Painting a tile backsplash
- Remove any switch and outlet cover plates and any loose objects from the kitchen.
- Cover everything with plastic drop cloths and painter’s tape.
- Scrape any caulking on the tile.
- Clean the tile with a tub and tile spray and a scouring pad. Use extra care behind the stove to remove all grease.
- Spread a Calcium Rust cleaner on the tile surface with an abrasive pad to etch the surface and ensure good adhesion.
- Continue etching the surface with a 400 grit sandpaper.
- Wipe down the tile with a clean, wet rag.
- Before mixing the paint, open the windows and use fans for good ventilation.
- Wearing latex gloves, mix the A and B parts separately in their own containers, then mix them together and stir for 2 minutes.
- Paint the grout lines first with a 1 ½” angled brush, then follow close behind with a 4” foam roller.
- After the first coat has dried for an hour, apply the second coat. Be careful to keep the brush within the grout lines and roll single tiles at a time on the second coat.
- Caulk between the counter and the backsplash after an hour. Replace the outlet covers after 24 hours.
Resources
The paint used to the paint the tile backsplash is Specialty Bath and Tile 2-Part Refinishing Kit, manufactured by Rust-Oleum.
All materials for this project can be found at a home center.