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Kitchen backsplash installed, very disappointing result, pls help!!

4 years ago

We finally installed our kitchen backsplash. We used 3x12 gloss grey ceramic tiles. I thought they match our white cabinet and grey granite. However, it turned out to be too reflective and shiny. The picture was taken with no lights on in a cloudy day. The tiles have slightly wavy surfaces.


Don't like the result at all, very frustrated. Is there any easy way to make it matte? Or the only solution is to remove and replace? We have not applied grout yet.


Thank you in advance for any suggestions.


Comments (22)

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    This is the tile you chose so the only remedy is to replace it with something else. I'd go with a matte or semi-gloss finish on the tile, especially if you have undercabinet lighting which would highlight the reflections.

    hbwhzyt thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    In some kitchens a very glossy tile will certainly be too reflective. Nothing to do with other lighting.

    In the house we built recently, I chose a honed tile exactly for that reason. We have 3 very large windows and there was too much glare when I tested glossy tiles.

    I would leave it for a few days to see if your feelings change. Many times we react badly to a new element, but soon grow to like it. If you still hate it in a few days, then remove it and start over. You won't be the first person on the forums to do that!

    hbwhzyt thanked chispa
  • 4 years ago

    Thank you for your feedbacks. DIY beginner here, wondering if there is any application available to make the tiles not that reflective?

  • 4 years ago

    How about priming the backsplash and then paint with a matte paint

    hbwhzyt thanked Kay p
  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Rethink the paint above the cabinets and on the ceiling. It looks yellowish which adds a busy element to your design. White or creamy grey would be better and would mute the backsplash. I don’t think the backsplash is bad. Some well curated objects on the counter will take focus away from the backsplash. Easy enough to try!

    hbwhzyt thanked B. Young
  • 4 years ago

    You can’t make glossy tiles matte. if you hate it i would replace now - at least it isn’t grouted yet! i have been in bathrooms where they have painted tile - it looks terrible and chips. do not do it! i would agree with sitting on it a couple days if you can. my preference is always matte or semi gloss though.

    hbwhzyt thanked lharpie
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I agree with "byou2" and would think about painting the walls and ceiling. It's amazing how something as simple as paint can change a whole room! It's also much cheaper and easier than redoing the backsplash!

    hbwhzyt thanked motherwallace
  • 4 years ago

    It's very nice. It's not great with the wall color, though (nor is the counter). I agree with the others on that.


    Did you really DIY this? It's a really good installation.

    hbwhzyt thanked Fori
  • 4 years ago

    Right now your kitchen is empty and so your eye goes to the most interesting view-- the tile. Once you have things in your kitchen, I think you'll find that the tile feels less prominent.


    However, if it really bugs you, I'd think replacing the the area behind the stove with a plain stainless panel will take care of the issue. The tile below the cabinets is also below eye-level-- so it's not as "in your face" as the tile behind the stove.

    hbwhzyt thanked Jennifer K
  • 4 years ago

    One picture doesn't a room make. Let's see more pictures of the room.

    hbwhzyt thanked Angel 18432
  • 4 years ago

    with this one..I'd say More is More and get polished nickel hardware..some glossy blue canisters...do you have pendants...note shinier metal...maybe polished faucet..... I think the issue is the tile is very classy and dimensional with a life of its own .....the stuff around it has to give it a nod. the cabinets are fine. cant comment on walls-not enough shown.

    Kitchen · More Info


    Aspen II Rounded Pull 4", c-c - Polished Nickel, TKM1989 · More Info


    Richelieu BP814160180 6-5/16" cc Contemporary Cabinet Pull - Polished Nickel · More Info


    Carrione Cabinet Pull, Marble Black/Polished Nickel, 3 3/4" Center-to-Center · More Info


    4 Piece "Lauren BlueBird" Canister Set w/Bird Medallion & Knob, Fresh Seal Cover · More Info


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    .

    hbwhzyt thanked herbflavor
  • 4 years ago

    Thank for all the comments and suggestions. I think I will follow Chispa and Iharpie' suggestion to see if I'm going to accept it in a few days.

  • 4 years ago

    What is going in this space? A microwave? A hood? That would help if it was partially covered.


    hbwhzyt thanked eld6161
  • 4 years ago

    It is a open space. A hood is in the picture,

  • 4 years ago

    It depends on the surface and how the shine was added - is it a polished gloss or glazed?


    If you can get a few sample tiles to experiment with, there are some ways to degloss the tiles, but definitely do this on extra pieces.


    One would be to apply an acid that can be purchased at any home improvement store. Another would be to apply a hazing or etching chemical that you can get at a hobby store. You can gently sand them by hand with silicone carbide paper. Now you see why I say to do this on sample pieces first :)


    Or you can just try sealing them with a matte sealer after you've grouted. No matter what you do, a sealant needs to be applied to keep the tile and grout stain free.


    The final solution is one I discovered by accident on my own tiles. When I applied the grout, it was too watery and while I thought I was careful in wiping it all off, a thin coat remained and left a haze on many of my tiles, taking them from a glossy finish to a matte finish. The haze can be removed with some TSP and elbow grease, so it's not permanent.

    hbwhzyt thanked Kate Eberheart
  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Try some automotive rubbing compound please.

    hbwhzyt thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
  • 4 years ago

    I’m thinking you’re having the classic mid-renovation “what the heck did I just do?“ moment. When you make changes your eyes are not used to the new look. Sometimes it’s a mistake but most of the time it’s an unadorned room and you’re STARING at the new baby - in this case the tile. Your hood will cover some of that and the tiles under the cabinet don’t reflect as much light. You don’t have anything on your countertop, like accessories, which will attract more attention.

    Take few days to get used to it. I think it looks good, even without grout. White grout will soften it, and light gray will make it only slightly obvious.

    It’s new. You need to get used to it. If you hate it after a month post grouting, do what Joseph Corlett suggested.

    hbwhzyt thanked RedRyder
  • 2 years ago

    Wouldnt the automo rubbing compound make it more shiny? im reading this as i have the same peoblem

  • 2 years ago

    Yeah, give it a little time. I remember when we remodeled our kitchen and I came home after the dark cabinets were installed in what had been a white, empty room after demo. I was shocked and horrified at what I thought was a cave effect. Well, nothing I could do fortunately and a couple days later I loved it as I originally thought I would.

  • 2 years ago

    Can you get any light bulb and something to put it in like a lamp etc. and hold up over the stove near the ceiling and see if the light would tone down below.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    jrisavy - I suggest that you start a new post. Many people will respond without reading through all of the other posts - and will provide ideas/suggestions based upon the original photo.

    Also, many pros/experienced Houzz users won’t even look at this post because it was from almost two years ago.

    When you start your own post, add several photos - include ones with natural light + some with artificial lights (including one with under cabinet lighting turned on - if you have that type installed).

    Lately, I’ve noticed that new posts have been receiving more help than before - so, you may receive quite a few ideas/thoughts.

    Adding the extra photos from different angles will also help you receive more comments!

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