Kitchen Splashbacks
Introduction
The wall immediately behind a hob or a sink is prone to spitting and splashing, therefore this area should be given some kind of protection. This is best achieved using a splashback (sometimes also called a backsplash), that rises at least 300mm (12in) up the wall and covers the width of the appliance.
The addition of splashbacks presents an ideal opportunity for you to personalise your kitchen using matching or contrasting materials. As with many items in a kitchen, the options of splashback vary proportionally to the size of your budget.
Paint
The simplest form of protection is a condensation-resistant paint, such as vinyl silk, which can be wiped down with a damp cloth. The only drawback with this approach is that any splashes that are allowed to remain on the wall for any extended period of time can cause staining.
A novel alternative to vinyl paint is blackboard paint. Two coats of this can be applied to wood, metal or sealed plaster with a roller or brush to produce a smooth, non-reflective finish that’s perfect for jotting this week’s menu, shopping list reminders or family messages onto with chalk. This can be wiped clean with a damp cloth to remove messages and splashes alike.
Blackboard paint is available from most hardware stores, or you can purchase online from Screwfix.com. In terms of application and calculation of amount needed, blackboard paint is very similar to eggshell.
Tiles
A tiled and grouted surface will provide excellent water protection, and indeed it is common to use the same tiles around the whole kitchen area to continue the theme. The main drawback to this method is that colourful foods from the hob can discolour grout.
Stainless Steel
Panels of stainless steel are widely available from most kitchen and appliance suppliers. These provide excellent stain, heat and water resistance for the wall behind, and add a contemporary twist to the room. Indeed, some matching cookers and extractor fans are offered with a matching stainless steel panel to unify the two appliances.
The steel provides a nicely reflective surface that can make the room look bigger, but greasy finger and water marks will need to be removed to maintain a sleek look.
Continuous lengths of stainless steel to run all the way around the kitchen are available from specialist manufacturers. Alternatively, stainless steel tiles are available which can be added to the relevant areas of the wall. However, these are considerably more expensive than ceramic tiles and still suffer from the risk of stained grouting.
Worktop materials
It is increasingly fashionable to use the same material as the worktop to cover the walls too. Available as ‘upstands’ which are just a few inches high to protect the wall from liquid spills, or as full height splashbacks, this approach can create a solid but streamlined look to a kitchen. The cost will clearly depend on the worktop material that you have chosen.
Glass
Panels of glass, coloured with paint on the rear surface, also make excellent splashbacks because, although they are prone to scratching, the toughened glass is stain, heat and water resistant. To avoid a ‘broken’ look, specialist glass manufacturers can create continuous lengths of glass to run the perimeter of the kitchen.
Mirror
Similar to glass, reinforced mirrors may also be used as splashbacks, with the added benefit of reflecting light to give the impression of space. The drawback here is that water marks and stains show up very clearly.
Further information and useful links
- Find a Kitchen Fitter near you
- Find a Carpenter near you
- Find a Kitchen Worktop supplier near you
- Find a Kitchen Planner near you
- Find a Kitchen Fixtures & Fittings supplier near you
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