I am not a big kitchen tile fan, so I have pretty much always painted. In my first house, I used Behr kitchen and bath. This house has had Behr (paint+primer) then a faux tile look (amazingly realistic!l using PPG high gloss and craft paint for the "grout". It would still have that but I had a flood in my kitchen so major renovation. I now have Sherwin Williams Emerald trim paint in satin. They have all done well and cleaned up with a damp soapy rag, so no complaints here.

Try It! It is fun, generally inexpensive, and will let you live with a bit before really deciding.

I have had several houses through out the years, that had no tile on the walls. Its always been paint, and because, years ago, most people used semi gloss or satin on kitchen walls, thats what went on all the walls. It was never a problem. In fact, it probably is easier to keep clean than tile is.

Of course, it's your house. Pick a washable paint and you'll be fine.

i stenciled the backsplash in our last kitchen.

It is fine to use paint instead of tile. My backsplash is painted and I have had no issues.

Of course.

All major paint brands are washable now so don't worry about formulations. Ask for "Latex Enamel Semi-Gloss".

Unless something is wrong with the surface, or it is unpainted drywall, no need to use primer, just wash the walls and let them dry.

I don't even use semi gloss because I don't care for the sheen. As stated above, any washable paint will do.

True, semi gloss is not needed. Less sheen is called satin and just tad of sheen is called eggshell, no sheen is called flat or matte. Just get Latex Enamel paint in kitchen or bath.

Paint for sure. and much easier to change when you are ready for something new. I’ve also had scrubbable vinyl wallpaper for a backsplash, very durable.

When I had my kitchen and bathrooms renovated a few years ago, I chose a 4” backsplash (no tile) in the kitchen and for both bathroom vanities. All walls were painted with Behr’s matte Scrubable Ultra Paint and Primer. I cook from scratch daily, and almost never get anything on my kitchen walls, and if I do, it washes off easily with water and a pinch of dish soap. I love Behr paint!!!

I am 73 years old and have never lived in a home with a tile backsplash. That was my preference. There have been no issues keeping the walls clean.

We didn’t use tile. We just have the 4 inch splash. Our home is a log cabin so the walls are log. You do not need to use tile. Paint is fine.

I don't have tiles. My splash is painted with eggshell and it cleans very nicely. So much easier than tile.

Paint is not a waterproof coating and can not be used in a shower as a substitute for a waterproofing system and a decorative surface (tile or other) on top of the waterproofing system. Gypsum board of any type is prohibited in wet areas, no matter what is placed on top of it.

I have paint in my kitchen instead of tiles and as I commented above, it is fine. I just saw the portion of your question regarding the bathroom. I have tile in my shower area that I hate. 8 or 9 years ago I placed a large piece of art over the tile that covers the entire wall. It does get wet and the shower is used daily. I have not had any problems with this setup. I would not use paint instead of tile in the shower. Mine is tile with painted canvas over it and the paint is oil mixed with wax, which repels water.