How to Create A Kitchen Backsplash on a Budget
- 1). Scuff the wall with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe off the dust with a rag.
- 2). Tape the stencil to the wall at the far left or right of the backsplash area.
- 3). Scoop up drywall joint compound on a putty knife. Spread a 1/4-inch thick layer over the stencil. Loosen the tape and lift off the stencil.
- 4). Move the stencil to the next open space and repeat the process. Work around the backsplash area until the design is complete, then let the compound dry overnight.
- 5). Sand the design lightly with ultra-fine sandpaper to smooth the rough edges. Vacuum the dust with a hose attachment.
- 6). Fill a small paint pan with decorative paint. Roll the paint roller through the paint. Apply at least two coats to the whole backsplash area, letting the coats dry in between.
- 7). Pour quarter-size amounts of contrasting paint on a plate. Paint the raised design with a small paintbrush to accentuate the dimension.
- 1). Sand the wall using a power sander with coarse-grit sandpaper. Vacuum the sanding dust with a hose attachment.
- 2). Measure the length and height of the backsplash area. Measure and cut fine wire mesh or chicken wire to those measurements with wire cutters.
- 3). Staple the mesh to the wall securely. Add as many staples as necessary to stabilize the edges and field of mesh.
- 4). Mix thinset mortar in a bucket according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 5). Scoop up mortar on the edge of a trowel. Spread a 1/4-inch layer over a 1-foot square space of wire. Use a thicker layer of mortar, if necessary, to fully bury the mesh.
- 6). Press pennies into the mortar as if they were tiles, leaving a small fraction of the edges raised above the mortar bed. Butt the sides of the pennies together, or space them apart as you desire. Add more mortar and continue tiling across the backsplash.
- 7). Wipe down the pennies using a sponge dampened with plain water, and let it dry for approximately one hour.
- 8). Buff the pennies with a rag to remove the haze.
