How to make your own kitchen backsplash
Ranked #8,270 in Home & Garden, #101,131 overall
Save money by creating your own tile backsplash
Installing a backsplash above the countertop in your kitchen is time consuming work. The difficult part also starts when you choose the colors for your kitchen because you want the backsplash to match. It has to be watertight.
Many people choose small ceramic tiles, which means you have to apply the mortar, put the tiles in place with spacers so that you have them the proper distance apart and then you have to wait at least 48 to 72 hours for the mortar to dry so the tiles set. If you need to cut some of the tiles then you need to rent or buy a wet tile saw or a grinder that has a diamond blade.
After the tile has set, then comes the chore of applying the grout and another wait before you can wash it off to apply the sealant.
I have the perfect way to have the backsplash you want in whatever design and color suits your fancy that is simple and speedy to install.
Many people choose small ceramic tiles, which means you have to apply the mortar, put the tiles in place with spacers so that you have them the proper distance apart and then you have to wait at least 48 to 72 hours for the mortar to dry so the tiles set. If you need to cut some of the tiles then you need to rent or buy a wet tile saw or a grinder that has a diamond blade.
After the tile has set, then comes the chore of applying the grout and another wait before you can wash it off to apply the sealant.
I have the perfect way to have the backsplash you want in whatever design and color suits your fancy that is simple and speedy to install.
How to choose the right colors
Colors are Important
My kitchen is painted a gray/green. The name of the paint is Melodica, but that doesn't tell you anything about the color. The name of the countertop design I chose is Butter Rum and the cabinetry is oak stained with Black Cherry. The flooring is Honey Oak laminate.
The dilemma I had when deciding on a backsplash design and color was that neither my husband or I had any experience with tile installation. We were building the house ourselves and wanted to make sure we did all the work. My sister-in-law suggested that we use the colors of the home in the backsplash, which are:
- Maple Syrup - foyer
- Boardwalk - hallway
- Gold - living room
- Chocolate - doors
The dilemma I had when deciding on a backsplash design and color was that neither my husband or I had any experience with tile installation. We were building the house ourselves and wanted to make sure we did all the work. My sister-in-law suggested that we use the colors of the home in the backsplash, which are:
- Maple Syrup - foyer
- Boardwalk - hallway
- Gold - living room
- Chocolate - doors
How to get started
Planning the design
Draw the designs you would like to have in the backsplash on a large sheet of paper. This means you can use a variety of shapes and put them in any arrangement that you want. This may sound like it will be very difficult to put into practice, but once you see the technique I used you will be surprised at its simplicity.
You can use squares, triangles, rectangles, pyramids - whatever tickles your fancy.
You can use squares, triangles, rectangles, pyramids - whatever tickles your fancy.
What you'll need to get started
Supplies
pencil
ruler or a straight edge
narrow masking tape
stipple
trowel
paint in different colors
paper towel
small artist's paint brush
ruler or a straight edge
narrow masking tape
stipple
trowel
paint in different colors
paper towel
small artist's paint brush
Amazon Resources
Mark out the design on the wall
Using a ruler and pencil draw out the design of your choice on the wall.
Apply the narrow masking tape along the lines that you drew. Leave an end of the tape on the top and the bottom to allow for easy removal.
Apply the narrow masking tape along the lines that you drew. Leave an end of the tape on the top and the bottom to allow for easy removal.
Cover the wall
Cover the entire wall that you want to cover with backsplash with the stipple. You can use the trowel for this.
Let the stipple dry - which it will do if you leave it overnight.
Let the stipple dry - which it will do if you leave it overnight.
Do it yourself
Remove the tape
When the stipple is dry on the wall, remove all the masking tape. This will leave the imprint between the spaces on the wall so that it appears to be tiles.
Pour out small amounts of the paint colors you chose and use paper towel to dab the paint on each tile shape.
Let this dry and apply a sealant.
Pour out small amounts of the paint colors you chose and use paper towel to dab the paint on each tile shape.
Let this dry and apply a sealant.
Lens Love Widget
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
My Lenses
Was this lens helpful to you? I'd love to know
-
-
KateHon
May 13, 2012 @ 9:30 pm | delete
- So interesting!! I'm going to use this idea on a future project! Love it!!
-
-
-
SquidooFlowers
Oct 4, 2011 @ 2:16 pm | delete
- This is great - my mother in law is always doing home renovations, she'd love this page on how to do your own kitchen backsplash
-
-
-
joaniecarney
Oct 3, 2011 @ 4:05 pm | delete
- The installation of a Backsplash really "completes" the kitchen. In my opinion it is a necessity.
-
-
-
Tipi
Sep 24, 2011 @ 9:52 am | delete
- Making your own backslash looks like a fun project to do. Very nice, and great information on how to get it done.
-
-
-
CruiseReady Sep 24, 2011 @ 3:19 am | delete
- What a neat technique! Thank you for sharing.
-
-
-
Mosoma
Sep 22, 2011 @ 2:48 pm | delete
- Thanks for sharing.
-
-
-
JziE Sep 22, 2011 @ 1:20 am | delete
- maybe some pictures can help the readers
-
by franstan
I retired from the teaching profession in 2004 after teaching for 30 years in Newfoundland. In 2006, I took a position as a school principal in Albert... more »
- 47 featured lenses
- Winner of 29 trophies!
- Top lens » Tornado Lesson Plan
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- ★ DIY Bed Headboard Tutorials | Roundup of Fun Craft Projects ★ ★ DIY Bed Headboard Tutorials | Roundup of Fun Craft Projects ★
- Room Dividers and Privacy Screens Room Dividers and Privacy Screens
- Tuscan Kitchen Tuscan Kitchen
- Kids Shower Curtains Kids Shower Curtains
- Sunflower Kitchens Sunflower Kitchens
- Chair Caning and Seat Weaving - How to Chair Caning and Seat Weaving - How to
