I want to use wood beadboard as a kitchen backsplash. What kind of paint should I use that would hold up to water spots and grease splatters? -Joyce

Hi Joyce,

I’ve seen wood beadboard used for a backsplash, and it really is a great look. I would start by using a good quality oil-based primer. After the primer dries, lightly sand the surface with fine grit sandpaper (220 grit or higher), then vacuum off the sanding dust and wipe it down with a damp cloth.

You could use either a quality acrylic or oil-based paint to topcoat a beadboard backsplash, but the key to easy clean-up will be the gloss. Remember, the higher the sheen, the easier to clean; and it rhymes, too! A high gloss finish will wipe clean easily with a damp sponge.

In the case of grease splatters, however, there’s more involved than just wiping the paint on the beadboard clean. There will be the issue of heat associated with the grease. No matter what kind of paint you use, hot grease will likely damage the finish over time.

I recommend putting up an acrylic plastic sheet over the beadboard in the area behind the stove. You’ll still see the beauty of the wood, but the hot grease won’t damage the paint finish.

Good luck with your project,

Further Information

• Adding a Tile or Wood Beadboard Backsplash to Your Kitchen (video)
• How to Install a Ceramic Tile Backsplash (video)
• Installing a Ceramic Tile Backsplash Over Drywall (article)

Tags: , backsplash, beadboard, kitchen, paint