use latex. talk to your local paint retailer (go to an actual paint store) and they can help you choose the most appropriate paint. I can see doing the diamonds in a navy and white theme and maybe even adding a touch of gold somewhere.

Mary Dicerni · Answer

You might need a good alcohol wipe and a primer or sealer type base. I like it.. I would just add some colour to the electric plates.. a sealer and acrylic paint. to match the diamonds..

Mary Dicerni · Answer

Or paint the electric covers with the same yellow, and add a narrow shelf over the diamonds not to see as much. and paint the shelf dark or yellow .. get someone to drill the holes for you , or get a carpenter to add a long shelf for spices etc.. add a lip so they do not fall off. hide the part you do not like so much. Carpenters are great.

KatAych · Answer

What is it that you don't like about them? There are a lot of different colors going on, here - what is your 'unifying' color? The grey? The blue? For me, the backsplash is the piece that's disjointed...the granite looks good with your cabinets, the grey, and the blue. The backsplash colors are too light. How about painting the larger, beige-colored tiles in the backsplash that gray, and painting the maroon diamonds that blue?

Marsha elliott · Answer

Hi I love the backsplash,I agree the wall plates should be painted or replaced with a decorative one.Maybe lighten the cabinets color or darken with same color in backsplash,I guess it depends on your budget or time.Happy Decorating

Texann · Answer

Thanks for all the help everyone. I've replied to a few folks about why I want to change the backsplash. You can look through the replies above to find my comments. :)

Robin Smith · Answer

If you like the splash, purchase stone or stone-like receptacle covers.  It would really make a difference!  If you don't like the splash, I've seen them painted over with great success or cover the entire thing with beadboard or wood planking going vertical.  Somewhat like ship lap. And finally, cover with flat board or dry wall (demo the tile or not...your choice) and paint with chalk paint!  Easy and inexpensive.  Love your cabinets!  Lovely wood....

Linda 4 Real · Answer

For the outlet cover option, that's easy...use the peal and stick laminate from a home improvement store. They come in all kinds of metal colors. I even have a lot of left over smoked pewter packages that I would send you for free! If you would like a few just send me a stamped mailing envelope. They cost $10 a pack for 2 12'x6' and I have multiple packages and bought on sale. To see if you like the smoked pewter which would go with your granite and paint look up acpideas.com (that's whats on package- I bought from lowes or HD. It is such a small amount to cover that you have tons of options. You could tile directly over it and your thin set would level the wall for new modern looking tile. I have also painted many tiles. If you keep the texture, I would suggest using plastic and taping off around it and using spray paint. I would tape off the design to allow you to make use of the pattern and use more than one color. You could even go stainless steel with accent that works with the granite. You can always change the grout color too by sanding some out with low grit then just use your finger to fill in the new color. If you want a total redo then get the thinnest cement board and use construction adhesive to attach to old back splash then re-tile with what you like.

Goody · Answer

I don't believe your problem is the backsplash. The cabinets have a very orange undertone, popular in the 80'. I would suggest to paint the cabinets white, off white or the gray you have around the diamonds. This way it will look more harmonious, I am positive it will do the trick.

Julie Storms Robuccio · Answer

I agree with the suggestion of painting the cabinets, a real rich gray would look great with the tile and counters

Jcraw · Answer

I'm with you. Doesn't work at all. Don't know about painting, but covering with sheet cork could work. Alternatives would be  tinted mirror , with or without reflection (Houzz.com) or stainless steel ((Lowes.com under 'metal sheet backsplash). Either would be thin enough to put directly over tile.

Ann · Answer

Paint the cabinets.

I need ideas for painting this backsplash!

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I need ideas for painting this backsplash!

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