How can we fix and waterproof the bead board backsplash in our kitchen that has peeled paint and absorbed water, or should we replace it with Formica?
Asked by Colleen West 
2 weeks ago
Last Updated: November 11, 2024
So, we’re in the middle of redoing our kitchen and decided to use bead board as the backsplash. But, when I took off the tape, it ended up peeling off some paint and seemed to have gotten wet. Do you think this can be fixed and made water-resistant? Or should we just take out the bead board behind the sink and replace it with Formica?
Looks like it’s Masonite. Water definitely doesn’t agree with that material.
Think about water coming into contact with different surfaces and consider what it won’t harm. Those are the surfaces that can be installed on. For example, tile, laminate, stainless steel, etc.
It’s just going to deteriorate more. Unfortunately, there’s no way to make this headboard waterproof.
You can’t use this near water. You should opt for tile, stainless steel, laminate, pvc, etc… something that won’t be affected by water.
Tile
You might consider installing a ceramic tile backsplash in your kitchen to protect the wall from water damage when washing dishes. Water can erode bead board or painted sheetrock, but a ceramic backsplash is a cost-effective solution. It only needs to be 18-24 inches high and 6-8 feet long, and tiles can be purchased for less than $1-2 per square foot. Once installed, you won’t have to worry about it again!
Hey , did you know you can use more than just tile for a backslash? There are so many other materials you can install.
Appreciate all the suggestions, I happen to have some Formica left so I’ll put it up around the sink
Oh, by the way, pvc beadboard is available! Many folks choose it for their porch ceilings
Ceramic, plastic, poly resin, glass, stainless steel, only a few materials work for that area since it will be exposed to water
Hey , have you ever tried using peel and stick back splashes? Do they actually work?
Rene and Lenard Sanders, yes! If the wall behind is completely dry when you apply it, and you use kitchen silicon to caulk the bottom right from the start, a waterproof peel and stick should do the job. The key is to properly seal any seams or gaps with grout for the peel and stick tiles, or use a big sheet for easier application. Just a heads up, I had a client who did this for a backsplash under a bay window addition that ended up leaking. Moisture got behind the peel and stick backsplash, causing the wall behind it to quickly rot. (This issue would have occurred with any type of backing material.)
That material is actually compressed cardboard and won’t be very durable in the long run.
I used plywood beadboard behind my sink, sealed it well with quarter round, and painted it with semi-gloss paint. It has held up nicely. To maintain a cohesive look, consider replacing just the backsplash section with plywood or PVC beadboard. With the same profile, once painted, it should blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen.