Save Money On A New Backsplash: The Easy DIY You Can Do By Hand

Are you ready to change up the look of your kitchen or bathroom? While installing a new tile backsplash may be tempting, it can be a time-consuming and expensive proposition. Choosing the right color or material can also be daunting, since it seems like tile trend cycles are faster than ever. Instead of making a major investment you'll soon regret, you can save some serious money on a new backsplash by simply picking up a paintbrush.

You probably already know that paint is one of the most affordable ways to refresh the look of your home. You can buy a basic gallon of paint for less than $20, while Angi reports the average backsplash installation costs $1,000! However, with everything from tiny mosaics to giant slab backsplashes all over our collective feeds, it's understandable if you've overlooked painting a backsplash despite it being an easy DIY you can do by hand. We're not talking about painting a tile backsplash, although with a little determination and a lot of abrasive powder, it's totally possible. Instead, we suggest substituting a splash of color or a stenciled design on plain backsplash walls that are in desperate need of a refresh.

As with all painting projects, you'll need to do a little prep work to achieve the best results. Start by scrubbing your walls with a heavy-duty degreaser, since oil splatters or stuck on bits of last week's pot roast will cause a bumpy or peeling surface. Once you've cleaned your backsplash thoroughly, use a damp cloth to wipe off any remaining cleaner and allow the wall to dry completely. Then, patch and sand any nicked or damaged spots before applying a coat of primer.

Painting is one of the cheapest backsplash ideas, but choosing the right paint and technique is the key to achieving a high-end finish. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are best, because they offer a good balance of moisture resistance and durability. While matte might seem stylish, you'll regret it the first time you wipe your newly painted backsplash after mixing a bowl of brownie batter a little too vigorously. Meanwhile, high-gloss finishes don't just reflect light. They'll also show every single smudge.

The best kitchen paint colors depend on your personal preferences, cabinetry finish, countertop material, and existing lighting. A single block of color can be extremely bold and eye-catching, but there are some other approaches you may want to consider. It's easy to create stripes or chevron patterns using painter's tape. Chalkboard paint provides a fun surface that you can easily change up by lettering your favorite recipes or grocery list. With a steady hand, a straight-edge, and plenty of patience, you could even mimic the look of colorful tiles.

For a more unique look, consider shrinking the size of your paintbrush to add detailed bows, animals, or other elements. Or, swap a paintbrush for a stamp or stencil, both of which can be used to add ornate designs or patterns to a backsplash with very little paint. If you're feeling particularly ambitious and want to create an intricate mural backsplash even though you don't have much (or any!) drawing or painting experience, many crafty types are using virtual reality (VR) headsets to scale designs directly onto the wall, tracing them in place before filling them in, paint-by-numbers style.