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Paint Design Dilemma Kitchens

Can travertine tile backsplash be stained or painted?

5 years ago

We recently moved into a new build and the wrong countertops were installed, so they replaced them after the backsplash was installed. Now my current countertop clashes with my travertine backsplash. Is there any paint or stain that I can use on it to make the colors match better. Can not replace the backsplash at this time. I'm just trying to make it blend in better so it doesn't clash as much. I was thinking either a chalk paint or a lime wash? Any recommendations?

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User

5 years ago

I used an oil based wood stain in a walnut color to give new life to a travertine backsplash in a display vignette. It darkened it just enough to take away the pink tones, which are what usually clash with other natural stones. Whitewashing just makes those tones even pinker.

Now this was a display and not an active kitchen, so I don’t know how it would wear being exposed to cleaning products. But, as porous as travertine is, if you stripped any sealer properly first with acetone, and then stained it, it would probably penetrate quite well.

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Comments (9)

acm
5 years ago
I don't think painting tile really works in the longer term. Stain might be possible, but outside my experience there...
chocolatebunny123
5 years ago
There was a thread recently where a poster updated her Tuscan kitchen by painting the backsplash. Let me see if I can find it....
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It's a popular choice and as long as you keep it sealed really well you shouldn't have a problem. There are several color variations, off white (that has that pinkish tone) a walnut thats sort of brownish tan, amber colored golds, and a multi. If you do a search on line you'll find hundreds of examples. I'm personally not a hugh fan of Travertine for a couple of reasons. One not only does everyone and their brother seem to have it but additionally it doesn't have as much personality as a lot of other stones do. IMHO, the backsplash is where you can really bring some of your own personality into your kitchen. Before you settle on travertine, shop around a bit, there are so many options. Sorry, just my two cents.
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I agree with dianalo. Although a really nice look for a backsplash, when I was looking three years ago, I was told it was on it's way out. I was warned against it too, because of the many variables. You don't know what the run will be when it is your turn to purchase. There was a particularly "muddy" run of Durango when I was shopping. Color wise, a brown can cast a pinkish hue to an entire backsplash. I have seen many backsplashes on this forum of TTT and they look great. But, I wasn't shopping where they shopped and wasn't getting what was up on their backsplashes. I decided on a ceramic crackle subway. This too might become dated. But after one backsplash mistake, I know that the backsplash can be removed and replaced if I feel the need to update in the future.
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PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
5 years ago
Painted tile never looks good IMO. It's a very short term solution. I suggest you just live with it and start saving up. The good news is that backsplashes are not very expensive and are fairly easy to change out.
rantontoo
5 years ago
https://www.meandmycaptain.com/2018/01/painted-travertine-tile-backsplash-loved/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/467881848777441860/

https://boonink.com/the-kitchen-lets-lighten-it-up-painting-a-tumbled-stone-backsplash-eek/#gs.JnURlIvm

https://sefastone.com/4-easy-steps-paint-travertine-tiles/
mariaferg thanked rantontoo
Carole G
5 years ago
Yes, you can paint backspashes.
https://www.bunnings.co.nz/diy-advice/paint/how-to-paint/how-to-paint-tiles

I'm wondering if limewashing might look good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skq30SEWaYQ
Sandra Martin
5 years ago
Please keep us posted and show us the results. i have painted tile successfully as a short term solution and it looks nice and clean and sort of disappears if the right color.
User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Maybe the others are seeing something I'm not seeing, but I don't see it clashing...Could be my monitor, though...
Liz Terrance
3 years ago
this person limewashed hers, looks very good

Check out this discussion on Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/discussions/4780574/how-to-remove-pink-undertones-from-backsplash-tile

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