Has anyone painted over a granite backsplash?

Question

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?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

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.

Eliesa @ Pinterest Addict · Answer

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

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

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.

Jennifer rizzo · Answer

How about putting beadboard over the top?

Eliesa @ Pinterest Addict · Answer

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...

Felicia · Answer

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

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

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.

Z · Answer

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.

Connie Z · Answer

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.

Shari · Answer

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!

KMS Woodworks · Answer

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

Peace Painting Co., Inc. · Answer

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.

Eliesa @ Pinterest Addict · Answer

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.

Peace Painting Co., Inc. · Answer

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

Z · Answer

LOL love your pun Peace Painting Co person. LOL

Amber · Answer

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

Eliesa @ Pinterest Addict · Answer

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.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

can you post a pic?...

Candace Helm · Answer

I would love to see a pic, I know this thread is old but my kitchen is exact same deal, black on black. Totally swallows light! What a poor choice. I would prefer to paint it. I would also like to know how it's held up since last October.

Renata · Answer

What do you think about looking into doing a layer of cement over the granite? No idea if this is possible but I just love the cement counter tops and with all the colors they can add, it can look beautiful if ur not into the gray look. Then for about 1/2 the price u'd never have to change tops. Plus, if ur like me the couple extra inches of height is very much welcome.

Bonnie Robichaux · Answer

yes you can I just saw it on google. Google it to : How to paint over a granite fireplace. Its simple but time consuming, but instead of poly use epoxy to make it top harder and 'glass' looking. Hope this helps

Nancy Flemming · Answer

It looks like you painted this in 2012,  What does it look like now 2016? I am not a fan of black either, but would have painted the kitchen cabinets first to make them pop and compliment the black.  I agree with an earlier suggestion of the metal tin tiles as they are thin, easy to put on and can be removed if someone wants to go back to the granite which is considered a higher end finish in a kitchen.  An update picture would be nice especially for people considering painting their granite.

Valerie Burns · Answer

Hi there - interested to see how this went; we are looking at doing the exact same thing for our full granite backsplash!

Has anyone painted over a granite backsplash?

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