Faux stone backsplash tiles

My wife, Mary Ann, hated the backsplash tiles in our kitchen area, and I assented these were slightly dated. Unfortuitously, the crackled glass that individuals wanted to change all of them with had been amazingly high priced: $17 per sq ft (significantly more than $500 for 30 sq. ft. we would require). Therefore I performed exactly what any good husband would do—I stalled.

But one day, while she is at work, I made a decision doing only a little experiment. We applied an assortment of primer, glaze and artist’s natural oils to some spare tiles to see easily could produce an imitation rock finish that would give the current tiles a brand new brand-new look—at small to zero cost. Also it worked!

Here’s a step by step of how I created the look:

1: Run a hand sander with a fine, 220-grit disk throughout the backsplash to roughen up the existing tiles. Cleanse the surface with a TSP substitute.

Step 2: utilizing a 6-inch foam roller, apply three coats of pigment shellac-based primer (i will suggest B-I-N by Zinsser); enable at least 45 minutes dried out time taken between coats.

Step 3: To create the faux, mottled coloration you will have to purchase tubes of artist’s oil paints. We utilized Payne’s Grey (a bluish grey), Raw Umber, and Zinc White (about $6-$7 per tube) to have my Tuscan stone appearance. Additionally should purchase a definite alkyd glaze, similar to what you would use to create a faux wall surface finish (Benjamin Moore’s #409 00 is a good choice at per quart.)

Step 4: In a throwaway aluminum tray, combine a quarter-size dollop regarding the grey oil paint with a half-cup of glaze and test drive it on an integral part of the backsplash concealed from view (like behind the number). Once you find a mix that provides you about a 30 per cent tint, wipe a coat on the entire backsplash using a cotton rag. Don’t worry about whether some gets from the grout; the bones will be colored.

Step 5. whilst first layer is drying, blend the Raw Umber and glaze in the same ratio as preceding. Starting where you began the first coating, use the umber-glaze mixture with a balled-up rag. Utilize a stamping movement to permit about 25 % of the very first layer showing through. The folds into the cloth will produce the arbitrary, mottled look of marble. If you don’t like the way very first efforts look, wipe it off with a rag dampened in turpentine and try again.

Step 6: it is possible to produce a stippled look by mixing the grey oil paint and glaze in a 50-50 proportion thereby applying with a classic toothbrush. A superb, thin brush with lengthy bristles may be perfect for veining.