Covering backsplash tiles

8 years ago

I just recently bought a house and I have been updating the kitchen. The previous owner has a unique backsplash that I want to work with (pictured below). I love the deep blue trim and the silver tile in the center. However, I do not like the other colored tiles (close up below). They don’t seem to fit with the backsplash and don’t match the colors I have chosen for my kitchen.

The dots seem to be sponge painted on - they are not part of the original tile. I have tried acetone, scraping with both a putty knife and a razor blade. Nothing is budging at all.

Is there another way I could remove the paint from the tile? My last resort will be painting over it, although I’m not sure if I should paint just the colored tiles or paint the whole wall (minus the silver tile).

I’d love to hear anyone else’s thoughts and ideas. Thank you!

Featured Answer

My3dogs ME zone 5A

8 years ago

Wow, Katie, You've done very well to try all that you have! I wonder if a better 'cover' for the ones with the dots would be something like these 'ceramic tile stickers/decals?' ceramic tile stickers

There are thousands of designs/colors - just one example below -

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Comments (6)

gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago
8 years ago
My guess would be that they used either acrylic craft paint or latex paint. Try a rag dipped in vegetable oil and see if that does anything. There is a product called "Goof-off" that is supposed to remove latex paint.
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Saypoint zone 6 CT
8 years ago
If they left any extra plain tiles maybe you could replace the painted ones.
ourlifeinthesticks
8 years ago
Look on Etsy for vinyl tile stickers...you might find something that works? Best of luck!
mercurygirl
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I think you would have been able to affect anything painted on the tile surface. My guess is the design is part of the tile, under the glaze. Painting tile sounds like a lot of labor with no guarantee of outcome. If you don't want the expense of removing and salvaging existing tile, it sounds like the stickers are the best solution. Those are great resources, folks!
Susan
8 years ago
My Aunt moved into an old farmhouse style house & used stickers to cover tiles in her bathroom, it came out very nice. I don't have any pictures of her bathroom, but here's one that's similar. I hope this helps :)