Fast Fix: Kitchens

Create a Vinyl Photo Backsplash

In a few quick steps, turn a favorite photograph into a durable, hip kitchen backsplash.

By Brian Patrick Flynn, Decor Demon
Filed under: Kitchen Backsplash, Kitchens, Backsplash, How To

Materials Needed:

favorite photograph
high-resolution scanner
local digital printer
gallon of wall-covering primer
wallpaper paste
spackle and putty knife
sanding block
wallpaper smoothing tool
roll of contractor paper
long, flat prep surface
roller handle and cover

paint pan and liner
bucket
dishwashing soap
sponge
hot water
tape measure
painters' tape
spirit level
drop cloth
pencil

Choose Proper Image

Edit photo collection down to subjects with clean, graphic lines with complementary shape, scale and proportion to backsplash. Once image is selected, determine if it is high-resolution or low-resolution. If image is low-resolution, request a high-resolution scan at local photo processing lab. To have image printed on vinyl, contact a local digital printer. Have photo printed onto laminated, UV-resistant vinyl based on the dimensions of backsplash wall.

Make a Template

Unroll contractor paper, cut to length of backsplash wall. Tape paper to wall, trace parameters of cabinets and countertops to paper, then cut to size with utility knife. Remove paper from wall and roll up template.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-

Prep Backsplash Area

Protect countertops and kitchen floor with drop cloth. Use putty knife to fill holes or dents in wall with spackle. Allow time to dry, then sand smooth with sanding block. Wipe dust from wall with a damp sponge that's been dipped in hot, soapy water. Pour wall-covering primer into paint pan liner, attach roller to handle and cover backsplash area with a coat of wall-covering primer.