Heartland Wilderness RV Kitchen Renovation and Faux Stone Backsplash Tutorial

My client for this RV based the whole design of this rig around a burgundy kitchen, and I couldn't love it more! I love using color, and a camper renovation is a great place to add a fun pop of paint that you might normally not use in a sticks and bricks home. This kitchen underwent a total face lift and it turned out beautifully!

AFTER BEFORE

I know that some are you are saying, "WOW" and some are going... "That looks the same..?" While yes, the color contrast in this before and after is similar (dark cabinets, lighter walls) I did so much to make this kitchen function so much better while also looking more updated!

Here what I did..

The only demo that happened in this kitchen was taking out the sink and faucet. The microwave and stove were removed for easier painting.

Then all the cabinets were sanded and prepped for paint, and all surfaces were cleaned. I sand with 80 grit and 120 grit sandpaper, and I clean everything with a 50/50 vinegar/water mixture. I primed it all with STIX primer, walls and cabinets. Then I painted the walls with Sherwin Williams Duration in Alabaster Satin and the cabinets with Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane in Carnelian Satin. (Colors linked below)

Then it was time to build the space back up!

I started with painting the countertops with a marble epoxy countertop kit. You can read more about the steps I took to I achieved this faux marble countertop on a prior blog post, RV Kitchen Renovation and Countertop Paint Tutorial.

Then I used a peel and stick tile for the backsplash, but used a few of my favorite hacks to make sure it will last a very, very long time!

RV Backsplash Tutorial

Step 1: Apply Musselbound. Musselbound is a mortar replacement that is meant to be used with real tiles, but it works amazing to ensure your RV peel and stick tiles don't peel up in the summer heat. It's a double sided adhesive mat that you just peel and stick on.

Step 2: Cover the entire area that you want to tile in the Musselbound. If you are working on a wall with a window, gently remove the window frame to get the tiles all the way around the window easily. Just be careful that you don't push on the window too much, it might fall out!

Step 3: Remove the backing on the Mussselbound and start applying your peel and stick tiles. With most peel and stick tiles, you can use a razor knife to score and cut easily for corners or other places that need to be cut. With the Musselbound, you really only get one shot to place the tile since it's so sticky, so take your time lining it up!

Step 4: Lay all your tiles. When I am working around the windows I just continue the pattern across the window outline and then cut after.

Step 5: I use my multitool to then cut all the excess tiles and follow the shape of the window frame. These particular tiles are much like and LVP, so this worked great. If you are using a thinner peel and stick like a TicTac Tile, you can use a razor knife.

Step 6: I put the window frame back on and secured all the screws, and then continue with the rest of the backsplash. You want to put the window frame back on as soon as possible so that there is less chance that the window can fall out!

Step 7: Then I grouted the peel and stick tile! Yes, I grouted it! This is going to make the tiles so much stronger and bonded together, while making it look finished and complete. I grouted the tiles exactly how you would grout regular tiles. I applied the grout with a float, spread it all around and in multiple directions to make sure the grout got in all the nooks and crannies, and then I washed it off with a wet sponge.

The left side of this picture is the grouted tile, the right side is not grouted. See how much more complete the grout makes it look?!

Below is the completed look! I love how this turned out!

Then I installed a light where the hood vent was, I reinstalled the stove, microwave, new sink, and new faucet. Then I did some finishing touches and caulk, and this kitchen is complete!