Paint a Slate Tile kitchen wall/backsplash?

4 years ago

Wanting to sell our house within the year. Real estate agent suggests that lightening up the kitchen would be a good idea. We agree that the next buyer will probably do a gut rehab to open up the space, but want to make sure the kitchen is not a turn-off by making it bright and appealing in the meantime.
Instead of tearing out all that slate, repairing the wall, and retiling it w white subway tile, as well as undergoing the mess and expense, I was thinking of painting it. Color would match the wall. It’s SW ‘Overcast’- a soft off-white w slight undertones of warm grey that runs through the black granite counters and is in the large ceramic floor tile. All wood trim is a bright white. Also thinking if retiling the travertine under the counters w bright white subway tile.
Would love your thoughts, suggestions, and comments from anyone w experience having done thus. Thanks!

Featured Answer

Pat Reddrick

4 years ago

I certainly would not paint the slate. I like your kitchen just the way it is because it is not the standard white on white painted cabinet, quartz countertop kitchen. You might try putting the brightest light bulbs in your fixtures and also see if under cabinet lighting is possible although you have not shown any upper cabinets. Good luck with your sale. Who knows what the market will be like or what will appeal to a buyer in a year!

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Comments (8)

ndbdesigns
Original Author
4 years ago
A few more pics….
Also included a before and after of a different slate tile that was painted that I think looks great.
My slate tiles are 12x12 and heavily textured w black grout. Was thinking a semi-gloss finish instead of matte would look bright and enhance the texture. Grout will be painted the same color.
I have a vision but not sure if it would look cool or tacky. Thanks.
ndbdesigns
Original Author
4 years ago
The pics
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kandrewspa
4 years ago
I like it the way it is and a prospective buyer might also. They might curse you for painting it. Not everyone likes white subway tile. If they want to remove it, that's on them. I don't think it's going to prevent your house from selling.

When you start showing the house you will get comments from buyers about what they liked and didn't like. If everyone says they hate the tile, then do something about it. If not, it's not a problem.
ndbdesigns
Original Author
4 years ago
So true! I have light maple cabinets floor to ceiling along one wall and a bank of upper cabinets opposite the slate wall. All the counter tops are black granite w some neutral veining. The kitchen is only about 13x14 but there’s a (too) big curved island in the middle. It’s great for cooking and meal prep, but not enough room for a lot of people to gather in. Next buyers will probably remove wall between kitchen and dining room to open up the space. House built in 1905 in a historic district w lots of wood and stained glass. Trying to find that place sweet spot that includes modernizing while still maintaining some beautiful old features.
Jennifer K
4 years ago
Slate is a potential plus. Painted slate is a definite minus.

If you want to brighten up your kitchen, add more lighting. You could possibly put LED rope lighting in the soffit around the edge of your room. That would be easy, inexpensive and would reflect off the ceiling making the room a lot brighter.
ndbdesigns
Original Author
4 years ago
Good idea. I have rope lighting there but it was put in 18 years ago so could probably get much brighter ones now.
Wildcat Blue
4 years ago
I wouldn’t paint the slate either. Honestly I think that area just need to be styled. Here are some ideas: Hang a light colored picture (think creams and beiges) to the left of the window ( use command strips). Then add a cute small lamp on the counter by the picture. Add a few vintage or vintage looking cutting boards leaned up against the slate. Add a crock of wooden spoons and a small plant. It will create a warm, homey vibe without having to paint the slate. Good luck!