The Quickest, Easiest Way to Add a Backsplash

What’s the fastest, simplest way to update your kitchen without the time and expense of remodeling? Use the power of paint. You don’t even have to repaint the whole kitchen. For the biggest impact, start with the backsplash. Painting such a small area is fairly painless, and it allows you to get creative with color in ways you might not if you were repainting a whole room. You just need to follow one essential rule.

The basic rule of painted backsplashes? Pick the right paint in the right finish. Dutch Boy® Kitchen & Bath Paint comes in a variety of sheens to fit whatever style your project is going to take. Since backsplashes are vulnerable to stains, spills, and (of course) splashes, choose a paint that’s easy to keep clean. Finishes that will work include:

• Satin: scrubbable, low-shine, and moderately durable
• Semigloss: scrubbable, medium-shine, and stain-resistant
• Gloss: scrubbable, high-shine, and super resistant to stains

As a bonus, Dutch Boy® Paints come in a Twist-and-Pour® container with a resealable lid and built-in spout. It’s so much easier to use than standard metal cans — no more prying off the lid with a screwdriver wedged between layers of dried paint.

So, ready to get going?

• Dutch Boy® Kitchen & Bath Paint
• Painter’s Tape
• Mini Paint Tray and Liners
• Mini Paint Roller and Woven Cover
• Angled Paintbrush
• A Clean, Damp Cloth
• Drop Cloth
• Level
• Pencil

To prepare your walls for painting, use a clean, damp cloth and wipe away any dust or dirt. A good cleaning will ensure your painter’s tape (and your paint) will adhere well.

Cover your stove and countertop with the drop cloth. Use painter’s tape to cover the edges of your cabinets and countertop.

Figure out how far you want your backsplash to extend. A simple rule of thumb is to line the edge of the backsplash up with the edge of your kitchen cabinets. Use the level and pencil to lightly mark the borders.

Use your angled brush to cut along the edges, inside your taped area. Then, use your mini roller to paint the remaining area. Apply a thin coat, and make sure to use a woven roller cover — it cuts down on lint, which is a must for higher-sheen coats.

Before the wall dries, while it’s still damp, remove the painter’s tape. Use your damp cloth to wipe away any minor mistakes. Follow the suggested drying time on the paint can label.

Depending on how your backsplash looks, you might want to add a second coat of paint. Just follow steps 2–5 again.

It’s kind of incredible how much a few square feet of paint can completely transform a room. Maybe it will even inspire you to refresh the rest of the kitchen… Happy painting!

^{This post is sponsored by Dutch Boy® Paints.
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