Tag Archives: Kitchen projects

Inexpensive Fix For Ugly Kitchen Tiles

Inexpensive Fix For Ugly Kitchen Tiles

Back Splash-Before


I have a tiled counter top and tiled back splash in my kitchen and I really don’t like it. It’s so plain and…well, ugly. I would love to rip it all out and do something totally different but I don’t have the time or funds right now to take on a project like that. Instead I did…are you ready for this…Mod Podge!

Yep, with some beautiful paper and some Mod Podge, I completely changed the way the kitchen looks. Here’s how I did it:

My tiles are 4×4 inch tiles. I bought some beautiful different patterned papers at Michael’s (It came in a pack called Fabulous Girl). I cut the papers into 3 1/2 inch squares because I liked having a white border around each paper instead of covering the entire tile. I wanted to test out my pattern so I used poster putty to attach the papers to the tiles. That way I could get an idea of what the finished product would look like before I made it permanent.

Once I decided on the pattern, I began the Mod Podging. I used a small brush and put a thin layer or Mod Podge on the tile, then carefully centered the paper and pressed it on. Normally when I use Mod Podge I put another layer on immediately but I found that when I did this to the tile it bubbled a little. If I waited a little while (until the underneath layer was dry) and added a top layer of Mod Podge it didn’t seem to bubble.

Back Splash-After

I added several layers of Mod Podge (waiting for each coat to dry before I added another one). Once it was dry for at least 12 hours I added a clear latex paint to help seal it and take away the tackiness. I waited a few hours until that dried and added one more layer for good measure. This also helps ensure that when I wipe down the tiles my cleaners won’t eat through the Mod Podge and damage the paper.

Back Splash-After (Close Up)

This entire project was very inexpensive. I used 6 sheets of paper to do the tiles above my stove. I used 2 sheets to do the back splash on the other side of the kitchen. The sealer cost me $10 at Home Depot and I only used a small portion of it.

Of course I enjoyed the process so much I couldn’t stop there. Click here to see what I did to the kitchen cabinet door knobs!

Redoing Cabinet Knobs with Mod Podge

Redoing Cabinet Knobs with Mod Podge

Isn't he cute!


Mod-Podge is so much fun! I just finished a project using Mod-Podge and paper to jazz up a tile back splash. Click here to see that project! The problem is, once I get started using that stuff I can’t stop!

I had 40 plain, white cabinet knobs in the my kitchen that were just BEGGING for some color. I bought a package of green tissue paper from Walmart for 92 cents. I did ALL 40 knobs and didn’t even use half of the package of tissue paper! Can you believe that?!? It’s true! This has to be the cheapest project I’ve ever done.

First I made sure all the knobs were clean and dry. Then I cut out a 3 1/2 inch square of tissue paper. I brushed the Mod-Podge on the knob and stuck the paper on immediately. Then I smoothed the paper over the top of the knob and carefully folded it around the base of the knob. Once the paper was on I added a layer of Mod-Podge to the base of the knob only. That way the knob could sit on a paper plate upside down and dry without it sticking to the plate. Once I finished with all 40 of them, I turned them over and painted the tops of them with Mod Podge.

Drying cabinet knobs


Because these knobs will be handled often I put several layers of Mod-Podge on the base and top of each knob. I probably put 7 or 8 coats on each one. About half way through this process I looked at my beautiful green door knobs and thought to myself “Self, they are cute the way they are…but they need a little somethin’ to jazz them up”. So I ran out to Hobby Lobby and bought some small stickers. I put the stickers on each knob, making sure to push out any air bubbles and immediately adding a layer of Mod Podge to each one. After each one had a sticker they got several more coats of that magical glue/sealant. If you’re going to use stickers make sure the knob all ready has a few coats of Mod Podge. When the tissue paper is glossy you can reposition the sticker if you have to. If you put it directly on the tissue paper, without make it glossy first, that sticker isn’t going anywhere. If you try to remove the sticker, you’ll tear the paper. When I was satisfied with them I added a layer of clear latex paint just to be on the safe side.

Adding the stickers

Finished cabinet knobs with flowers and owls


I let them dry for 24 hours and then put them back on the cabinet doors.

I’m so happy with how easy and super cheap this was. The stickers were 50% off so it only cost me $2 for the owls and flowers. Aren’t those little owls cute!!