Can You Paint a Kitchen Tile Backsplash (And Should You?)

For those of us in homes with color schemes we’re not terribly fond of, an obvious question that comes to mind is: Can you paint your kitchen tile backsplash? A short browse through social media suggests the obvious answer is “yes.”

But don’t be fooled by DIY decor mania. While it’s tempting to slap a coat of paint on the tile rather than go through the hassle of redoing it, proceed with caution. “There’s really only one good reason to paint a kitchen backsplash— and a whole lot of bad ones,” says Brandon Walker, superintendent at ASAP Restoration.

Here’s how to figure out which category your project falls under and how to paint it correctly.

Can You Paint Tile Backsplash?

Yes, in some circumstances, you can paint a kitchen tile backsplash. If you use the correct paint and method, it can be a viable way to update the look of your kitchen, saving time and money.

“That’s one of the few benefits of painting tiled backsplash,” says Walker. “A fresh coat of paint, even on tile, can potentially look better than whatever dated style is there already, and you get the new look without having to commit to a full redux of the kitchen space.”

Factors to Consider Before Painting Tile Backsplash

First, think about whether it will actually look good. “Most of the time, painting over tile doesn’t please the eyes,” says Walker. That’s because there are textural differences between the tiles and the grout. “Without contrast to set apart the grout from the tile, it has a strange, degraded feel to it,” he says.

If you do decide to proceed with painting your kitchen tile backsplash, formulate a plan based on the kind of tiles you have.

• Tile material: Usually, non-porous tiles, like glazed ceramic, are smoother and thus are easier to paint vs. natural stone or other porous tiles. However, impervious surfaces are more likely to allow moisture to build up in small pockets behind the paint, causing it to peel.
• Texture: If your tiles are textured, they’ll be more difficult to cover evenly.
• Condition: Older or worn tiles may not hold paint well. You might also want to repair chipped tiles before painting.
• Peel-and-stick: Don’t bother painting these, says Walker. “It will almost certainly be more efficient, more cost-effective and better looking to simply pull them off the wall and paint the wall instead,” he says.

Before painting, also consider your grout and whether you want to paint it. If you do, make repairs first and get rid of any mold. “Some people attempt to cover up mold growth by painting, but you’ll be quickly irritated as it seeps through the layers of paint and reemerges just as strong and smelly as before,” says Walker.

Also, keep in mind that painting a kitchen tile backsplash is only a temporary fix, says handyman Shlomo Cherniak. Over time, especially in high-use areas, the paint is likely to chip or peel. This can also become unsanitary, with opportunistic sites for bacteria.

What Types of Paint Should You Use on a Tile Backsplash?

It depends on the kind of tile you are painting over, but in general, your best bet is an epoxy-based or specialized tile paint, which will give you the best adhesion and durability.

Many people wonder about using chalk paint or spray paint. Chalk paint can be used, but it needs to be sealed properly afterward, says Cherniak. “Spray paint is not recommended as it doesn’t adhere well to tiles or hold up to moisture,” he adds.

Both Cherniak and Walker emphasize to avoid using wall paint. “Latex paint is probably the worst option, because it is made with fine particles of plastic that aren’t as durable as an epoxy or resin paint would be,” says Walker.

For primer, Walker recommends using a high-quality bonding primer, like XIM, because there’s less chance of the paint chipping, peeling or degrading over time. Choose one designed for tiles. Also opt for a high-quality polyurethane sealant.

How to Paint a Tile Backsplash

• Clean the tiles and grout, making sure all soap scum and cleanser are removed.
• Let dry completely.
• Scuff or sand the tiles lightly for better primer adhesion.
• Give it another wipe down with a clean cloth, but no cleaning solutions, to remove dust.
• Mask off the wall and countertop with tape or a drop cloth to protect them from paint.
• Apply the primer, then let it dry completely.
• Apply the paint in thin, even coats, letting it dry completely between each coat until there is a uniform color across the whole backsplash.
• Seal the painted tiles with a clear topcoat.

“The key is to test the paint on a small, hidden area first,” says Cherniak. “This trick ensures the results will meet your expectations, though it is also critical to note that particularly in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, the painted tiles may not last as long as the newer ones and can peel or chip over time.”

FAQ

How do you seal painted tile backsplash?

Use a polyurethane sealer applied evenly with a foam brush. Walker recommends doing this after the last coat of paint has dried, but not yet cured.

“The only caveat to this is if the sealant is of a higher quality than the paint, it may seal in the exothermic reaction of the paint below it before a final cure and then cause cracking or worse,” he says. “In this scenario, you would want to wait for the final coat of paint to fully cure before adding a sealant to the top.”

About the Experts

• Brandon Walker is Superintendent at ASAP Restoration in Tempe, Arizona. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, doing everything from running his own company and ASAP teams to all of the odd-jobs in between.
• Shlomo Cherniak is owner of Cherniak Home Services, which offers handyman services to the Baltimore area.