Project Description
This residential project took place in the beautiful coastal town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine. The homeowner reached out to CYR Painting Service for a refined and updated look to their kitchenโs backsplash area. The job involved a complete repaint using high-end specialty materialsโspecifically, Portola Paint & Glaze in the color โSkipping Stone.โ This wasnโt just a color refreshโit was a subtle, artistic transformation.
The area spanned approximately 25 square feet and required one full day to complete, thanks to efficient scheduling, product mastery, and focused attention to detail. The client opted for an upscale finish and was comfortable investing in the premium materials and labor needed to achieve a soft, layered effectโelevating a standard backsplash into a conversation piece.
Background/Story:
The client came to us feeling frustrated with the kitchenโs outdated and uneven backsplash appearance. They had recently completed minor updates throughout the home and realized the existing kitchen wall clashed with the refreshed aesthetic. Their paint had aged poorlyโuneven color, minor peeling, and a dull finish that absorbed light rather than reflecting it.
They had tried to research DIY solutions, but the idea of blending elegance with durability using glazes and specialty paints quickly became overwhelming. Thatโs when they found CYR Painting Service through a neighborโs recommendation. After a quick consultation, they felt relieved knowing a professional could walk them through the possibilities without pressure.
What made this project special was the client’s love for subtlety. They wanted a sophisticated touchโnot something loud or dramatic. When we showed them the โSkipping Stoneโ tone from Portola, paired with a light glaze application, their eyes lit up. They were finally getting the soft, hand-brushed elegance theyโd dreamed aboutโwithout remodeling the entire space.
Scope of Services
- Surface Preparation: Thoroughly cleaned and degreased the existing kitchen backsplash to remove any buildup from cooking oils, dust, or prior coatings. Light sanding was performed to create optimal surface texture for adhesion.
- Priming: Applied a full coat of Portola Roman Clay Primer to seal the surface and create a uniform base layer. This ensured the specialty glaze and topcoat would bond smoothly and evenly.
- Color Sampling and Consultation: Worked closely with the homeowner to test and confirm the chosen Portola โSkipping Stoneโ color. Provided samples on-site to show how the tone would appear under different lighting conditions.
- Specialty Paint Application: Hand-applied Portola Paint in โSkipping Stoneโ using precision rollers and soft-brush techniques to create a smooth, consistent finish tailored to the backsplash space.
- Glaze Application: Layered Portola Glaze over the dry basecoat to create a hand-brushed, artisan effect with gentle texture and depth. This step added visual interest without overpowering the kitchenโs existing design.
- Edge Detailing: Masked off cabinetry edges, outlets, and countertops using precision tape and blades. Carefully brushed in all edges for a seamless transition and clean framing of the backsplash area.
- Final Walkthrough: Conducted a detailed inspection with the client to ensure satisfaction. Touched up any necessary areas and removed all masking materials and debris for a clean, polished finish.
Paints/Products Used
- Portola Roman Clay Primer: Applied as the preparatory layer to ensure even absorption and strong bonding between the surface and decorative topcoats.
- Portola Paint โ Skipping Stone: Used as the primary color across the entire backsplash. Its soft, neutral tone created a calming, modern feel that brightened the kitchen without overpowering the space.
- Portola Glaze: Brushed over the base color to add depth and richness, providing a custom-textured effect that subtly changes with the lighting and angle of view.
- 3M Painterโs Tape: Used for masking off cabinetry, countertops, and electrical fixtures. Enabled sharp lines and protected adjoining surfaces from overspray or bleed-through.
- Benjamin Moore Cleaning Solution: Used during surface preparation to remove grease, cooking residue, and dirt buildup for a clean, paint-ready base.
Results:
The end result was nothing short of elegant. The once dull and outdated backsplash was transformed into a smooth, layered surface with a subtle, artisanal finish. The โSkipping Stoneโ color glowed gently under the kitchen lightingโsoft, clean, and timeless. The glaze added depth and texture, giving it that custom-finished look without appearing overdone.
The client was absolutely thrilled.
โItโs exactly what I envisioned,โ they said during the final walkthrough. โHonestly, it feels like a brand-new kitchen, just from this one update.โ
They especially appreciated how the space now felt lighter and more cohesive with the rest of their recent updates. We left the home with the client smiling, already promising to recommend CYR Painting Service to a neighbor who had complimented the transformation.
This project is proof that small spaces, when treated with expert craftsmanship and premium materials, can deliver dramatic results.
