You may have seen quite a few kitchen and bathroom designs, both in magazines and online, where a portion of the wall behind the counter features an interesting and eye-catching design. This is known as a backsplash, and the designs are usually in contrast with the room’s other solid-colored walls.
Often, backsplashes feature interesting mosaic patterns, or small interlocking tiles in the same color family. There are several rooms – kitchens, especially – that feature a painted backsplash, or sheet glass that’s been painted a solid color.
So how does a painted backsplash differ from other types of backsplash, and why should you consider getting one?
What is A Painted Backsplash?
Think of a backsplash as a permanent picture on the wall above your counter top that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, but functional as well. Since it’s meant to protect the wall behind it from grease and oil splatter unintended water splashes from a sink, glass is the perfect material to use since it’s easy to maintain and clean.
In addition, the side touching the wall is the side that’s painted. Not only can you choose any color for your painted backsplash, but the paint will be protected from the elements, too. With the right finish, the paint won’t be in danger of chipping, peeling or fading. That means long-lasting color that won’t need touching up now and then.
The Benefits of a Painted Backsplash
When it comes to appearance, your choice of color is limited only by what your chosen manufacturer offers – and that can be quite an extensive list. Glasskote, for example, offers 10,000 different colors, so the chances of you not finding a color you like are slim. It’s also a great way for interior design newbies to experiment a little without worrying about designs or patterns.
There’s also the fact that, since it’s made of sheet glass, there are virtually no seams, making this option the best one for a visually clean backsplash. This is true even for large walls, since you’re looking at just one to two seams where two large pieces of glass come together.
If your kitchen is a little gloomy, this backsplash option can help ease that somewhat, thanks to its reflective quality. Light bounces off its surface, affording you a little more light because of that.
There are a few drawbacks to a painted backsplash, though. First of all, since glass can be tricky to work with, it isn’t advisable to go the DIY route; instead, you’ll want to leave the installation to professionals. Second, while it is moderately priced at around $45 to $60 per square foot, you still need to shell out some extra cash for the installation itself.
Third, should something happen to crack the glass, there’s no way to confine the damage to just one small area since this backsplash is one continuous unit. Fourth, any dirt or bugs between the wall and the glass upon installation will stay there, unless somene notices and is able to move them out of the way.
Now, if your counter, stove, or sink aren’t up against the wall, then your need for any kind of backsplash may be purely aesthetic. Otherwise, you’re going to be grateful for the protection it can give your wall, not just against food, grease, and water, but against other objects such as knives and cutting boards that accidentally get shoved against it.
A painted backsplash can impart an ultra-modern look to the room it’s installed in, but all in all, it’s up to you whether you get one or not. The aesthetics and practical benefits of one certainly seem worth it.
