The kitchen is one of the most heavily used areas in the home. Over time, steam, grease and water damage the walls, making them difficult to clean and causing unpleasant odours. To keep your walls clean and looking their best, it’s important to protect them properly. Let’s take a look at which materials and solutions will help keep your kitchen in perfect condition 👇
Why do kitchen walls need protection?
When cooking:
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steam and moisture are released 💦
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Splashes of oil and sauces settle on the surface
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Contact with hot cookware or the hob may damage the finish
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Frequent cleaning without protection leads to stains and marks
Without protection, walls quickly lose their aesthetic appeal, and mould and unpleasant odours begin to appear.
The main methods of protecting walls
1️⃣ Classic tiles 🧱
Ceramic or porcelain stoneware tiles are a tried-and-tested way to protect walls.
Pros:
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water resistance;
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easy to look after;
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a variety of textures and colours;
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the option to replace some of the damaged tiles.
Cons:
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the presence of seams that require regular cleaning;
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Installation takes time;
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If installed incorrectly, cracks may form.
2️⃣ Skinalis (glass panels) 🪞
A modern and striking solution is to fit glass panels across the entire work area.
Pros:
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a smooth, seamless surface;
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easy to wash;
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resistant to moisture, steam and hot steam;
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You can choose between photo printing or tinting for your design.
Cons:
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the cost is higher;
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if damaged, the whole unit is replaced;
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requires precise installation.
3️⃣ Porcelain stoneware on the splashback 🪨
Porcelain stoneware combines durability with a contemporary style.
Pros:
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resistant to mechanical damage;
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moisture-resistant;
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heat-resistant;
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A wide range of textures to resemble stone, concrete and wood.
Cons:
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installation is more complicated than with tiles;
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high cost;
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The weight requires careful installation.
4️⃣ Water-resistant paint 🎨
If you want to leave the walls un-tiled, use special paints designed for kitchens and bathrooms.
Pros:
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easy to update;
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a wide range of shades;
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ease of installation.
Cons:
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requires the walls to be properly prepared;
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does not protect against heavy splashes from the hob;
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needs to be updated from time to time.
5️⃣ Moisture-resistant PVC or MDF panels 💧
Panels with a wood, concrete or stone finish — an affordable alternative with practical features.
Pros:
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moisture resistance;
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ease of cleaning;
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variety of textures;
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Quick installation.
Cons:
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low-quality panels may start to peel;
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are sensitive to high temperatures;
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may look less substantial than natural materials.
Further tips on protecting walls
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Set a splashback that reaches the height of the cupboards or the work area, to protect the walls as much as possible.
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Use backlighting with protective strips, so that the light fittings don’t get dirty.
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Wipe the walls regularly with a soft, damp cloth — this will extend the life of the finish.
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For a small kitchen, choose light-coloured and glossy surfaces — they make the space look more spacious and are easier to clean.
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Please note that corners and joints — They should be sealed with silicone sealant to prevent moisture from getting in.
Bottom line 🏁
Protecting kitchen walls from moisture and grease is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also ensures the interior’s longevity.
The most practical solutions:
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glass screen protector;
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porcelain stoneware;
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high-quality tiles;
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moisture-resistant panels and paints.
The right choice of splashback and wall protection helps keep your kitchen clean, stylish and comfortable, and makes cleaning quick and easy 😊
