My Painted Penny Tile Backsplash!

I thought about titling this post "counterfeit penny tile", or" faux penny tile", but thought someone googling "how to make fake pennies" might stumble across my painted backsplash and be sorely disappointed, and I try not to anger wanna-be felons.  But I digress.

We have a small space where a tile backsplash can go, but I didn't want to spend hundreds on a decorative item, and after seeing you could paint one on this blog, I thought I'd give it a go.  But my backsplash had to be different (famous last words, no?), and so, instead of doing diamond tiles, subway tile, or offset rectangles, which would have been easier (straight lines are easier to create with tape, rulers, etc. than curved ones) I decided to try to paint penny-round tile.  I was a painful project that took too much time, but I'm glad I tried it, and it will stay this way for a while.  I also choose penny tile versus something with lines because the breakfast nook in our kitchen has ombre (color gradation) stripes and I thought the circles would be a welcomed difference.

I tried a few different methods to achieve the look.  first I punched 1 inch holes of out contact paper and used that as a stencil, but the stencil had to be replaced avery few uses and that was so time consuming I got about one square foot of wall completed and then quit the project (for months).

Method 1--my homemade contact paper stencil

Then I was re-inspired, found a polka dot stencil at Hobby Lobby and used my 1 inch hole punch thingy to alter it to the desired size and spacing I wanted.  This method worked better, but was still too slow.

Method 2-altered store bought stencil

Finally I used a few 3/4 inch foam spouncers (pictured below) and free handed it all in one evening.  Not as precise, but it was much faster, so I went with it to complete the project.

Method 3-free-hand with round foam brushes (the winning method).

I used a few different shades of blue acrylic gloss paint, wall paint from the nook's stripes, and metallic silver and white.  I painted all the dots one shade of blue and went back over some dots randomly with the other colors and shades.

I hope to paint the kitchen cabinets white someday soon (maybe this month), and I think it will allow the painted backsplash to blend better.

Honestly, I think I could have done a slightly better job, but I'm satisfied with just going for it and trying something new.  I looked around the internet and haven't seen another painted penny tile backsplash (likely because it's so time-consuming) but for a few dollars it's worth a try, if you like the look.

Yes, in my house paint brushes are a must-have kitchen utensil.

Anyone else tried a faux wall treatment lately?  Thanks so much for the inspiration Bethany, I have nothing but respect for your artistic and taping capabilities.


Linking up to: Serenity Now, Live, Laugh, Rowe, and Not Just A Housewife.