Can you redo tile backsplash without removing the tile.
by
Kim Rose
+15
We recently bought an older home and I want to change my counter tops and backsplash in my kitchen. My husband doesn't know how to remove tile backsplash and also doesn't want to. Our home is 47 years old and EVERYTHING in it is the original item from when it was built. From paint to carpet, so we are slowly doing one project at a time. I have MS and a muscle disorder so I can't do a lot to help but I am going crazy in my kitchen. I'm not an artistic person so I need helpful advice in that area as well. We are doing a beach/island motif through out our home. Light colors, seashells, light houses etc...so any ideas would be awesome.
The tile isn't cracked or anything but the grout lines are dirty and I have tried everything to get them clean, everything except re-grouting. If I have to go to that much trouble it will take years as my MS has my fine motor skills in my hands and fingers almost non-existent.
The counter tops are dirty looking even though they are scrubbed many times a day. I was wondering if there is anything I can do simple and inexpensively for a short term solution until we get to the kitchen. Also that I can do.
There are peel and stick tiles that you could use for this project. You can simply apply them straight over the old tile
spray/wipe with a homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar. It bubbles extremely, might help clean better.
You can buy metallic back splashes that look like tiles but are all one sheet and they come in colors that resemble copper, tin, or brass. They are light weight and are easy to install with peel and stick backing on them. I don't know if you like the idea of metallic back splash but they really are nice looking and are inexpensive as well as easy. You can get them at Lowe's or probably most home improvement stores. The sheets can be cut with shears to fit your kitchen.
When I lived in Spain as a F. exchange student my Spanish mother painted the grout with white paint and a little paint brush. It wipes off the tile easily to cover only the grout. Also, if you think the white tiles are boring, you might add a splash of color. My daughter bought some thin small glass mosaic tile squares, and turned them to diamond angle and hot glued them over the intersection of 4 white tiles. It was really effective. Wish I had a photo to share but she sold the house.
Foud a photo online that gives the general idea. Cheap, quick and easy.
You can paint the tiles with Rustoleum tub and tile paint. Rustoleum or Giani counter top paint kit for the counter.
I had tile too that my husband would not tear out, so I ordered brick looking contact paper from Amazon and it was so easy to put up. You can pull it off to straighten and it sticks well. Washes off nicely too. Three big rolls did my backsplash, souffets, and two small walls. Lot of choices too.
I went straight over the tile with these peel and stick. I had to cut the sheet in half for this part of the back splash but behind the stove used entire sheet. Also went right over tile floor using the Gold pergo foam and a traffic master click connect in pecan and it looks great.
Thank you...
I sprayed mine with Krylon Fusion paint, and they lasted for years. I just scrubbed them with DW liquid, water and vinegar. I then wiped them off with water and an old towel, and let dry. Then I just sprayed them with a couple of light coats. I never had any problem with them.
It comes in different colours.
If you go that route, make sure you don't have a gas pilot lit nearby.
https://www.sherwin-williams.com/property-facility-managers/education/styles-and-techniques/sw-article-pro-resuscitateold
http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion-allinone/
https://www.amazon.com/Krylon-Fusion-Spray-Paint-Satin/dp/B000RMMNEW
Seems like just baking soda even would improve the look, I use just baking soda and vinegar on my tan and white counters and it cleans up stains. You know, need let soak longer if pretty bad stain.....
You could add vinyl decals to the tiles. If you have (or know someone) who has a Cricut, they can be cut for you.