How To Paint A Faux Tile Backsplash

If you like the look of tile for a backlash, but tiles aren't in the budget, consider faux painting tile. A faux painted tile backsplash gives you the look of tile without the hassle and cost, and it doesn't require advanced painting skills. Follow these instructions to paint a faux tile backsplash.

Prepare to Paint Faux Tile Backsplash

Painting a faux tile backsplash requires:

• work gloves
• eye goggles
• dust mask 
• plastic or drop cloths
• rags
• painter's tape
• ruler
• graph paper
• trisodium phosphate
• 220-grit sandpaper (optional)
• wall spackle (optional)
• drywall compound 
• trowel or spade 
• artist brushes, foam angled brush, and foam roller
• primer for plastic or primer for drywall
• latex paint ( one or two tile colors and grout color ) 
• glaze (optional) 

Keep a window open to avoid fumes from cleaners and paint. Clear the space in front of the backsplash, use the screwdriver to remove outlet and switched cover the openings with painter's tape. Add painter's tape to window trim and where you want the paint to stop, and lay drop cloths or plastic cover sink areas.

Mark Pattern and Sand

Draw one repetition of the desired pattern on paper, allowing one-fourth inch for grout. Measure one repeat of the pattern, measure the length of the backsplash, then divide it by the pattern length. Figure the best spaces to break the pattern, which is commonly the corners.

Check drywall backsplashes for imperfections, and cover them with wall spackle. You will need to sand laminate backsplashes to remove the shine, then clean the sand dust. If the backsplash is stained or greasy, clean it with trisodium phosphate. 

Paint the Tiles

After the area dries, cut one-eighth inch strips of painters' tape to mark grout lines following the pattern, beginning in the middle. You may prefer to mark the lines with pencil, but avoid marking the middle, so they won't show. Apply tape to corners to make it look as if the pattern is folded on paper, and examine the pattern when you finish.

Mix the drywall compound according to directions, then add a thin layer to the areas inside the tape using the spade or trowel, keeping it smooth. Let the compound dry, then remove the tape after twenty-four hours.

Primer with paint does not work for this project. Roll one layer of primer on the surface cutting in grout lines or tight areas with the angled brush. After the first primer layer dries, add another layer, if needed. Tape the pattern again, after the primer dries, then paint the tiles and grout lines. 

Let the paint dry, remove the tape, and touch up areas that bleed with the artist's brush. Add a glaze topcoat, if desired, to resemble hand-painted tiles, then let it dry. If you need more help, contact a painting service.