Cover with a wall panel

Old tiles can be easily disguised with a special panel made of MDF or PVC. They are sold in construction hypermarkets, as well as on various online platforms. They are either a solid plate with a pattern or imitation of wood, or textured surfaces for brick, stone, boards, mosaics.

Suitable for decorating an apron located between upper cabinets and lower cabinets, hide unevenness, are easy to clean, but not all are fireproof. Most panels look budget-friendly for their price.

PVC honeycomb panel

Decorate with foil

We are not talking about food foil, but about self-adhesive foil: this is a cheap way to transform the kitchen without knocking down the tiles. The adhesive layer is already applied to the back of the film, so you do not need to buy additional materials.

The work is easy to do yourself according to the instructions on the package. Usually, the foil is made of aluminum, has a relief pattern, is easy to clean and can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees.

The manufacturer guarantees excellent wear resistance of the material, so it is recommended to use foil above the stove and sink.

Foil in a roll Foil on an apron

Decorate with stickers

If the ceramic apron is in good condition, you can diversify its appearance with special stickers to match the size of the product. Stickers should be applied to degreased tiles, removing the film from the back side and smoothing out air bubbles.

The work requires accuracy and patience. Look for stickers that indicate on the packaging that the product is intended for use on tiles, metal and outdoor surfaces – they are the most resistant to temperature changes and moisture.

It is optimal if the image on the stickers is slightly dull: too bright prints look cheap and immediately give away a fake.

Tile stickers Apron with stickers

Paint

Modern paint manufacturers offer a variety of compositions for different tasks, and You can no longer surprise consultants in construction stores by asking for paint specifically for tiles. Surface preparation plays an important role in renovation.

Before painting, you should wash the apron from dirt, degrease it, sand it with fine sandpaper and prime it with a special compound (for example, Tikkurila Otex).

Alkyd enamel, latex and oil paint are suitable for tile aprons. We recommend using a roller and applying the composition in two layers.

Apron painted yellow Repainted tiles

Renew the seams

If the tiles are firmly in place, the elements have not faded or become crooked, it is enough to repair the seams, since they are often what spoil the appearance of the kitchen apron. The grout in the joints quickly absorbs dirt, darkens and crumbles. To improve the appearance of the tiles, you should:

  • clean the seams from the old mortar, using a special softening compound or mechanically – with a construction knife.
  • Wash the joints with soapy water, wait until completely dry and apply a primer.
  • Apply new grout after 24 hours.

A popular option today is to use colored grout against a background of plain tiles.

Applying grout Colored seams

Restoring individual pieces

If one or more tiles have fallen off, and all the others are holding up well, it is not necessary to do a full-fledged renovation. It is optimal if you have saved spare elements – updating the apron will not be difficult.

But even if there are no tiles left, you can choose contrasting products of the same size in a hardware store – one package will not hit your pocket, and stylish “patches” will enliven and decorate the interior. Creative individuals can use mirrors, as well as purchased or homemade mosaics.

To dismantle an element, you should drill holes in it, carefully break it with a hammer and chisel. To restore the apron, you need to carefully clean the surface where the tile was attached. Then apply the adhesive and glue the product.

Tile removal Mosaic restoration

Turn into a work of art

You can decorate tiles in different ways:

  • Create three-dimensional patterns using wood putty and a stencil.
  • Paint the apron with acrylic paints and then protect the pattern with varnish.
  • Use the decoupage technique, decorating the products with napkins and with PVA glue.

Any of the methods requires courage and imagination, but the result will definitely please, because what is done with your own hands is valued most of all.

Decor with putty Painting an apron Decoupage of tiles

Not even By changing the tiles in your kitchen, you can create an original apron that will please you for several more years and save your budget.