DIY Kitchen Splashback: Create a Trendy Concrete Look

Why is a concrete-look kitchen splashback a good idea?

The charm of the unfinished, cool elegance and raw texture – concrete has evolved from a building material into a design statement. A kitchen with a concrete-look splashback looks modern and uncluttered and creates an urban, industrial feel. It provides the perfect backdrop for stainless-steel appliances, solid wood worktops or colourful accents.

The biggest advantage: you don't need to have heavy, expensive concrete slabs installed. With the right materials and techniques, you can easily create this look yourself. Every self-designed wall is unique. Your trowel marks, technique and personal touch make the wall one of a kind. It is also one of the most cost-effective ways to completely transform your kitchen and offers countless kitchen design ideas.

Concrete is a noble material when used with skill and care.

Which materials are suitable for a DIY concrete look?

There are several ways to achieve the perfect concrete look. The right choice of splashback material depends on your DIY skills, budget and desired result.

Concrete filler / effect filler

Special filler delivers the most authentic texture and appearance. It is usually a cement-based powder that you mix with water or a ready-to-use paste. This material lets you recreate the depth and texture of concrete most effectively. It takes some practice, but the result is incredibly realistic.

Concrete-look paint / effect paint

If you want to avoid the effort of applying filler, effect paint is a good alternative. These paints contain fine quartz particles that create a slightly grainy, concrete-like surface after drying. Application is as easy as painting, but the structural depth is less pronounced than with filler.

Self-adhesive films and panels

The quickest and cleanest method is to use high-quality adhesive films or ready-made concrete-look wall panels. Films are particularly suitable for rented homes because they can be removed without leaving residue. Large composite panels offer a seamless, extremely easy-care kitchen wall covering, but they are also the most expensive DIY option.

Guide: How to apply a concrete-look finish to your kitchen splashback

The filling technique produces the most convincing result. This step-by-step guide will help you complete your project successfully.

Step 1: Prepare the surface

Careful preparation is the basis for a long-lasting result. The wall must be clean, dry and sound. Remove any old wallpaper residue. Clean the surface thoroughly with a degreaser to remove all cooking vapours and grease. Fill any holes or cracks with filling compound.

Carefully mask off worktops, cabinets, sockets and light switches with painter's tape. Cover the floor and work surface with film or decorator's fleece. Then apply a bonding primer. This ensures that the filler adheres optimally to the surface, whether it is plaster, plasterboard or old tiles.

Step 2: Mix and apply the material

Mix the filler with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a clean bucket and an electric mixer to achieve a lump-free, homogeneous mixture. Keep all the tools you need within reach, for example on a workshop trolley and material stand, so that you can work without interruption.

Apply the first coat with a Venetian trowel or a wide filling knife. Work wet-on-wet and spread the material at an angle of about 45 degrees. This first coat serves as a base and does not need to look perfect yet. A coat thickness of 1-2 millimetres is ideal.

Step 3: Create the texture

The second coat determines the final appearance. Apply it once the first coat has set but has not completely dried through (follow the manufacturer's instructions). Apply a very thin coat and shape the surface immediately. For a calm, smooth appearance, move the trowel across the surface in long, overlapping strokes. For a more lively texture, use short, criss-crossing movements or gently dab the material onto the surface.

Step 4: Sand and smooth (optional)

Once the second coat has dried completely, you can lightly sand the surface by hand with fine sandpaper (120 grit or finer). This removes any ridges and edges and makes the wall feel smoother. Then wipe away all the sanding dust with a slightly damp cloth.

Step 5: Seal the surface – essential in the kitchen

This is the most important step for a long-lasting concrete-look kitchen. Without a seal, the wall would absorb water and grease and become stained. A special sealant for concrete or mineral surfaces protects the wall and makes it washable.

Apply the sealant in at least two thin coats using a fine foam roller or soft brush. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. A particularly durable 2-component PU seal is recommended for the area directly behind the hob.

How do you properly care for a concrete-look kitchen splashback?

Caring for your new splashback is easy. Thanks to the sealant, most liquids simply bead up and roll off. Wipe off splashes of tomato sauce, grease or coffee promptly with a soft cloth and a little warm water with mild washing-up liquid.

Avoid abrasive cleaning products, rough sponges or acidic cleaners (e.g. vinegar or citrus cleaners). These can attack the sealant and damage the surface over time. With proper care, your concrete-look wall will stay beautiful for many years.

Alternatives to the Skim-Coat Technique: More Ideas for a Concrete Look

If applying skim coat seems too time-consuming, there are easier ways to achieve the sought-after concrete look.

The Quick Option: Paint and Film

Concrete-effect paint lets you create the look directly on the wall. After thoroughly cleaning and priming the surface, apply the paint according to the instructions. Two coats are often needed to achieve the desired finish. Even easier is self-adhesive furniture film with a concrete design. Measure the area precisely, cut the film to size and apply it without bubbles. Ideal for quick makeovers.

The Durable Solution: Wall Panels

Wall panels made of acrylic glass or aluminium composite panels with a concrete print are a high-quality, long-lasting alternative. They are glued or screwed directly onto the wall. The advantage is an entirely pore-free, seamless and easy-to-clean surface. Cutting openings for sockets requires precise work with a jigsaw or circular saw.

The ultimate luxury is being able to relax and enjoy your home.

The Finishing Touch: Industrial-Style Decor

Your new kitchen backsplash is the star, but the right accessories complete the overall look. Industrial style thrives on the interplay of rough textures and clean lines. Combine the concrete look with black metal elements, such as shelf brackets, lights or fixtures.

An oak worktop or a reclaimed wood counter adds warmth to the room and creates an exciting contrast with the cool concrete wall. Add accents with carefully selected decorative elements. A

Grey metal lantern in a trendy industrial design

View product

Anthracite concrete-look planter 49L

View product

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply a concrete-look backsplash directly over old tiles?

Yes, this is possible. Clean the tiles thoroughly and apply a special bonding primer. This ensures that the skim coat adheres securely to the smooth tiled surface. It is best to fill the grout lines during the first skim-coat application to create an even base.

How heat-resistant is a skim-coated concrete-look wall behind the hob?

Cement-based skim coats are inherently non-combustible and heat-resistant. The sealant is the crucial component. Choose a high-quality, heat-resistant polyurethane-based (PU) sealant to protect the wall from grease splashes and heat from the hob.

Is a DIY concrete-look backsplash really waterproof?

The skim coat itself absorbs water. Only the final sealant makes the surface waterproof and resistant to dirt. Apply the sealant in at least two coats and pay particular attention to the joints where the backsplash meets the worktop and cabinets. These should also be sealed with silicone.

What tools do I absolutely need for the skim-coat technique?

The most important tool is a high-quality Venetian trowel or finishing trowel with rounded corners. You will also need a mixing bucket, a paddle mixer for a drill, protective coverings, painter's tape, sandpaper and a brush or roller for applying the primer and sealant.

How much does a homemade concrete-look kitchen backsplash cost?

The cost is significantly lower than for a backsplash made of glass, stainless steel or genuine concrete slabs. Depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the skim coat and sealant, expect to pay around 20 to 50 euros per square metre. This makes it a very budget-friendly option for modern kitchen design.