Friday, 13 March 2009

Faux Finish Backsplashes to Enhance your Kitchen

By Debra That Painter Lady Conrad

A backsplash is a protective surface that protects walls from sink or stove splatters, but protective doesn't have to mean dull and boring. Why not create attractive focal points for your kitchen and bathrooms? Here are some great ideas to get you started.

Ideas for Faux Paint Backsplashes

Whatever material you fancy for your faux paint backsplash, there's a technique that will help you to achieve it. Faux painting is the budget way to achieve the look of your choice. Options include tiles, stone, wood and metallic finishes.

To create a coordinated look, you may want to take your cue from existing fittings in your kitchen or bathroom. A granite backsplash can match granite counter tops in the kitchen or a marble backsplash might complement bathroom decor. Faux wooden backsplashes can match floors or cupboards. If you have tiling, faux painting is the easy option for extending them, without having to find tiles that match. Or you might just want to add pattern or visual interest by adding a painted motif.

Stenciled Backsplashes

To add interesting motifs and patterns and save time while you're at it, stencils are the decorator's friend. The geometric pattern of faux tiling always looks good, and is easily achieved with stencils. Tiling in interesting arrangements and faux decorative tiles are also options for backsplashes.

Tiling is only one effect you can achieve with stencils. Motifs used as accents are another possibility, and mosaic effects can look good in some rooms. Stencils are also useful for creating borders and could be used as an attractive trim for your faux backsplash.

Painting Faux Stone

Stone finishes are excellent for backsplashes. You might need a bit of practice to simulate marble and granite but it's well worth the effort. Sponging is the main technique you'll need to master. Another stone finish that looks good in kitchens is faux slate.

You can create a stone tile effect for your backsplash or make it look like a solid slab of stone. Once again, stencils can come in handy, or use masking tape to create a clean finish.

Faux Backsplash Painting Tips

- Mark off your backsplash area carefully. It may seem logical to follow the lines of the sink or counter beneath but, especially in older houses, floors may not be level. Step back and see if it's lopsided before you start painting.

- Especially in kitchens, backsplashes get splashed and dirty. Your backsplash will need proper sealing and make sure that your paints are good quality, so that they will withstand a scrub with gentle detergent.

Use faux painting techniques to turn your kitchen into a topic of conversation. Choose a look for your backsplash that fits with the features of your kitchen.

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