Fake Punched Tin Backsplash

I have always wanted to have a Punched Tin Backsplash in my kitchen.  When I went online to check out the prices of the various products, I scoffed!  Of course, it's not just the tin (or plastic) panels you need to purchase, but also the coordinating trim and switch plates.

There must be a better way to make my boring backsplash pretty!

Well, there is!

This is raised, paintable wallpaper with a punched tin pattern.  There's quite a few designs to choose from, too - just Google "Punched Tin Wallpaper"!

Applying it to the wall is SUPER easy!  The patterns line up easily and I had the added benefit of being able to customize some parts of it very simply by using my scissors.

After it dried, I applied two coats of Martha Stewart's metallic paint in Polished Silver. If there were any little spots where the wallpaper didn't quite meet the cabinets, the coat of silver paint erased those imperfections.

Next, using a small sea sponge, I applied a light coat of a darker metallic paint, Thundercloud.

I could have stopped there, but I liked the dappled look so much that I sponged another light coat of
Polished Silver over top.  That extra coat really made the wallpaper look a lot more like punched metal.

I did the same technique to all of my switch plates and the screws...

 ...with this result:

Lastly, because this is a kitchen backsplash, I then applied 5 coats of clear, high-gloss polyurethane.  I wanted to be sure that I'd be able to wipe down any spills without problems!

Here's my new Fake Tin Backsplash!

I'm thrilled with the result - so much that I'm thinking of doing the same to the boring front of my kitchen island!

The Fake-It Yourself Breakdown:

Fake Tin Backsplash (Wallpaper $15.00, Martha Stewart Paints $16.00)

Total Fake-It Cost:  $31.00

Compare to Individual 2X2 Panels like this one from Home Depot: $18.95 each (I would have needed at least 12)

Home Depot

Total Fake-It Savings:  $196.40 (Does not include coordinating switch plates and trim needed with plastic panels)

Linking Up at Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Blog, The Frugal Girls, Funky Junk Interiors and these other Great Parties!