My budget kitchen makeover continues! Today I’m sharing my new painted backsplash, which is arguably the cheapest backsplash ever. That’s cheap as in low-cost, save-your-money-for-something-more-important. Not cheap as in inferior.
My freshly painted cabinets completely transformed my kitchen, but I never dreamed a painted backsplash could also make such a huge difference.
Previously, our kitchen still had the laminate backsplash from when the house was built in 1973.
Functionally, it was perfect. Aesthetically, it was horrendous.
I have absolutely nothing against a laminate backsplash – in fact I’ve seen some really beautiful ones. Mine was not one of those. It was that lovely gold and white veined laminate that everyone loved in the 70s. (The better to match our harvest gold appliances my dear. Evil laugh.)
And not only that, it was super thick in a weirdly noticeable way. As in it dwarfed the window trim, it was so thick.
So it had to go.
There are tons of awesome DIY backsplash options and many of them are pretty budget-friendly, but I decided to go with the least expensive of all.
Paint.
Because as you may have noticed, I am incredibly devoted to painting all the things. What can I say? I love what paint can do and I understand paint so well. It is cheap and never comes with hidden surprises.
(Plus I just tiled our entire shower a couple of months ago and I may not have mentally recovered from it yet.)
And if painting is my favorite, stenciling is my favorite favorite. As soon as I saw this antique tiles stencil from StencilGirl, I knew it was going to make an amazing backsplash.
StencilGirl is a new to me stencil company that recently came out with a line of home décor stencils. The stencils are all designed by artists and made in the USA. Plus, StencilGirl is a family-run company, which I love.
I did hesitate briefly at first, wondering if paint would be durable enough as a backsplash.
But then I remembered that plenty of builder-grade houses come with a painted wall ‘backsplash’. (Theirs just aren’t as cute as mine!) Just make sure to use semigloss paint. Semigloss paint is great for resisting moisture if water gets splashed on the wall and is easy to clean. Both of which are essential for a backsplash.
*Update: It’s been a couple of years since I first published this tutorial, so I’ve updated the end of the post with info on how the backplash has held up over the years and how it looks now.*
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Materials for Creating a Painted Backsplash
- A great Stencil
- Painter’s tape
- Foam Paint roller (for smooth surfaces)
- Semigloss paint in at least two colors
- Makeup wedge sponges (these work so much better than a paintbrush for stenciling small areas)
Tutorial: How to stencil a backsplash
First, you need a flat surface to stencil. It could be drywall, laminate, or even flat tiles. I chose to remove our previous laminate backsplash before stenciling because of the weird thickness of it, but stenciling the laminate would have worked just as well. (Trust me, I also painted our laminate countertop and it worked great.)
If you are stenciling a laminate backsplash, you’ll start by lightly sanding the entire thing with sandpaper to rough up the surface a bit, cleaning it well with a degreaser (I prefer plain old Dawn dish soap) and painting a coat or two of a good primer.
If you are stenciling drywall like me, you may need to patch a few holes to ensure your surface is perfectly flat. After removing my old backsplash, I had quite a few nail holes to fill as well as some dents from the removal process. I used spackling to fill these holes and then once it was dry, sanded it smooth with 320 grit sandpaper.
Once everything was nice and smooth, I wiped the wall down well to make sure it was clean and dust-free and then it was time to paint.
Before you start, make sure to protect your countertops, outlets, cabinets, and anything else touching the backsplash with painter’s tape.
Then begin by painting the base coat using a foam roller. The base coat for this stencil is the ‘grout’ color; I used a bright white semigloss paint.
Once that dries, it’s time to stencil. I prefer to stencil using a foam roller as well.
The trick is to make sure you don’t load too much paint on the roller at a time. Load your roller with a light layer of paint and then lightly roll it over some paper towels to remove any excess.
Using painter’s tape, tape your stencil to the wall. I find it easiest to start in a corner. Lightly roll your roller over the stencil until all of the open spaces are evenly painted. Then gently pull the stencil off the wall.
To do the next section, simply line the stencil design up with the previous section and keep going.
The thing that is really tricky about stenciling the backsplash is reaching the spots right below the cabinets and right above the counter. To get in those little areas, you will have to bend your stencil into a 90 degree angle.
Since the foam roller won’t work well in such tight corners, you can use a small foam brush or makeup wedge sponges to gently fill in those parts of the stencil.
If your design starts to look a little messy and not so crisp, that simply means it is time to clean the excess paint off your stencil. (I’ve got super helpful tips for the easiest way to clean stencils in this post.)
And if you find that there are any areas that don’t look quite as good as you would have liked, you can simply repaint them your base color and then stencil over them again.
That is the marvelous thing about paint – it is so forgiving.
This is such a great stencil for a backsplash. When my family came over, they couldn’t stop talking about how much it looks like real tile and I have to agree.
And even though we still have a long way to go with this budget kitchen makeover (countertops, lights, appliances, faucet, etc.), I think it looks pretty darn great. Just look at the difference a painted backsplash and some fresh outlets made.
Here’s a little sneak peak of the kitchen once the countertops were painted as well. There is still more to do, but this room already looks a million times better.
Update: My Painted Backsplash Two Years Later
It’s now been more than two years since I originally painted my backsplash so I thought it would be helpful to share an update on how it has held up and how it looks now.
I actually recently repainted my backsplash, but not because it had any problems. In fact, I felt very comfortable painting the backsplash a second time because it had help up so well the first time.
As I finished up other projects in our budget kitchen makeover, our kitchen was looking entirely too white. The white cabinets weren’t going anywhere and I wasn’t about to tackle repainting the countertops, which meant the backsplash needed to change.
I decided to repaint the backsplash in my favorite dark blue shade: Sherwin Williams Blue Mystery. And since I was making changes, I decided to give a new stencil a try as well and used this Santa Ana tile stencil.
And now I love it even more! It adds the perfect contrast to the kitchen.
How has your stenciled backsplash held up?
When I first had the idea to paint our backsplash, I was a little unsure how it would hold up. Kitchens have backsplashes for a reason – water, food, and grease get splashed onto the wall pretty regularly, especially around the sink and stove.
Luckily, my fears were unfounded. The backsplash has had zero problems. We had our original stenciled backsplash for two years before I repainted it with a darker color. The day I started repainting, it looked just as bright and fresh as the day I originally stenciled it.
How do you clean your painted backsplash?
Most of the time I simply wipe down the backsplash with a damp paper towel or rag. Occasionally I do more of a deep clean using the same cleaner I use for our countertops, Method All-Purpose Cleaner. I have also used Mr. Eraser on a few stubborn stains with no problem. Since I used paint in a semigloss finish, wiping it hasn’t caused any problems.
I hope that helps! I’ve also gathered a bunch of tips for choosing the best backsplash stencil along with my favorite tile stencils for backsplashes if you are thinking about tackling this project yourself. Or I also have a whole collection of great DIY backsplash ideas if you want more inspiration.
Don’t miss my final Budget Kitchen Makeover Reveal along with these other kitchen projects:
Updating hinges with Rub n Buff
Where to Buy Inexpensive Cabinet Knobs and Pulls
Painted Countertops: Painting your countertops to look like marble
21 of the best budget kitchen makeovers under $1000
I’d love for you to pin this project to Pinterest.
How to Stencil a Backsplash
Create a gorgeous DIY stenciled backsplash that is extremely budget-friendly.
Materials
- Stencil
- Painter’s tape
- Foam Paint roller
- Semigloss paint in at least two colors
- Makeup wedge sponges
Tools
- Sandpaper
Instructions
- Lightly sand the entire wall with sandpaper.
- Wipe the wall down to make sure it's clean and dust-free.
- Protect anything touching the backsplash with painter’s tape.
- Paint the base coat using a foam roller.
- Tape your stencil to the wall with painter's tape.
- Load your roller with a light layer of paint. Roll it over some paper towels to remove any excess paint.
- Lightly roll the roller over the stencil until all open spaces are evenly painted.
- Gently pull the stencil off the wall.
- Line up the stencil design with the previous section and repeat.
- Use a small foam brush or makeup wedge sponge to stencil near corners and other hard-to-reach areas.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Santa Ana Tile Stencil - Cement Tile Stencils - DIY Portuguese Tiles - Reusable Stencils for Home Decor (Small Tile Stencil Size 6x6) -
Paint Rollers 4 inch, KUPOO Home Decorator DIY Painting Paint Mini Foam Roller Refill & Woven Roller Covers 1/2" Nap Set of 11 Piece
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Scotch Painter's Tape 2090-24EVP B006ARJVZM, 0.94" Width, Blue, 6 Pack
linda smith says
This is stunning! I never would have thought to stencil a backsplash, but it’s lovely!
Carrie says
Thank you Linda!
Kristin Bergthold says
I love this idea! So much easier than tiling!
Carrie says
Thanks Kristin! It definitely is!
Stephanie says
That looks fantastic! We’ve been putting off the backsplash because we don’t know how to tile – but this looks awesome and we could do it.
Carrie says
Thanks Stephanie! You could totally do this!
Natalie says
This looks amazing!! I’m in the middle of a backsplash project right now (like seriously, right now. I’m procrastinating by reading your post!), and yours looks a hundred times easier than mine!! Wishing I had gone this route! Shhh… don’t tell my husband I said that!
Carrie says
Haha, thanks Natalie. There were a few tricky spots with the stencil for sure – but it was way quicker than a traditional backsplash!
Jenna says
Oh wow! I never would have thought to stencil a backsplash! Great idea!
Carrie says
Thanks Jenna! A stencil makes a surprisingly great backsplash!
[email protected] says
It looks SO GOOD! who needs tile, anyway? :)
Carrie says
Thanks Gretchen – I totally agree!
Rena Swan says
Good morning Carrie,
What a beautiful turn out. The color is soft and tranquil, the pattern is easy on the eyes, and most of all, the project itself was easy on your bank account… :)
Would you please share, where you found your paper towel holder? It’s the coolest holder I’ve ever seen!!!
Blessings to you,
Rena :)
Carrie says
Thanks so much Rena! I am loving the backsplash too. The paper towel holder is a repurposed globe stand. I found the globe at a yard sale and hung the actual globe part from the ceiling in my son’s nursery. I didn’t need the stand it came with anymore and it just happened to be perfect to hold paper towels. It was a really lucky accident!
Nancy Sapp says
OMGosh! You are 1 Gutsy Lady! I would end up with a globby mess under the stencil but you DID explain the process very well. So maybe even I could do something like that – like a border around my craft room.
Carrie says
Thank you Nancy – I definitely think you could do it. Stenciling looks much harder than it is. As long as you don’t overload your brush/roller with paint, you should have great results!
Jennifer says
OMG this is so beautiful Carrie. You always bring many creative ideas! I used to visit your site once a day to read only one post (I do the same to other blogs). However, looks like I should spend more time for your blogs since your posts are really inspired!
Carrie says
Thanks Jennifer!
Mary says
Hi Carrie love your backsplash,it is beautiful.looks like very expensive tiles.
Carrie says
Thank you Mary! I love it too!
karen says
I love your site!
Carrie says
Thank you Karen!
Angela says
Hi! I love the backsplash! I got married 3 years ago and moved into a house with black cabinets. I hate black!! My husband keeps promising that we will work on the kitchen and get new cabinets. (organization is a disaster because no sufficient thought was put into it) But the money is just never there! So I decided that I will paint the cabinets Crisp French Blue and walls an almost white with a hint of pink. I hope it looks good! I am thinking of doing the backsplash like you did yours but with the same blue as the cabinets. I’m think that the backsplash will come out looking like a mosaic tile! Only problem is that I have some texturing on the walls. It’s normal texture that you see on most walls. Do you think that it might work? Also I’m wondering if you did the canning jars that are on your countertop? And how did you do them? I’m in love!
Carrie says
Hi Angela, You sound a lot like me – I get tired of waiting for ‘someday’ and just start doing things myself! Your kitchen colors sound beautiful! The wall texture will make the stenciling more difficult, but wouldn’t be impossible. Our backsplash was smooth drywall so I didn’t have to deal with texture. One possible solution would be to create a backsplash by cutting smooth hardboard to the size of the space between your cabinets and counter and then paint and stencil that. (This is one solution I had considered). You can buy hardboard at Lowes or Home Depot – it’s smooth, thin, and inexpensive. It’s kind of like the old wood paneling from the 70s but without any fake paneling texture.
Carrie says
Oh, and also I did paint the jars. The tutorials are https://www.lovelyetc.com/stamped-mason-jar/ and https://www.lovelyetc.com/aqua-striped-mason-jar/
Martha Richardson says
This really fits my pocket book.I love it.
Carrie says
Thank you!
Maria ONeill says
Carrie, I love the projects you tackle. I have been a believer in painting things other people would not think of for about 25 years. I have painted ceiling fans, sconces, stripes on bathroom walls. stenciled laundry room and bathroom floors. Probably the oddest thing I painted was also my backsplash. I was painting plain beige 3×3 tiles into a multi-colored Spanish tile look when the planes flew into the World Trade Center in 2001. When we sold our house in 2017 it was as fresh and up to date as ever. The new owners were over the moon with the look. It still has not the first scratch or chip in it and probably never will. The key as you know is preparation. First, Grease Relief or Greased Lightning cleaner, followed by an alcohol based cleaner to give it grip and then a good tile paint followed by three coats (with adequate drying time and light sanding between coats) of a clear non-yellowing polyurethane! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Carrie says
Thank you so much for sharing your tips! And it is awesome to hear how well your backsplash lasted for so many years! It sounds like we are definitely kindred spirits when it comes to painting all the things. :)
Rhonda says
Can you tell me what size stencils you used? I want to order one, but I don’t know what size to get.
Thanks!
Carrie says
I used a six inch stencil for my backsplash and I think it was the perfect size!
Shantelle says
Hello love this doing my kitchen over now and nxt is my backsplash did you seal it after stenciling thanks
Carrie says
Hi! I did not seal it after stenciling. Since it is a backsplash, it really almost never gets touched other than when it needs to be cleaned. And I used semi-gloss paint, so I have been able to wipe it down without any problem. If you use a different paint sheen (like matte or satin), a sealer would probably be a good idea since those paints are not as wipeable. Good luck with your kitchen!
Heather Davis says
This gives me hope in doing an inexpensive kitchen face lift prior to getting an appraisal! Thank you so much for this! I will take all the pictures and I will send them to you when we are done!
Carrie says
Yes, you definitely can! We had our house appraised a few weeks ago before refinancing and the value had gone up a ton thanks to cheap fixes like this!
Holly says
Could you show the ends? I’m courious to see how you ended it
Carrie says
Our backsplash ends against a tall cabinet on one side and a doorframe on the other. I know a lot of kitchens don’t have such obvious ending points. I would try to end on a full ’tile’ if possible and if not, end on a half of a ’tile’. That way it will look more similar to a real tile pattern.
Betsy says
I love the stenciling. Going to try on my backsplash. I also love the paper towel holder you have. Could you tell me where you got it? Is so adorable! Thank you!
Carrie says
Thank you! I actually made the paper towel holder from an old globe stand I found at a yard sale. I think it would be a best seller if someone starting making and selling them but so far I haven’t seen any for sale. But you could always look for an old globe on Facebook marketplace to upcycle!
Lyndsay says
I actually just bought these exact stencils and am so excited to start my project! I was wondering what kind of paint you used? I’m painting over the laminate and keep reading different recommendations- some say to use latex paint, some say you have to use oil based paint, and some say to use acrylic. I’m so lost!
Carrie says
There isn’t necessarily a right and wrong paint to use. I used oil based primer and latex paint. This is my favorite combo for painting anything with a slick surface that paint might not stick to well. Oil based primer will stick to anything and you can use any type of paint over it – oil, latex, or acrylic.
Sandra says
For our kitchen redo will start with painting the factory cupboards and switching out the handles and pulls. Painting walls where needed, vinyl flooring over ceramic tiles and possible replace the counter top. The last issue which may not be one as we change the other pieces is the ceramic tile that is under upper cabinets, blacksplash, behind the fridge and stove. The tiles are grey with dark grout. if we need too how difficult is it to repaint and how durable will these painted tiles will be around high traffic areas like the backsplash. Best steps you would recommend for this project would be great. Love what you do
Carrie says
Thanks! I haven’t painted a tile backsplash before but I know many people have including my parents. Painting the tile shouldn’t be difficult. I would clean the tiles really well and then primer with Zinsser oil-based primer. This is the primer I always use for priming anything slick. Then follow that with paint. If you are working in an area that gets a lot of use, you can follow up with a sealer to help the paint adhere well. I found a blog post from a site I trust if you want more step-by-step instructions – https://designertrapped.com/painting-tile-backsplash/ The only thing I would do differently from their instructions is using the oil-based primer as opposed to a water-based one. Good luck!