How to paint over your outdated backsplash

How to paint over your kitchen tile backsplash with semi-gloss paint to give it a more modern look in your kitchen.

Long before I decided to take the plunge and paint the kitchen cabinets white, I did something that I never thought to do to my dark and dated kitchen backsplash. I painted it.

white cabinets, white tile backsplash

I have had tons of experience with painting wood, but tumbled stone? This was something new and admittedly scary. This was the backsplash before I painted it using semi-gloss white paint. 

How to paint over your outdated back splash

There was nothing wrong with the backsplash, it just wasn’t the look I wanted it in the kitchen. I was trying to go a bit lighter in the space and this was a good first step before I painted the cabinets white.

Before I painted the backsplash in a semi-gloss white, I whitewashed it. The result was that it was too translucent and not the look I was after. So I decided to take it a step further and paint it. 

How to paint over your outdated back splash

white backsplash with colored roses on cutting board in kitchen

How to paint a kitchen tile backsplash using semi-gloss paint

Here are a few of my tips to insure that your paint project is a success.

Be sure

Be sure painting over your backsplash is what you want to do.  Removing paint from tumbled stone is a lot more time-consuming than painting wood. In my mind, I thought painting my backsplash would be a temporary fix until I spent the money and time to replace it. So I was quite sure this was the route that I wanted to go.  Little did I know, that my project would still meet my needs in my kitchen years later, meaning I still love it.

white cabinets with kitchen mantel with leaning cutting boards

Prep your backsplash

Clean your backsplash area with some denatured alcohol or another cleaning agent to remove any grease or dirt from the surface. This is super important so that your paint adheres to the surface. Tape off or cover any areas that you don’t want to get paint on.

Paint the backsplash

Use a good semi-gloss or high gloss paint. I used Bright White from SW. For this projects, I used a primer and two coats of semi-gloss paint. Using a soft brush for the crevices and a small roller for the surface tiles this job took no time at all. Allow the paint to dry completely in between each coat.

close up of painted tile kitchen backsplash in white

A gallon of paint saved me tons of money without having to replace the entire backsplash area. Painting the backsplash white gave me the look that I was after, besides it was relatively easy to do.

Commonly asked questions about painting a backsplash

How do you clean a painted backsplash?

I painted my kitchen backsplash 3 years ago and have never had any issues. I use mild cleaning products to remove any grease or stains from the back splash such as Murphys Oil, 409 etc.

What kind of paint do you use?

I used semi-gloss for my project however any latex, acrylic or enamel paint will do the job IF you have properly primed your surface. 

Brush or roller?

I used both. I used a brush to cut in and for my grout joints. I used a roller for the backsplash surface.

How long the painted backsplash last?

As long as you want it too! WIth proper prep, painting and using mild cleansers, your painted backsplash will last for years.

I hope my tips on how to paint a kitchen tile backsplash using semi-gloss paint will come in handy if you decide to tackle this project.

Good luck!

More kitchen related posts

5 updates that will keep your kitchen from looking dated

Subtle changes to the kitchen and dining area

Modern Farmhouse kitchen reveal

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10 Comments

  1. When I bought my house MANY years ago I hated just about everything about it so I took a risk with a lot of temporary fixes. One of them was painting my red brick backsplash. I dry brushed it white and it is still holding up. I like yours much more than mine, though! It looks amazing, especially against your white cabinets.

  2. Laura, Your kitchen is beautiful. Your home is just STUNNING!! The backsplash looks original to the home and I love it!! Pinning!

  3. I would have never guessed ! It looks great . One question though -when I clicked through to see the original post of before and after pictures it does say you used primer and paint , in this post you said you didn’t use primer…… so could it be that primer was used and that contributes to the durability?

  4. Well as you know, I am waiting on a kitchen cabinet update. My backsplash is wallpaper. The wallpaper is the last remaining remnant of my dark phase. I could just remove it and paint dor now right, but what if I painted right over it? Will I hate myself when it comes time to tesr it off? And will I need to tear it off, who knows what I will be putting in its place yet. Just some of the questions of the mystery of kitchen life.

  5. I LOVE your kitchen and painting the tiles is definitely a most “thrifty” and beautiful way to update and brighten your kitchen, leaving you more funds to spend elsewhere. Your kitchen is definitely a very happy place….happy in that it is beautiful….. and happy because is it filled with the laughter and joy of your family!

  6. I’m so happy to read this post! I have lots of dark tumbled stone in the guest bath and I’ve never liked it. I honestly have never thought of painting it but seeing yours gives me hopes of brightening up this dark bathroom. Thanks so much for sharing!

  7. It looks great! And now I have gained courage to paint my own kitchen cabinets white! The only thing I might do different is paint the backsplash a different color. Maybe the same color as my walls which are a peach color. I’m not sure if this would work, just an idea, but your’s looks awesome!
    I can’t wait to paint my own!

  8. Your backsplash makeover is AMAZING Laura!!! I’ve always been pretty much obsessed with your entire gorgeous kitchen and didn’t even realize that you had done this. Well done friend!

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