Normally located in a kitchen, backsplash murals are placed over a stove or sink and are designed to prevent oil splatter and heat from damaging or permanently staining wall paper or drywall. Most commonly created by patterning or painting on ceramic or glass tiles, backsplash murals may be installed by a contractor or a homeowner. Backsplashes not only serve a functional purpose, they are also often designed as a focal point of the room when decorating.
Many kitchen backsplashes are not murals. They are simply plain tile, stone, or laminated wood. Murals, however, are also popular because they add an individual touch and visual interest. For the home decorator, backsplash murals are also an easy, though often times consuming, do-it-yourself project.
Ceramic tiles are the most common material used for backsplash murals. They are generally found in 6 inch (15.24 cm) square tiles, but can also vary in size. Multicolored tiles many be arranged in a mural pattern, or tiles may come with designs or drawings already on them. Murals depicting Tuscan or African designs are often popular, but any design is possible.
Additionally, for the artistically minded, plain tiles can serve as a canvas for original paintings. Two coats of glass paint is best used for this purpose, and for best results a primer should be used as well. To help prevent damage or fading to the paint, and to ensure easy clean up of the backsplash, the completed painting should be glazed or coated with a high gloss sealant.
Mosaic glass tiles are another option for backsplash murals. These multicolored tiles are placed in patterns to create a modern art type of mural. When installing as a home project, one advantage of mosaic glass tiles is that mistakes in the design are not immediately obvious in the patterned glass.
When choosing a mural, the space available and the design scheme of the rest of the room should always been taken into consideration. Murals should match the colors and theme of the kitchen as a whole. For example, if a kitchen's decor appears very rustic, mosaic glass tiles are probably not the best option since the modern feel of mosaic glass does not mesh with the warm, woody feeling of a rustic atmosphere.
Murals may fade or lighten if they are continually exposed to direct natural light, particularly if the mural lacks an ultraviolet protective coating. Abrasive cleansers should be avoided since they can damage the mural. Gentle washing with soap and water should be the only type of cleaning the backsplash requires.