White Washing Faux Brick Backsplash Transformations

Installing a white washed brick backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of a kitchen or any other room in the house. The weathered patina effect adds rustic texture and dimension for an approachable price.

Opting for faux brick panels means achieving the industrial brick aesthetic without the backbreaking work of installing real brick. The lightweight planks adhere directly to existing walls, providing a budget-friendly upgrade in just a weekend.

Selecting Faux Brick Backsplash Panels

Faux brick panels come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials to suit any design scheme. Consider the room's dimensions when choosing plank sizes for the most seamless layout.

Opt for wider bricks for a traditional look or narrow bricks for a more modern style. Mix shapes for dimensional appeal. Colors range from grays and tans to deep reds and even blues for vibrant pops.

Materials

Panels consist of wood, plastic, or composite materials with a textured brick facade attached. The texture mimics real brick's uneven surfaces beautifully while the lighter weight materials simplify cutting and installation.

Layout Patterns

Staggered, stacked, or running bond patterns help continue visual movement. Measure the area and order enough panels to fill the entire backsplash space with minimal seams according to the desired pattern.

Preparing Walls for Installation

Proper prep work ensures panels adhere tightly. Thoroughly clean the installation area, eliminating existing grease or soap residue. Fill any cracks or holes with spackle for a smooth surface.

Gather materials like liquid nails panel adhesive, caulk, grout, and acrylic sealer before starting. Use painter's tape for crisp edges against countertops or walls. Carefully follow all product instructions.

Cutting and Fitting Faux Brick Panels

Measure the backsplash area including any outlets, windows, corners, or obstacles requiring custom cuts. Transfer measurements to panels and use a sharp utility knife to score cuts before snapping panels along score lines.

Cut outs around existing wall fixtures or protrusions may require a saw. Make any specialty cuts before adhering panels.

Test Arrange Panels

Dry fit panels before permanently applying adhesive. Ensure cuts align correctly and pattern matches with seamless transitions between planks.

Applying Adhesive and Mounting Panels

Run a generous bead of liquid nails along the back of each panel with a caulk gun. Carefully align the brick pattern when pressing against the wall, sliding panels to match seams.

Use a level and press firmly across the entire surface of each plank for strong adhesion. Panel adhesive offers a powerful, lasting bond as it cures.

Grouting Faux Brick Seams

Fill the seams between planks with color matched sanded grout, pushing it deeply into crevices with a grout float for full coverage.

Wipe diagonally across the crevices with a damp sponge to clean grout haze and create smooth finished seams between "bricks." Allow to fully cure per product guidelines.

White Washing Process Explained

Dilute white paint with water at about a four to one ratio for ease of application and opacity. Start with four parts paint to one part water and adjust to achieve desired consistency.

• Load brush with thinned white paint and apply using random, multidirectional strokes to replicate Limewash application techniques used on authentic antique brick.
• Let layers dry completely between applications, building up subtle whitewashed color.
• Add water to thin final layers for a translucent, weathered appearance.

Lightly distress corners or edges for an aged, timeworn look with worn brick and crumbling grout lines if desired.

Sealing and Protecting Finished Backsplash

Unsealed, painted brick remains highly porous and vulnerable to damage from moisture, food stains, and scrubbing. Sealing it protects beauty and longevity.

Water-based acrylic sealants work well for retaining antique patina. Apply multiple thin, even coats with a small foam roller and mini paintbrush for crevice coverage according to manufacturer guidelines.

Allow full two week curing time for maximum stain resistance and durability before exposing to heavy cooking or cleaning.

Achieving Different White Wash Styles

Heavy White Wash

Barely diluting paint with water results in thicker applications clinging heavily to brick texture for almost full opacity.

Light White Wash

High dilution ratios allow thin veils of whitewash to gracefully hug grooves instead of obscuring dimensional details for a sheer, translucent effect.

Tinting white base with paint chip samples or cement powder creates custom, on-trend hues matching any color scheme without losing brick facade visibility.

Cleaning and Care Recommendations

Gently wipe sealed white wash brick backsplashes daily using soft cloths and non-abrasive degreasing cleansers diluted with warm water to prevent buildup.

Avoid harsh scrubbing and use care around protruding grout lines, which remain somewhat vulnerable despite sealing. Touch up paint and grout as needed over time.

See how white washed faux brick backsplashes infuse vintage spirit into all different rooms and designs.

The organic textures complement modern metals and sleek cabinets beautifully. Rustic farmhouse kitchens gain charmingly weathered focal points above ranges.

Install faux brick panels beyond the kitchen as well in mudrooms, laundries, bars, and man caves. White washing transforms ordinary spaces through this simple, stylish upgrade anyone can tackle in a weekend.