RV Renovation: RV Kitchen Backsplash Upgrade

Our RV kitchen backsplash in our fifth wheel is a bit different from the popular peel and stick backsplash tiles that other RV owners installing in their RV kitchens. Here’s our cool DIY backsplash that is affordable and durable with a fun pop of color and texture! We also are including our step-by-step installation guide.

This article contains affiliate links. By clicking on them, it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Full disclosure here.

Always On Liberty - RV Renovation - RV Backsplash-2

RV Backsplash Upgrade for Our 5th Wheel RV Kitchen

After researching several RV backsplash options for our fifth wheel RV kitchen, we honed in on one that’s lightweight, easy to install and can be painted any color we want. And, if we choose later down the road to change the color, it’s as easy as picking up a paint brush and a half hour of our time.

So, let’s get down to showing you what we chose and simple DIY installation instructions of our newfangled RV kitchen backsplash.

RV kitchen backsplash requirements

The product used in our RV backsplash had to fit the  following criteria:

      • Lightweight
      • Durable
      • Flexible
      • Withstand temperature
      • Affordable
      • Easy to clean
      • No special tools
      • Customizable
      • Easy to install

I looked extensively at what other RV owners were using for their RV backsplash. However, they weren’t satisfying my craving for creativity and uniqueness. I’ve looked at those smart tiles or peel-n-stick tiles but they just weren’t going to meet our expectations or the look.

12″ x 12″ Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tile Backsplash for Kitchen or Bath
12″ x 12″ Self-Adhesive White Subway Backsplash for Kitchen or Bath

While those may work for a contemporary or even a farmhouse theme, they didn’t really fit into our vividly colorful Margaritaville beach theme we were vying for.

After several hours of researching kitchen backsplash options, I came up with something totally unexpected.

RV Kitchen backsplash we chose

The backsplash product we chose is manufactured by Fasade. They are decorative thermoplastic panels made, not only to be used as a backsplash but also for ceilings and textured wall treatments.

We found Fasade’s small kiosk in The Home Depot near the flooring and tile department. However, there were a few problems.

First, they don’t stock them regularly. So, they didn’t have the amount of tiles I needed. Second, what they did have in stock were damaged or chipped by careless handling. And third, ordering them became an issue as full-time traveling RVers, it would have taken them upwards to a couple months to receive them.

On a good note though, after handling the product, I was quite satisfied with their construction and feel. I took one of their brochures back to our fifth wheel to reference their website.

Fasade has 19 different metallic-colored finishes, 16 18″ x 24″ backsplash designs, twenty-eight 4′ x 8′ wall panel designs and twenty-six 2′ x 2′ ceiling tile designs. The manufacturer also has moulding for edges and corners.

Fasade also manufactures rolls of specially made two-sided tape for these panels. I’ll explain why you will need this further down in this article.

The panels are easy to manipulate because of their flexibility. Each panel is beautifully embossed down to detail. Each 18″ x 24″ panel costs about $25 plus tax. A two-pack of the recommended adhesive tape cost about $10 plus tax.

Where to find them…

Fasade products can be purchased in the United States at Menards, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Ace, Do it Best, Marvin’s, 84 Lumber, Sutherland’s, True Value, United Hardware.

In Canada, you can find them at The Home Depot Canada, Lowe’s Canada, Rona, Home Hardware, BMR, Kent, Patrick Morin, Castle and Timber Mart.

However, again, most times, stores do not keep a lot of stock and you’ll run into the same issue we did at Home Depot.

So, what’s a girl to do? We found them on Amazon!

Product Information…

I was going to write out this whole blog paragraph answering questions when I noticed on their website that they’ve listed them all. So, if you’ve got questions and inquiries about the product, here’s the best place to get them answered: Fasade FAQ’s

Now, onto our designs…

Galley Backsplash…

I chose the Traditional I design in pewter finish however, our plans were not to keep it in as it looks in the photo below. I had an awesome idea of adding a splash of color.

Prior to purchasing the product, we measured the area we were wanting to transform and figured out how many panels we need to buy. We went to The Home Depot and bought three panels and a single two-roll pack of the adhesive.

Once we got back to our RV, Dan dry-fit the panels and marked them  what sequence they were to be mounted. With heavy duty scissors, he cut the tiles where they were going to be fit under the cabinets and convection microwave. Once he finished dry-fitting the panels, he handed them to me to do my part.

Since we were at an RV park, Dan set me up a work table away from other RVs. The first thing I did was peeled off the plastic protective sheeting off. I then, evenly spray-primed the front of the panels; allowing them to dry for about two hours in the warm Nevada sun.

After I was satisfied that the primer had dried, I rolled two coats of Glidden ‘Orange Slice’ in a matte finish; allowing two hours between coats to dry in the sun. I let them dry thoroughly overnight.

The next day, I distressed them. With a block and medium grit sandpaper, I lightly sanded the raised portions of the embossed design. I sanded heavier on some areas and lighter in others to give it an uneven distressed appearance. Sometimes, I would knick and scrape the areas with small rocks at my feet for added texture.

Once that technique was complete, I wiped the panels down completely; making sure there was no paint dust left behind on the panels. Again, at my workspace away from the RV’s, I sprayed two coats of matte finish polyurethane coats; allowing an hour to dry between coats. I let them dry overnight.

The next day, Grunt Man took over the project by installing them. Because he dry-fit them previously, they were a breeze to install.

About the adhesive…

We applied the adhesive on the perimeter edge of all panels. Once he was happy with placement, he then stuck them on. Be aware that once that tape sticks, it’s STUCK! It’s that effective. There is no ‘repositioning’ so be sure of where you want to stick it before pressing the panels on.

From THAT…

Fifth Wheel Landmark - Original RV Kitchen Backsplash

To THIS!

Always On Liberty - RV Renovation - New RV Backsplash

I’m happy to report they’ve not warped, melted or been affected by the heat. Everyone who enters our coach absolutely loves it. It’s become the focal point in the living area of our RV.

DISCLAIMERS:

Product manufacturers or retail outlets did not compensate us for any or all of this project.
 
Every part of our interior makeover is/was what worked for US in OUR RV based on our research, design modifications, personal capabilities, and our personal level of product wear and tear. Products, labor, installations, applications and results may differ from yours if you choose to use any of the products we showcased or the installation methods we used.
 
We will not be held liable for any miscalculations, misrepresentations, product or installer ineptness and applications, including RVs. In other words, any and all of your purchases and installations are your own buyer beware.

 

 
 
 
DISCLOSURE: This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

10 Replies to “RV Renovation: RV Kitchen Backsplash Upgrade”

    1. Hi Joyce, we are glad our information and how-to guide was useful and informative. Is this something you will do in the near future? We love our new backsplash and wall treatments! Lots of compliments! Best wishes! Thanks for following along! -Lisa & Dan

  1. So far, you have provided the best info on what do with RV painting and ideas for backsplashes. I also liked the fact that you use easy to obtain paint and supplies. I am very familiar with Lowe’s and Home Depot so it is within my comfort zone. Thanks so much for sharing alternative, creative ways to use these ugly looking back splashes. I would never have thought to do what you did. Loved it!

    1. Rosie, that’s good to get feedback on. We try to ‘not make it harder than it really is’. Buying supplies on the road can be difficult but we try to keep it simple and use what’s easily available. Best wishes on your remodel!! Check back with us to tell how it went!! Don’t forget to follow us on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/alwaysonliberty -Dan & Lisa

  2. I think to choose the material to make RV interior walls and paint them are important things to have a good RV. Your post gave me some useful information which helped me easier to do it. Thanks so much and I will keep reading your posts!

  3. So glad to have found your blog! I also am not a big fan of the peel and stick gel tiles. I’m so excited to get started.

  4. Hi folks, it is great to see you again. As we all sit in lockdown we are all looking for things to do inside. You have given us all ideas for our own rigs. Thanks.
    That looks so good. You guys did a great job and your vision for the finished product was spectacular. I really think it enhanced the beauty of your rig and made more like home. Congrats!

    1. Thanks Wesley, and as we too are in lockdown social distancing, we are doing some much needed improvements to the inside of our Mini Moho – our Winnebago View. Nothing major; just adding a bit of color and personality to make it ‘ours’. We hope you’ll share your results on Facebook so we can see! Be safe out there.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *