Can You Paint Travertine Tile Backsplash?

Travertine is among the most popular options used for building materials. How could it not?

Travertine is quite attractive. It has appealing earth-tone colors and a marble-like texture.

The question is, can you paint travertine tile backsplash?

The short answer is yes. Yes, you can. In this post, we will tell you how to do it.

From preparing the tiles to applying sealants. We also tell you whether you can paint travertine tiles in any color. Keep reading to learn how to paint your travertine kitchen backsplash.

Can You Paint Travertine Tile Backsplash? The Four Steps to Do It

There are four steps to paint a travertine tile backsplash: preparing the tiles, applying the first sealant, painting the tiles, and applying the second sealant.

Without further ado, here’s how to paint travertine tile backsplash.

Preparing the Ties

Can you paint travertine tile backsplash right away? No. You can’t. The first step is preparing the tiles. Prepared tiles mean you will get a better result.

A backsplash is designed to protect the wall from splatter and splashes. Naturally, it will get dirty as time goes. So, before painting, make sure that your backsplash is cleaned thoroughly.

What about sanding? Sanding is not recommended. If there is any grime on it, use a mix of water and dish soap to remove it.

Sanding is beneficial for cleaning glass or glossy tiles. For travertine, however, not so much. So, avoid sanding it.

Before we tell you the answer to “Can you paint travertine tile backsplash?” it is a good idea to know what you will need to clean the tiles.

You will need safe, non-corrosive cleaning agents and soft brushes for cleaning travertine tiles. Have you ever cleaned marble before?

If you have, treat travertine tiles with the same care and cleaning. If you haven’t, try to be as gentle as possible.

The next thing to do is to protect the countertops and cabinets. When you work on your travertine tile backsplash, you don’t want to make a mess of the surrounding areas.

You can use painter’s tape to protect these areas.

Once you have cleaned the tiles thoroughly, give them enough time to dry out completely. Don’t proceed until they do.

Applying First Sealant

Can you paint travertine tile backsplash after thorough cleaning?

Not yet. After the tiles are completely dry, the next thing to do is apply pre-paint sealant.

Don’t apply just about any sealant, though. Apply sealant that is made for stone surfaces. This is very important because it plays a very important role in the painting process.

When applied properly, the coat of sealant will help protect the tiles and extend their longevity.

Also, travertine has porous nature. The sealant will improve the paint’s absorption against that. You may not see it now, but it will be evident once the painting process is done.

To apply the sealant, prepare a soft, high-quality paintbrush. Then, apply the sealant to the tiles. Don’t stop until you apply a single solid coat. Make sure that the whole area is covered in sealant.

Next, allow the sealant to dry. When it is dry, you shouldn’t feel any moisture or tackiness when touching it. Once it has dried, prepare your brush and paint for the next step.

Painting the Tiles

Can you paint travertine tile backsplash now? Yes. After the sealant is properly applied and dried, the next thing is to paint the tiles.

When painting travertine tiles, the most important thing to keep in mind is never compromised paint quality.

If you want the best result, buy good quality paint with moisture-resistant properties. It may be expensive upfront, but it will be beneficial in the long run.

Once you get your paint ready, pick up your soft paintbrushes and start to paint and transform your tiles.

But before that, double-check the tiles and make sure they are dry and clean.

Next, apply the paint. The first coat doesn’t have to be thick. Remember, this is only one of several coats you will apply.

Don’t forget to apply each coat of paint as evenly as possible.

There are two options here. First, apply very light coats. Apply a coat, wait a few minutes to dry, then apply another.

Repeat until the color you desire is achieved.

The second option is to apply solid coats. Apply a solid coat, wait for 12 to 24 hours to dry, then apply another.

Applying Final Sealant

The task is almost done. After you have finished painting, the next thing to do is protect it.

How? By applying another coat of sealant. Don’t worry. It won’t take long to do.

Why is another coat of sealant important? Well, because not only does it protect the paint from water, debris, dust, and other external exposures, a coat of sealant can also enhance its looks.

Think of it as a finishing touch.

Another benefit of the final coat of sealant is that it will extend the paint job’s life.

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Can You Paint Travertine Tile Backsplash with Any Color?

Now you know you can paint travertine tile backsplash and how to do it.

The next question is, can you paint travertine tile backsplash any color? The answer is also yes.

Yes, you can. That means you can choose any paint color you want and start painting your travertine tiles.

That being said, you need to keep in mind, especially if you are being too drastic in changing the color of travertine tiles.

You want to paint travertine backsplash with black or darker tones to white or yellow. The task will be more challenging than a less drastic color change.

For it, you will need more paint to conceal bleed through that may appear.

Also, to get the best result, use high-quality paint that has moisture-resistant properties.

Paint travertine tile backsplash? Yes, you can. You can even use any color you like. Keep in mind that a drastic color change will be more demanding than a less drastic one.

Now that you know how to do it, you will update your backsplash whenever you want.

What goes with travertine backsplash?

Modern-modern. Grey travertine and light ivory kitchen tiles are very stylish. The kitchen comes with stainless steel appliances with granite countertops in cool colors.

Is travertine backsplash hard to keep clean?

Unlike porcelain tile, travertines do not need any care. Travertine tiles are easy to clean by gently removing any dust and dirt.