Granite backsplashes can add beautiful, natural stonework to kitchens and bathrooms. However, some homeowners eventually wish to update or change the look of their granite backsplashes. Covering a granite backsplash allows you to refresh the space with a new style without undergoing a major renovation. There are several effective options for covering granite, ranging from simple and temporary to more complex and permanent solutions. Here is an in-depth look at the best ways to cover granite backsplash.
Choose a Covering Method Based on Your Goals
When deciding how to cover granite backsplash, first consider your goals for the space:
Temporary Change
If you want a temporary change, choose a covering that can be easily removed, like:
- Peel-and-stick tiles or wallpaper
- Removable adhesive wall panels
- Fabric held up with adhesive hooks
Temporary coverings allow you to switch up the look without permanent changes.
Permanent Change
For a permanent change that completely covers the existing granite, good options include:
- Tile, stone, or other permanent materials
- Wood boards or shiplap planks
- Plaster or composite wall panels
Permanent coverings provide a new look that lasts. They require more installation work but hide the granite entirely.
Maintain Some Granite
To maintain some granite while altering the look, consider:
- Painting or staining over portions of the granite
- Partial tile or wall panels that leave some granite exposed
- Floating shelves installed over sections of the backsplash
These options transform the look while keeping some of the original granite visible.
Prep Granite Surface Before Covering
Proper prep is crucial for successful granite covering. Follow these steps:
Clean Thoroughly
Use a degreasing cleaner or baking soda scrub to remove all dirt, oil, and grime from the granite. Rinse well and let it dry completely.
Remove Accessories
Take off any backsplash accessories like soap dishes, spice racks, or utensil hooks. Patch any holes or adhesives with spackle.
Sand for Better Adhesion
Lightly sand the granite with 120-150 grit sandpaper. This helps coverings adhere better.
Check for Moisture
Use a moisture meter to spot any excess water content. Let damp areas dry out before covering to prevent issues like mold.
Proper prep prevents coverings from failing prematurely. It also simplifies removal later if desired.
Pick the Right Covering Materials
Many options exist for covering granite backsplashes successfully. Consider these top materials:
Tile or Stone Veneer
Tile, natural stone, or stone veneer provide a permanent new surface. Use a thinset mortar to adhere tile or stone securely to the granite. This resurfaces the entire area seamlessly. Match grout color to the tile.
White subway tile transforms the look of a granite backsplash. (Image credit: The Home Depot)
Stone veneer like Stacked Stone Veneer Panels stick on directly over granite using construction adhesive. This natural stone look updates the space.
Removable Wall Panels
For temporary coverings, removable wall panels from materials like wood, MDF, or plastic attach over granite without remodeling. Use hook and loop strips or panel adhesive to apply directly to the granite. Peel off to return to the original backsplash.
Contact Paper or Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick contact paper or removable wallpaper roll on easily to transform the look fast. Choose materials like fabric, stone, or faux metals. Remove wallpaper without damaging the granite.
Paint or Stain
For DIY-friendly options, use a bonding primer followed by acrylic latex paint to paint over all or part of the granite. For a stain-like look, apply concrete stain, gel stain, or whitewash. Paint and stain allow creative customization.
How to Cover Granite Backsplash with Tile
Installing tile is the most popular permanent option for covering granite backsplash. Follow this process:
Step 1: Prep the Granite Surface
Clean, lightly sand, and dry the granite according to the prep tips above. Fill any chips or uneven areas with thinset mortar to create a smooth surface.
Step 2: Plan Your Tile Layout
Map out the tile layout ahead of time. Account for outlet placement and spacing at the ends. Cut border or edge tiles as needed.
Step 3: Apply the Thinset Mortar
Use a notched trowel to spread a layer of thinset mortar evenly across the granite. Apply only enough that you can tile over within 30 minutes before the thinset dries.
Step 4: Add Tile Pieces
Press tiles firmly into the thinset starting at the center and working outwards. Push out air bubbles. Use tile spacers for consistent grout lines.
Step 5: Let Tile Set
Let tile sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. Check for secure adhesion.
Step 6: Grout Tile
Mix grout and apply over the tile joints. Wipe away excess. Seal grout once fully cured.
With proper installation, tile creates a beautiful permanent covering for granite.
Covering Options for Partial Granite Coverage
If you want to maintain some exposed granite, consider these options:
Paint or Stain Sections
Use paint, concrete stain, or whitewash to paint over portions of the backsplash only. Tape off sections you want to remain granite. Topcoat for protection.
Floating Shelves
Install floating shelves atop the granite with brackets. They create useful space while covering some granite. Stain shelves to coordinate.
Partial Tile or Panels
Tile, wall panels, or contact paper on just part of the backsplash alters the look while keeping some original granite.
Removable Accents
Peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable panels, or fabric decals add tone-on-tone accents over the granite.
Partial treatments refresh granite backsplash without completely concealing it.
Tips for Proper Granite Backsplash Covering
Follow these tips to ensure your granite backsplash covering looks amazing:
- Always prep granite thoroughly first.
- Check covering materials for reusability and water resistance.
- For tile, use proper setting materials and grout spacing.
- Take time to cut edge and border tiles and panels precisely.
- Use caulk for gap filling, not grout. Caulk adheres better.
- For painting, use 2-3 coats of base color plus a clear topcoat sealer.
- Make cutouts in coverings to work around outlets and fixtures.
- Use tile edging trim for a clean finish at countertop edges.
- Select grout color to complement or match tile or panels.
Proper planning and installation prevents problems and creates a beautiful new backsplash surface.
Frequently Asked Questions About Covering Granite Backsplashes
Can I use adhesive contact paper directly on granite?
Yes, good quality peel-and-stick contact paper or wallpaper applies directly onto cleaned granite. Use removable adhesives designed not to damage surfaces so removal is easy.
Should I seal granite before covering it?
Sealing is not required for most coverings but can provide extra protection, especially for staining projects. Use a stone sealer suitable for granite.
Do I need to fill seams or polish granite before covering it?
Filling polished stone seams is not necessary for coverings like tile that provide full coverage. For painting or staining, fill large cracks and uneven areas with thinset first.
What about covering just part of my granite backsplash?
Definitely – partial tile, wall panels, floating shelves or paint/stain are great ways to modify the look while keeping some original granite visible.
Can I install new backsplash light fixtures or outlets before covering granite?
Yes, you can update electrical and add fixtures prior to covering granite. Just make necessary cutouts in tile, wall panels or other covering materials to accommodate the fixtures.
Covering granite backsplash opens up many possibilities for kitchen and bath renovations. With the right prep work, materials, and installation process, you can transform the space with a beautiful new backsplash surface tailored to your unique style. Use the tips in this guide to achieve granite backsplash covering success.
Conclusion
Covering existing granite backsplash offers an affordable way to update your kitchen or bathroom with beautiful new tile, stone, wall panels, or other materials. Choose temporary peel-and-stick options for short-term changes or permanent surfaces like tile and wood planks to completely alter the look. With proper planning and installation, covering granite backsplash can take your space from dated to stunning. Use this comprehensive guide to pick the best materials and techniques for your backsplash covering project and refresh your home with your dream design style.