How to cover an ugly tile backsplash?

Question

I am wanting to redo our kitchen, but we are on a tight budget and we have everything worked out except the backsplash which is an ugly white and cranberry color. I would just remove the tiles, but they were laid down before the cabinets were installed so they go up behind them. I am a doing this all myself and looking for any suggestions on any neat or creative ways to cover it up so it will look good!

Answer 1

You can run some beadboard over them and up to the bottom of the cabinets. You will have to caulk where the beadboard meets the countertop to seal it. You can adhere the beadboard directly to the tile if it is flat with Locktite. And, use a primer and semi-gloss washable paint on the beadboard so that you can clean it.

Answer 2

Since your Q specifically relates to backsplash; is that also the tile on the counter top?

What's more confusing is that the cabinets extend over the back splash???

Um.... wow a few options, but a few more details would help. Certainly such companies as FEIN make a great multi purpose tool for cutting tile and/or grout with oscillating motion rather than a 360 spin, and you might then decide how to proceed, even using under the cabinet molding; but you don't fully state the eventual countertop/backsplash finish, notion.

To resurface with a new substrate could be tedious as well; depending on what the countertops are surfaced with now. Is there bullnose tile involved; Anywhere?

I'm open to suggest; with more details.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Have you ever heard of PaperIllusion? It's a unique kind of faux finish wallpaper. How big are your tiles?

If the tiles are large, you can probably paper over all of it and disguise the tile look with a painted faux finish appearance. OR you can cut shapes to match each tile and paper over it. Either way, you would need to coat the paper with a polyurethane (4+ thin coats) since it will be exposed to water.

If the tiles are real small, then you would need to trowel over the tile with a product called Skimstone. Then apply a primer, paper & sealer.

Answer 4

there are actually paints that you can paint over a tile backsplash..i have seen this done on a do it yourself show

http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/how-to-paint-tile

check that website out tells you how to do it

Answer 5

Tape off the area and go with a stone paint from the spray can. it has a nice rough texture. you can always change the color later. you can even use thin pin striping tape on the grout lines before you paint and peel it off will it is still wet so you have a nice grout line.

Answer 6

paint them or remove them (gets out your frustration and stress) and replace your cabinets (they'll probably fit better without the tiles).
go to diynetwork (hgtv) and get some ideas. they have great ones that i've used on my new kitchen.