If your kitchen backsplash is looking outdated or worn, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference without the time and expense of a full tile replacement. With some elbow grease and a few cans of specialty paint, even the most uninspired tiles can be refreshed in just two days. We recently gave our own backsplash makeover, turning dated tiles from drab to fab with little more than primer, paint, and a paintbrush. The transformation is incredible–keep reading for step-by-step instruction to DIY your own painted tile facelift this weekend!
Why Consider Painting Your Outdated Tile?
Taking on a full kitchen remodel requires significant time, effort, and of course, money. If your budget doesn’t allow for brand new tile, painting what you already have can offer a budget-friendly refresh for a fraction of the cost. Beyond major cost savings, painted tiles can be completed as a weekend DIY project without professional help. And since tiles don’t need to be removed, it’s far less messy and disruptive than a full replacement.
Paint also allows you to completely customize the color and look of your backsplash. Whether you want to brighten up the space with a light color or make a bold statement with a vibrant hue, painted tiles offer unlimited potential to match your personal taste and kitchen aesthetic.
Plan Your Painted Tile Project
Assess Your Existing Tile
The first step is taking a close look at your current backsplash tile. Pay attention to the exact material–is it ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone like travertine or marble? Ceramic and porcelain tend to have a shinier, more water-resistant glaze that requires additional sanding and priming for paint to properly adhere. Natural stone is more porous for better paint application but also more likely to have an uneven surface.
Check the current condition of grout lines and make note of any missing grout, cracks, or holes that will need filling and repair work. Also look out for built-up grease, food splatters, or soap scum that should be thoroughly cleaned prior to painting. Proper prep is key for achieving durable, long-lasting painted tile results.
Choose Paint Type + Finish
For tile surfaces, an epoxy paint formulated especially for glossy and non-porous materials works best. Epoxy paints form a hard, protective shell when cured, allowing for durability and resisting chips or scratches from cooking splatter, utensils, or cleaning. Acrylic paints don’t provide the same tough finish but can also work well for backsplash areas not subjected to hard daily wear.
When selecting your paint, also consider the finish you hope to achieve. Do you want a bright glossy look that mimics glazed ceramic or porcelain? Or would you prefer a muted matte finish? Most tile paints are available in gloss, satin, and matte sheens.
Gather Essential Supplies
In addition to your chosen paint and coordinating primer, make sure you have the necessary tools for the painting process. Small-nap paint roller kits work well for quickly coating large tile surfaces, while angled brushes allow you to cut-in grout lines and corners. You’ll also need painter’s tape, drop cloths, a bucket and paint tray, rags, rubber gloves, and stir sticks.
Safety First
When prepping, priming, and painting in your kitchen, safety should be a top concern. Proper ventilation is essential when working with chemical fumes, so open windows and use fans or exhaust hoods whenever possible. Wear gloves and eye protection when sanding, scraping, or dealing with harsh cleaning solutions. Cover surfaces and flooring with drop cloths and secure appliances with painter’s tape to prevent accidental drips or splatters.
Prep Work Is Key
Deep Clean Surface
After clearing and covering surrounding surfaces, start prepping existing tiles by giving them a deep clean. Mix a strong solution of hot water, dish soap, and vinegar then scrub every inch of tile and grout to remove built-up grease, food splatters, dirt, soap scum and mildew. Rinse multiple times with clean water and carefully dry with a lint-free rag. Surface contaminants prevent proper paint adhesion so this degreasing step cannot be skipped!
Lightly Scuff Glossy Surfaces
If you have shiny or glossy ceramic, stone, or porcelain tile, lightly scuffing the surface will significantly improve paint adhesion. Use 150-220 grit sandpaper attached to a sanding block and gently scrub across all tiles, taking care not to scrub too aggressively near grout lines or corners. Thoroughly wipe away all sanding dust when complete.
Fill Any Cracks or Holes
Carefully inspect tile grout lines and corners of your backsplash area during cleaning and sanding, making note of any missing grout, cracks, holes, or uneven sections needing repair. Use a colored grout repair product to patch missing grout then smooth and wipe clean. Small cracks or holes can often be filled with a clear flexible caulk and smoothed over once dry.
Tape Off Surrounding Areas
Despite drop cloths and surface protection, drips and splatters can still happen when painting. Use Blue Painter’s Tape to cover and protect countertop edges, stove surfaces, cabinets, and flooring around your backsplash area. Take your time applying tape in straight, clean lines and press firmly for maximum adherence. Tape can easily be removed once your painting project is complete.
Apply Primer + Paint
Primer Coat Application
Read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time of your selected primer and paint products. Primer application techniques can vary slightly by product but typically involve using a paintbrush, small foam roller, or paint pad applicator. Apply primer in small sections using smooth, slightly overlapping strokes. Make sure to work primer into grout lines for all-over coverage. Allow primer to dry fully before applying paint.
Paint Coats to Refresh Tiles
Using the primer coat as a guide, apply at least two coats of specialty tile paint in the same manner with smooth slightly overlapping strokes. Roll or brush horizontally first then follow with perpendicular vertical strokes to ensure complete and even coverage. More thin coats provide better adhesion than applying one thick coat. Follow manufacturer instructions for drying time between paint coats.
Achieve Long-Lasting Results
Seal Paint Properly
Once the final coat of tile paint has dried fully, apply at least two protective topcoats of acrylic sealer formulated for painted tile surfaces. Sealing paint properly helps create an added protective barrier against moisture, food splatter, grease, daily wear, and cleaning products. Allow sealer coats to dry fully according to directions.
Regular Cleaning Maintenance
Clean painted tiles regularly using a soft cloth, mild dish soap, and warm water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or scrub pads that could wear down the protective sealed paint over time. Limit the use of oils, juices, wine or other staining products near your newly painted backsplash. With careful maintenance and prompt attention to any problem areas by touching up paint, your refreshed tiles can maintain their just-painted look for years!
Seeing the dramatic transformations that are possible with tile paint is sure to spark some ideas for your own kitchen refresh! Check out the before-and-after photos below of DIY painted tile makeovers, then grab your brushes and get started making over your backsplash this weekend.
[Insert photo gallery showcasing painted tile transformations]
