How to makeover this tile counter and backsplash?

RetroRaven
by RetroRaven
We just recently purchased a home that has tile counter tops and backsplash. I have no budget to replace them right now. Any ideas on how I could make these over? I plan to eventually paint the cabinets white.
ugly tile backsplash
ugly tile backsplash
  20 answers
  • Kim Salmi Kim Salmi on Nov 10, 2016
    They look thankfully to be in great shape ...perhaps there is a product ( wild guess it's out there somewhere : ) ) that would let you stencil the tiles ...this way when you paint your cabinets white you can choose a color palette you love best without alot of expense and add a splash LOL of color at the same time ..you have a nice area to work with : )
  • Jcraw Jcraw on Nov 10, 2016
    If you google, there are numerous diy sites that show you how to thin-set concrete over tile counters. The stuff is quick drying and self leveling. Self-stick backsplashes have become more reasonable and varied. Or there's good old breadboard painted to suit your eye.
    • See 2 previous
    • Jcraw Jcraw on Nov 11, 2016
      Quarter round or half-round wood molding from HD, painted or stained. Certainly lightweight enough to glue on. You seem to have mostly straight walls, so no fancy cutting needed. Re self-stick staying on, there are a wealth of utube advice videos out there. What they are most adamant about is clean (tho your kitchen seems to sparkle). So my last prep would probably be good old wipe down with alcohol that you buy at pharmacy.
  • Cwh6899259 Cwh6899259 on Nov 10, 2016
    I am definately NOT a fan of tile counter tops (who on earth came up with that idea anyway), but yours don't look that bad. I would just leave it for now. When you paint your cabinets white, the tiles may be more appealing. I don't like tile because you can't roll cookie dough, etc out on it; and I think the grout business is totally germ & muck catching!
    • Jackie Byrd Jackie Byrd on Nov 10, 2016
      I agree with Cwhittaker, and would add to upgrade your lighting. You've got a very builder's grade kitchen and has a lot of potential. I played around with photos of my kitchen using Photoshop, so I had a real good idea of what the results were going to be. And it turned out great.
  • William William on Nov 10, 2016
    Rustoleum Tile painting kit or Giani counterto kit. Self stick tile will not adhere to existing tile. It needs a smooth solid base as any tile does.
  • Kim Salmi Kim Salmi on Nov 10, 2016
    You're welcome : )
  • Danielle Odin Danielle Odin on Nov 12, 2016
    I'd give anything to have a tile counterand backsplash like that one. There is a paint that is highly toxic to be used on tile and old bath fixtures. I personally would not use it.
  • Diane Taylor Noel Diane Taylor Noel on Nov 13, 2016
    I agree with William, the Rustoleum or Gianni countertop kit to paint your backsplash and countertops
  • Kathy Lovenburg Kathy Lovenburg on Nov 13, 2016
    What about covering the tiles with shiny metal tiles, like the old time tin ceilings? I have seen several types at Home Depot that aren't very expensive. Add under cabinet lighting to make them sparkle! As for the counters, I would just live with it, using a large cutting board to keep the counter a limitless more sanitary. I personally wouldn't waste time or money on the counter until I could afford to replace with granite or quartz. Just a thought, tile can be a good diy project. Check out your hardware stores to see if they have tile workshops. What ever you do, take pictures of your kitchen while it's in transition.
  • We used smart tiles in back splash.. right over existing tile..
  • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Nov 13, 2016
    Remove grout and add a splash of color to it then re grout with this new accent color. Add a few items to decorate the countertops. I wouldn't spend money on too much now, since you know you will make changes later.
  • Helga Wyer Helga Wyer on Nov 14, 2016
    CAN YOU PAINT COUNTER TOPS ALSO ?
  • Bronwyn Newman Bronwyn Newman on Dec 01, 2016

    If it is not in the budget to replace with a stone than maybe look into solid hardwood. Turn the entire top into a butchers block/ cutting board. Do not paint or varnish. Just use olive oil and it will last for years. When you do paint the cabinets that will be all you need for a country, provincial, Hampton, industrial, coastal, Scandinavian, ect ect ect..... Wood never goes out of fashion or function. The options are limitless. I also love a concrete counter top. The back splash tiles are actually really lovely and would compliment the wood in any of the previously mentioned styles. I had tile on one of my kitchen benches and decided regrout to refill any shrinkage and resealed the whole top. It wasn't great because it wasn't a completely smooth surface and the maintenance was high to prevent bacteria. Good luck.

  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Dec 12, 2016

    I've never had a tile countertop, but always thought they were pretty, I really like yours. Smart tiles are a good remedy for the backsplash, but maybe accessorize the kitchen with the decor you like, then take another look at the tile. When you get your kitchen all put together it might look totally different to you.

  • Mcu11939048 Mcu11939048 on Dec 19, 2016

    Remove tile on backsplash will make it not look so heavy and bulky!!

  • NancyMaria NancyMaria on Dec 27, 2016

    stencil or paint design on a few tiles to add splash of color

  • Marti Eveleigh Marti Eveleigh on Jul 10, 2017

    I have your kitchen, and hate those tiles! SO hard to clean! I'm going to paint mine then seal it ..Planning on having the Ace place know what I need.

    • Molly Anmar Molly Anmar on Jul 10, 2017

      Take a look at gianigranite.com. Their product has loads of great reviews and is available in some terrific colors. Many folks have used it to cover up tile countertops and it looks really good.


      Smart Tiles will stick to the wall tiles and really update your kitchen

  • RetroRaven RetroRaven on Jul 10, 2017

    Please let me know how that works out. I've been thinking about painting them but have been to scared to try it out.

  • Molly Anmar Molly Anmar on Jul 10, 2017

    www.gianigranite.com will cover your tiles like a champ and is available in several colors.

  • Angela Brandon Angela Brandon on Jul 10, 2017

    I actually really like your backsplash And countertops And think they will look fine when you paint your cabinets white.