We had white painted bricks (which isn't quite what you are describing) behind our stove, sink and counters throughout the kitchen when we first moved in. We liked the look but not the difficult job of keeping them clean. So when we renovated our kitchen we reproduced the look we liked, but with subway tile in the same shape as the brick. It is SO much easier to clean. But our brick was not otherwise a problem.

thanks feeny and bobblet...we cook a lot so I don't want anything high maintenance.

Maybe think of creating a feature behind the stove with a contrasting backsplash tile, that is easier to clean...tumbled marble, maybe a travertine or a subway tile. Tried to find picture but no luck. You could incorporate a strip of your stone work with the other tile to creat a custom look. Hope that makes sense.

Good ideas, bobblet--thank you!

I had white painted bricks behind my stove. No difficult maintenance or cleaning here.

Somebody posted a couple of days ago that she had glass custom-cut to fit behind her stove to protect the brick, so it was easy to keep clean AND enjoy the look of the brick. Looked great!

dclostboy, what worked best for cleaning--soap and water? were the bricks sealed?

Found it! It's from a Houzzer in this discussion: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/design-workshop-materials-that-tell-a-story-stsetivw-vs~20028505

Hi! We put it up in our first house and LOVED the look! Just like you, it was actually tile made to look like old brick. The manufacturer was Simons and it had "SIMONS" and "1926" stamped on some of the bricks. We did it with grey grout and purposely had the installer keep some grout drips over the brick to make it look old. We first installed it just as the backsplash and then ended up doing an entire wall. To answer your question, we did not seal the brick but just used soap and water when grease, etc. splattered as needed. It worked fine - never an issue! Good luck!

Bricks were just painted a white semigloss...rarely even had to wipe them down. I have a hard time imaging how some people cook that their backsplashes require constant attention...until their kids are helping them :)

it's the grease splashing, moisture from steam that gets the backsplash dirty and definitely needs cleaning at least once a week if you're cooking alot

All the grease has to be cleaned from my hood.

Experience! You've got the cleaning exactly right. Seal it well. And make sure it is cleaned on a regular basis because it can get away from you then you have to do the scrub up, down,left, right repeat 85 times. But if you hit it twice a month you won't get the build up.

Also you should seal if while its laying flat,

But this is a lot easier.

Thanks to all for such great advice and ideas! I was hoping to get "the voice of experience" and I sure did. Whatever we decide, I'll post a photo when it's done.

We absolutely LOVE our brick backsplash! Did a herringbone antique Old chicago. We just finished it so I imagine I need to go and get some sealer. We did entire backsplash; did above cooktop herringbone but layed the rest just regular way.

Do you have a pic? Did you whitewash it or seal it? I'm currently making the decision between brick and subway tile. Thanks!

To the original poster who has had brick in for many years now-any thoughts/tips?

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I have used prick on my clients backspash before. We used a matt sealant to protect it that they need to put back on every year. It helps with cleaning up. I would call a stone / paving yard and ask them for some products that they use.

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We used brick we had left over to make a backsplash. We cut the face off the brick and glued it up and used a mortar bag to fill in between.

Yes I have installed it in my clients home. I used a matte sealer for oil etc but it turned out great. They now have tiles that look and act like brick but made for this type of application.

@Ginger Rabe Designs, LLC are there any specific tiles like this that you recommend?

Yes I actually like Creative Mines. They have a lot of different brick options and tile brick options.