How to makeover a kitchen backsplash with a pressed tin farmhouse style inexpensively and in 6 hours, no power tools required.
In good Run-D.M.C. fashion, we got tricky on our kitchen backsplash recently. (Yep. That was an 80s pop reference.) And Robert and I maybe had that song cranking as we were finishing our latest project.
When we first closed on the house back in the April, our kitchen looked like this. Pretty great already, right?! We’ve been very lucky to have an updated kitchen right from the beginning in this 1960s house. But we felt like we needed to make some tweaks…
We have a lot of plans to make this kitchen more our style over the next year or two. Maybe change the tile floor, do something with that shamrock cut-out built-in shelf, and I’m a tad tempted to paint the cabinets (which is probably nuts since I was all ga-ga for a white kitchen in the last house… seriously, who am I?)
But that’s all way down the road in more of a Phase 2 for this space.
So for now, Phase 1: the backsplash.
It’s not that there was anything wrong with the backsplash on its own, but I felt like it was a bit busy with the granite countertops. The colors and texture and pattern weren’t doing it for me.
So until we actually get to Phase 2 of this kitchen and take a chisel to this tile to remove it for good, Robert and I decided on a quick fix for now. Enter pressed “tin” panels.
Normally, pressed tin is placed on ceilings, but we thought the white PVC kind looked a lot like tile. And best of all, it was inexpensive and suuuper quick to do! Plus, it didn’t even require a single power tool. Win-win-win!
Supplies Used: (Some affiliate links are provided below for convenience.)
- Primer (I used Kilz Premium.)
- Paint brush
- Pressed tin style PVC panels
- Utility knife
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- L square tool
- Caulk gun
- Loctite Power Grab construction adhesive
- White caulk
The whole project cost us all of $104 and 6 hours to do it. Not quite as cheap or as quick as our last faux brick whitewashed backsplash in the old house. But still… Score!
The Steps:
- To make sure the blue/gray tiles wouldn’t show through the white panels, I painted the tiles, first, with a coat of the white primer.
2. The panels come in 2’x4′ sheets, so we had to work in sections, starting on one end of the backsplash. (We chose the corner of our kitchen that is least noticeable while we figured things out in case of any rookie mistakes.)
We measured the first section and then marked a panel using a pencil and a square tool to ensure a straight cut.
3. To cut it, we only needed a utility knife with a sharp blade. (Make sure to have a piece of cardboard underneath your panel so you don’t cut into your table.)
4. Once our panel piece had been cut for the section, we measured and marked where any switch plates, outlets, and under mount lighting would go. Then, cut those out with the utility knife too. This was definitely the trickiest part and took a little time to figure out, so buying an extra panel in case of a measuring/cutting mistake is a good idea.
5. To adhere the panels to the existing tile, we only needed a little construction adhesive applied on the back and pressed into place. The panels come with instructions for adhesive placement too. Basically, don’t get too glue happy. A little can handle the job with just one line of adhesive an inch in from the edges and 3 + marks of adhesive in the middle will do it.
6. We repeated the whole process all the way around our backsplash, and to cover up any cracks, I sealed with white caulk. You could paint it at this point if you wanted to with primer and a color/sheen of your choosing, but we wanted just clean, simple white.
That’s it! Game changer, huh? It almost looks like white tile and goes so much better with our countertops. I’m not a huge fan of the slightly green color of the granite, but Robert loves it. And the upkeep of them is still easier than our old concrete countertops, so there’s that.
Maybe one day we’ll replace them, but the jury’s still out. We have a lot of bigger projects to worry about, like our outdated bathrooms. (I’m DYING to show what I have planned with those, but that’s a chat for another day.)
Considering this house is a very traditional Colonial, I feel like this backsplash makes so much more sense for that style now. It was just so modern before.
I have no idea what we’ll do in here later when we replace it with real tile, but I’m so glad this space is feeling more like “us” now. Also, can I freak over the fact that I have a window above our kitchen sink?! I’ve always wanted one! Doing dishes is way more fun when I can stand there and watch Robert and Olivia playing basketball in the driveway. (Well, okay, dishes still aren’t fun but they’re entertaining now. Ya know.)
Don’t let this fool you though because the rest of our kitchen is pandemonium 100% of the time. Our shelf nook is always overflowing with random mail that gets dumped there and dishes are usually hanging out on the bar where Olivia eats her breakfast.
I use the “we just moved in” excuse, but, honestly, it’s regular ol’ living life.
Oh, and if you want to know about any of the random decor on our countertops right now, here’s a whole list:
- IKEA step stool (semi-DIY)
- Wood tiered tray
- Olive branches
- Labeled antique jar (printable)
- Mug drying rack
- Wood cutting board
- Vintage “rusted” scale (DIY thrifted tutorial here) (or similar one here)
Today marks the official 3 month mark since we closed (and 2 months since we moved in), and I already can’t believe how much it feels like home.
I’m still debating on a few other little changes I could make in here like possibly getting a shade for the window or hanging some plates on that small wall space above it. Maybe get a hanging pendant light above the sink? This is my brain on kitchen decor mode.
What do you think so far? An improvement? Have you done any quickie backsplash changes before too? I’d love to hear all about them!
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I love how it added character but doesn’t compete with the granite! We have similar granite and backsplash decision paralysis has left us without a backsplash for a few years. I think simpler is definitely better!
Hello! I just stumbled across your blog today and holy moly you are making my morning. I am patiently (re: impatiently) waiting for our custom Halcyon Green cabinets to come in and over coffee I decided to google it to see if I could find anyone who had done it before. Girl, you and I were literally deciding between so many of the same colors! We have good taste, clearly! Haha. Anyways- I was dead set on basic white subway tiles but this tin backsplash is GIVING ME LIFE. I am going to have to show the hubs this tonight. Many thanks and fingers crossed. -Brooke
It’s really uncanny, as just yesterday I received in the mail samples of 3 different designs of pressed tin panels for my kitchen backsplash! I have only seen a few kitchens on Pinterest with this idea, and now here you are showing us all kinds of inspiration! I really like this look 🙂
I’ve also been wondering if you are missing your IKEA farmhouse style sink, or if you’re ok with the one you currently have….
Loving watching your new home evolve and always admiring your readiness to take on any reno. Have an awesome day!
Love the updated back splash. Great choice!
I don’t like that type of tile either, so yankin’ it out would have been on my to-do list as well! I like the white much better – clean, simple, and not so busy.
I’m wondering if in hind-sight, did you conclude that you would have had to prime that tile? Although it’s an easy step and worth it, I’m just curious if , now that it’s up, is that tin transparent enough that you believe you would have seen that colored tile through it??? I guess I’m thinking that tin is thicker, that’s why I’m asking.
And as far as your kitchen window – I’d so throw a fun pop of color above it!
Great eye & thank you!!!! Every new kitchen out there it’s like people pick out some beautiful granite and then end up side lining it by putting really fussy back splashes up. This gives it texture and interest without being overwhelming.
Your kitchen looks wonderful now! The former backsplash just didn’t go with the rest of the vibe. The countertop color is so, so nice. I hope you come to love it as your hubby does. BTW, don’t dare touch the cabinets! The brightness of your kitchen makes me so envious.
Lauren that is absolutely genius and it looks stunning! It’s a perfect fix for those tiles that were too modern 🙂
It looks a thousand times better to me…. I love how clean and simple it looks now. Great job! xxx…
Agree!
your kitchen/hardware combo is almost identical to mine! (and also makes me want to do this backslash). we have plaster walls in our kitchen though so any DIY’ing scares the crap out of me. We have a dark grey Cesarstone as our counters and I love it from a maintenance perspective. It also gives the look of the concrete without the upkeep which is a definite bonus.
So much better than the tile. I love it.
I liked the before backsplash but WOW!! I love the white pressed tin. You did a great job. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!!
OMGosh! Love it!! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year and a half now… so happy you got your dream house! You guys have done an amazing job making it look like home in such a short time 🙂 Can’t wait to see the rest!
It really looks nice. I just love it.
Looks beautiful!! I would love to do this! The house we just purchased also has horrible backsplash with concrete counter-tops
Much much better. I like it!
Looks great! It’s so much cleaner and easier on the eyes…that other back splash was pretty busy along with the granite, I agree with you.
This is beautiful. I’ve considered this application in the past but have concerns about putting vinyl behind my stove top because of the heat. I see you have your cooktop on the island. Do you know if these panels are safe to go behind a stove? Thanks!
Thanks, Mailyn! I just did a little digging around and found this response from the manufacturer of the panels: “Even though the backsplash panels are fire-retardant, they can be deformed by excessive heat (over 140 degrees Fahrenheit). The panels can be installed above or behind most stoves. Be sure to keep direct heat sources – toaster ovens, cooking burners, etc., a minimum of 3 inches away from the backsplash panel’s surface.” I hope that helps!
I love it! Looks so much better than the contemporary backsplash that was installed. Love your creative ideas and style. Keep them coming. =)
That is WAYYYY better! I am not a fan of the tiles that were in there. It was too busy for me as well. This is a great solution for now! You and Robert come up with the best ideas!
Beautiful job, Lauren. Such a smart idea. The kitchen looks great!! Enjoy! Susie from The Chelsea Project
This is a wonderful and simple change. But to live up to the title of your post, couldn’t you just have painted the tiles with some kind of paint that looks like brick or ceramic? See how much like brick they look with just the primer!? Just a thought. But then we wouldn’t have learned about this great option. ?
I LOVE this idea and it looks so clean and updated. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for this post! My fiance and I are closing on our first ever house in less than 2 weeks and could not be more excited!! Our kitchen doesn’t have any type of back splash so I was toying with the idea of beadboard. I feel like it would be pretty similar to this, so again, thanks for showing how easy it can be. 🙂
I really like that it has texture…..I would paint it a color other than white however…your kitchen is lovely but is Begging you for Pops of Color…(Hope you don’t think I am ragging on you (reference to 60’s throwback music) but it is what I think…. 🙂
AMAZING!!!! Lauren, you ALWAYS have the greatest DIY ideas!! Im gearing up to install a backsplash (as soon as i concrete the counters!). Ive been looking at the pricier version at the HD, but not only are these less expensive, you can paint them!! Yay!! Thanks for your wonderful inspiration!
Nancy
Love it! So peaceful and calming.
What a great and oh so simple solution. I’m going to be needing one soon too. Oh and my other house has the same exact tin backsplash. But in copper which is just too flashy. Maybe I can paint it.
I really thought you were going to say you wallpapered the back splash, lol but this is waaay better!
My wife and I love your blog! Keep it coming!
I did the same thing for my backsplash. The on;y difference is I choose the one that looks like stainless steel. No one can believe I did it by myself. Not hard just took me awhle myself.
That is awesome! What a creative idea. So much better than that busy-body tile. I love it! I almost want to do it in my kitchen, but my backsplash tile is really nice plain off-white with various floral tiles placed randomly which I love. I need to replace my pale blue laminate counter tops, though, and it’s hard to figure out what to use that isn’t too busy to go with the tile backsplash. I’m going for an off-white of some sort for the counters this time and for the flooring which is blue and wearing out. Any ideas for counter tops to compliment the backsplash?
I love this idea! I’ve been searching for an easy change for my backsplash and this is a contender. I have a question about positioning, did you make sure the bottom was a full “tile” or the top (under the cabinets)?
Good question! We made sure the bottom was a full tile since the top part under the cabinets isn’t as visible.
I love it!!! I’m not a big fan of the tile in your before. I know it was popular but it was never my favorite. And I love the color your new backsplash brings. Totally less busy. Great job!
Your Run DMC reference made me think of She’s Crafty, by the Beastie Boys…:)
Wow!!! This looks fantastic. Great job.
I have always loved the look of tin panels. This was an amazing transformation. In your before pictures the backsplash drew your eyes away from everything else and not in a good way. Now there is a beautiful balance and the texture is perfect.
Those tins look so good as a backsplash. That was such a good choice! I love all of the changes you and Robert are making in your new home. I hope you both and Olivia are making a good transition.
This looks beautiful! Where did you get your pressed tin sheets from? I have been looking for a backsplash for my own kitchen, but wasn’t sure what I wanted exactly, but seeing this makes me think I would love to do something similar.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Meghan! There’s a link to the panels in the supplies list of the post. You can buy them from Amazon or Home Depot.
I LOVE how it looks now! I wasn’t a fan of the “before” look either, but I do like the granite! To add color you could definitely just add a colorful roman shade, install about a foot above the window to make that window look taller. That window looks really low compared to cabinet height….
That’s a great idea! Thanks, Jen! 🙂
I love this idea. We have just re-painted our kitchen and I have been trying to find a back-splash that I like, and doesn’t look too busy or detract from the rest of the kitchen. I think you may have come up with the answer!!
such a great idea!! where did you get the lazy susan?
Love this idea!!! How is it holding up to cleaning/wiping?
So far so good! It’s made of PVC so it wipes very easily.
SUCH an improvement! Man, I hated that tile color & I don’t even live there like you guys do. That would drive me crazy in a day. So much more restful now, and living with the dumped mail and dishes…well, that’s just life. You should see our place…the same and worse. My hubby has to deal with all my garage sale, estate sale, and thrift store pickins strewn throughout the house.
Genius!! Looks great…. what a terrific way to brighten up the kitchen… and tie it all together.
This is pure genius! I love how this simple upgrade completely brightened up the space! We have dark cabinets and cheap counter tops and I have been looking for a budget friendly way to brighten up our space. Definitely going to have to try this! I also love the design you chose – classic and pretty! All of your DIY projects are amazing!
Yay! Thank you, Ashley! Hoping it helps!
Can I ask how many panels you used/bought? I would love to do this in my own but I want to be sure I order enough. Love it!
Hi Audrey! We used 8 panels and it was the perfect amount.
What does the top of backsplash look like next to window where it abuts the little bit of wall between cabinets and window . I have a bigger space and wingless if you put a little molding on top or just left the exposed edge?
I was wondering the same as Dee! ^^ I just bought a home that had a horrible pre-printed wallpaper-like sheetrock in burgundies and greens and standard burgundy tiles as the back splash. No pattern or anything – just ugly 1 block tiles! I’ve got the walls painted and wondering if it would be easier to cover up those tiles or try to take them down….If I cover like this – what would the options be for finishing these types of tile?
Are the panels you used gloss white or matte white? Thanks!
They’re matte white.
Ah! This is so pretty! I had no idea those PVC panels existed! If we hadn’t already put in our white subway tile backsplash in our kitchen, I would totally be doing this! However, I haven’t done a darn thing to our builder-grade bathroom since we moved in a couple of years ago, and I’m thinking I may need to figure out how to incorporate this. So lovely and quaint! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 – Mauri @www.theamericanpatriette.com
I love it! We have tile like this on our ceiling in the living room so it would be a perfect tie in! One question though- how durable is this backsplash? Does it wipe down easy?
It’s made of PVC so it does wipe down easily. I just gave it a scrub down yesterday actually. It’s held up perfectly since the day we installed it.
Simply Gorgeous! Please please do keep your white cabinets… Wish I had them. May I suggest that you do Not give up one single inch of daylight that’s coming through your beautiful and well-positioned window? Instead, you could hang a short faux Roman shade that’s aligned flush with your ceiling and covering only the top window molding, just to add some fun color. That also gives the window a bit of faux height ?
That’s a great idea! We still haven’t touched our kitchen, and we probably won’t until we get the funds together to do a full remodel. It’s a cute kitchen, but we hope to open it up one day to enlarge it and make it an eat-in kitchen with a table, add an island, and replace the floors that are in sad shape. I’m enjoying that window with absolutely nothing on it though. 🙂
Looks great – what did you use to trim the edges? I have two verticals where I would need some sort of “finished edge”. Thanks!
We thankfully didn’t have any edges, but you could use polystyrene trim molding to make it look finished.
I love the pressed tin tiles. We bought a new to us how built in 1810 and the kitchen was just thrown together with no rhyme or reason. Someone with questionable taste put a pressed tin ( actual tin) tiles as a backslash and up one entire wall. The big problem is that it’s made of multiple shades of the gaudiest golds available. I never knew there were so many ugly, brassy, hideous shades of gold out there! Do you think it would be possible to paint these in a nice white? They have very pretty designs pressed into them & my husband loves them (why, oh why??) Luckily, he will usually go along with decisions like this that I make, mainly to just shut me up and since he doesn’t have to do much of the work. Maybe use a primer under the paint or just use a chalk paint with a strong water-based poly topcoat? I’ve had luck doing that in my bathroom and after a year of hard use, the chalk paint has no wear or chipping. Granted, that was done on wood and that plastic-y laminate. Do you think this would work? It would greatly change/improve the look of our kitchen – which you see immediately upon entering our home- and save money we really don’t have at the moment to buy the non-metal pressed-tin tiles.
I bet it can be done! I painted a metal safe once using chalk paint and it came out perfectly! Even during a move to a storage unit and a move into a new house, it didn’t scratch off at all. 🙂