If your kitchen is out of date or no longer reflects your style, it might be time to consider adding some updates.

One easy way to boost the visual appeal of your kitchen is to add a backsplash. Installing a traditional stone or tile backsplash can be expensive, time-consuming, and require a professional. A painted backsplash, on the other hand, is affordable, easy to do, and the design is limited only by your imagination.

4 Ways to Paint Your Backsplash

There are many options for painting your backsplash. You can keep it simple and elegant with a single, solid color, create a family message center with versatile chalkboard paint, try your hand at stenciling a pattern, or mimic the look of tiles.

1. Solid Color

A solid color can give a simple, elegant look. A busy backsplash isn’t for everyone and doesn’t compliment every kitchen. The benefits of going with solid color are that it’s an easy application of a simple coat or two of paint, takes little time, and is inexpensive. Also, you can be bold; no color should be off-limits. You can paint your backsplash in the latest up-to-the-minute hot color—and change it on a whim. The only con of going with a solid color is that it may be too basic and you may grow tired of it more quickly than a more interesting application.

2. Chalkboard

Chalkboard paint can provide an edgy look to your kitchen and a handy spot for jotting down notes to your family, grocery lists, and recipes. Not just available in same-old-same-old black, chalkboard paint is available in a variety of colors.

3. Stencil Patterns

Stenciling can take a little time to master, but once you do, the design world is your oyster. Using a stencil to paint your backsplash, you can add color, texture, and pattern with just paint.

DIYers are doing amazing work with stencils to add visual interest to their backsplashes. There is almost no look that is off-limits once you get the hang of stenciling.

Cement Tiles

If you envy the graphic pattern of cement tiles but don’t have the time, money, or proficiency to install them, you can purchase a stencil set that will mimic the look. The best part is that you won’t be limited by the color selection of tiles and you can add your own custom touches, like a distressed look, or a high-gloss sheen. They may not even make tiles that have the look you are after, so you can let your imagination run wild and create your own one-of-a-kind look. And when you stand back to admire your work, you won’t know that it isn’t expensive tile.

Mediterranean or Spanish Tiles

There is no need to search the world over for those gorgeous and colorful Mediterranean, Mexican or Spanish ceramic tiles with bold blues, rich greens, and sunny yellows. With a set of stencils, a steady hand, and brightly-hued paints, you can recreate the look, for pennies.

Geometric Shapes

Your math skills won’t be needed to master geometric shapes. Whether you choose basic black and white or go wild with bold, bright colors, you can easily reproduce the look of costly, patterned ceramic tiles with a little know-how, patience, and paint.

Simple Stripes

Stripes can be anything but simple to paint on a wall, that is if you want them to be straight. With the help of stencils, you can run your lines any way you want. Horizontal lines can make the room feel wider, while vertical lines can draw the eye up, giving the appearance of height.

Lettering

Word art is everywhere and can be a beautiful source of inspiration. Why not add some words of encouragement to your kitchen? Selecting a stencil in just the right font that speaks to you may be the most difficult part of this project. Let your fancy flow and say everything you need to say right on your backsplash. Curly cursive, bold block font, colorful graffiti, vintage, gothic—your options are limitless.

4. Faux Tiles

If you like the look of tiles, but stenciling isn’t for you, you can work magic with painter’s tape to recreate the look of tile. Once you’ve browsed your favorite tile looks for inspiration, tape out the pattern and paint away. With carefully placed tape, you can mimic the shape of almost any pattern, including subway, square, linear, herringbone, and chevron. And with the right paint selection, you can recreate the look of polished glass, earthy travertine, or even sparkly metallics.

If you like the look of a painted backsplash but have questions about how to achieve the look or aren’t sure you are ready to take on the project yourself, contact us at Arizona Painting Company. Our experts can assist you with everything from color and paint selection to full execution of the project.