Affordable DIY Backsplash Project Using Mosaic Tile Paint
Having a unique backsplash is a relatively new concept in kitchen design. A few decades ago, the kitchen backsplash wasn’t as important as it seems to be nowadays. I’ve seen TV shows where a homebuyer refused to buy a home because it didn’t have the backsplash she wanted. That homebuyers probably didn’t realize how easy it can be to install an affordable DIY backsplash in any home.
A kitchen backsplash isn’t just about style – it also protects the wall around your stovetop and food prep. The style and color is just an added bonus.
Installing a new backsplash in your kitchen instantly updates the room and there’s a style for every budget and taste. However, if you’re broke like me, you can’t afford to even look at the fancy tile options at your local home improvement store. You may, however, have some acrylic craft paint, a paintbrush, and a few extra dollars for a can of sealant. That’s about all you’d need for this faux tile backsplash project.
Popular Backsplash Styles
Today’s most popular backsplashes are made of subway tile with 6″ long and 3″wide white rectangle tile.
The second most popular backsplash style is a mosaic tile. Mosaic tiles are usually purchased by the sheet that measures 1 foot long by 1 foot wide with a net-like webbing on the back that holds the tiles together. They aren’t cheap but they are beautiful and adds an undeniable style to any kitchen.
Tile backsplashes can be pricey
Unfortunately, mosaic tiles can be quite pricey but you can get a similar look for less than $50 in materials with this creative and affordable DIY backsplash project.
Related: Cheap Backsplash Ideas: Painting Tileboard
Unfortunately, one of the biggest downsides of a tiled backsplash is cost. If you want the latest, trendy style with colorful mosaic tiles you’re gonna be paying quite a bit for it. Even if you install the tile yourself you will still spend anywhere from $5 to $100 per square foot for the material alone. That’s a lot of money for a relatively small space!
Create your own stylish backsplash with paint
One creative homeowner shared her painted DIY backsplash project on Imgur. She figured out how to have the tiled backsplash look without the extravagant price and you can do the same thing in your home with this step-by-step tutorial.
Affordable DIY Backsplash Paint Project Adds Style to Any Kitchen
You can have a colorful, trendy backsplash without the high price by using acrylic paint and sealant over your manufactured home vinyl coated walls or sheetrock.
Before you begin your DIY backsplash project find photos of your favorite mosaic tile backsplashes online. This will help you narrow your options and give you an idea of the colors, materials, and style you want to use in your own affordable DIY backsplash project.
Speaking of design and style,
The design used for the tile placement is an important element in this project (or any home renovation project). There are many different patterns used when tiling. I’ve added an image below that shows a few popular tile patterns. A simple pattern is probably best for this affordable DIY backsplash project since you will be using tape and paint to achieve the look.
Popular tile patterns used in modern kitchen design:
How-to create your own affordable DIY backsplash (a step-by-step tutorial with images)
Step 1: Clean the area where you want your new backsplash with a fairly strong cleaning agent.
Step 2: Tape the area off and apply primer tinted the color you want to use for grout.
You can use a plain primer or a paint+primer in one. Plain white primer makes for a great background and is what the homeowner in the photos used (it turns out great) but you can add a tint if you want. Refer to your favorite mosaic tile backsplash photos to see which grout color looks best for your chosen color scheme.
Step 3: Tape off your tile pattern.
You should be able to rent one from a local tool supplier if you don’t want to buy or borrow one. You can also use the old-fashioned bubble levels but that will add a new layer of difficulty and create a lot more work.
Step 4: Insert vertical lines to create the pattern you want on your affordable DIY backsplash
The creative homeowner simply placed her vertical lines randomly and the finished look is great. The homeowner suggested you paint over the tape with your primer to help the tape bond a bit better to the wall and create a tighter paint line for the tile. If you’re using acrylic chalk paint or a paint with primer you won’t need to worry about that.
Step 5: Painting the tiles
A quality paint should only require 2 or 3 coats to get the coverage you need.
Step 6: Remove the tape before the paint dries.
Step 7: Apply sealant (after the paint is completely dry)
Learn more about painting mobile and manufactured home walls here.
Conclusion
This affordable DIY backsplash project is perfect for those that want a unique backsplash without the expense and hassle of tiling. Believe it or not, tiling a backsplash is much more complicated than most think. You simply can’t just throw tile up on the wall!
By painting the backsplash onto your wall you can get the same look with only half the prep and a quarter of the cost and that’s assuming you have to buy new primer and paint. This is a great way to update your kitchen.
As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living!
Hi Crystal! Thanks for this inventive idea! I did a “portable” backsplash with mosaic tiles in a wooden frame and attached it to the wall over the sink. A mini DIY project that is versatile and easy to change out – but will keep this idea in mind for future reference.
I finally got around to trying the painted floor idea too! I’ll be doing a post on that soon.
Thanks for all your great ideas here!! :)
Hi Jeni! It’s so great to hear from you! Hope you’re doing well!
I need to hope over and visit your blog and see that gorgeous home of yours again – it’s been a good while and I apologize for that. I’m getting lazy these days!