A kitchen splashback takes a daily battering from grease, steam, splashes and heat. Tiles grout, glass cracks and laminate swells. Aluminum composite panel splashbacks solve all of these problems: they are seamless, waterproof, heat-resistant, wipe-clean and available in hundreds of colors and finishes. This guide covers why ACP works so well in kitchens, which colors to choose, how to install it and what it costs.
ACP outperforms traditional splashback materials for several reasons. First, it is completely waterproof — no grout lines to grow mold or discolor. Second, the smooth coated surface wipes clean in seconds; grease and food splashes do not stick. Third, it resists moderate heat from hobs and kettles. Fourth, a single panel spans the entire wall length, so there are no joints to trap dirt. Finally, ACP is significantly cheaper than toughened glass or natural stone, while delivering a similarly seamless modern look. Feiteng kitchen-grade ACP is specifically coated for wet-area use.
White and off-white remain the most popular choices because they make kitchens feel bright and spacious. Beyond white, the trend is toward bold feature colors: deep navy, charcoal, sage green, terracotta and matte black. Metallic finishes — brushed silver, champagne gold and copper — pair beautifully with handleless cabinets and brass taps. Wood-grain laminate ACP brings warmth without the maintenance of real timber. For a truly bespoke look, digital-printed ACP can reproduce any photograph, pattern or artwork as a custom splashback.
Measure the wall width between cabinets and the height from worktop to bottom of wall units. Account for sockets, switches and pipework. ACP can be cut with holes for sockets, or you can order panels with pre-cut openings from the factory. Order a panel 5-10 mm shorter than the measured width on each side to allow for uneven walls and expansion. Most kitchen splashbacks use 3 mm panels; 4 mm is available for larger spans. Feiteng ships panels cut to your exact dimensions with protective film intact.
ACP splashbacks can be either bonded to a clean, flat wall with construction adhesive or fixed with slim screws and matching caps. Bonding gives a completely invisible finish and is the most popular method. Ensure the wall is flat, dry and free from dust or grease. Apply adhesive in dabs or serpentine beads, press the panel firmly into place and use a spirit level to check. Seal the top edge and around sockets with neutral-cure silicone in a matching color. Full installation guidance is in our kitchen splashback product page.
Glass splashbacks look premium but are expensive, heavy and require specialist templating. Tiles are affordable but grout lines are high-maintenance. ACP sits in the sweet spot: glass-like seamless appearance at roughly half the cost of toughened glass, and far easier to cut and install on site. It is also safer than glass if broken — ACP does not shatter into sharp shards. For rental kitchens, holiday lets and family homes, ACP is the practical, durable choice.
ACP splashbacks are nearly maintenance-free. Wipe with a soft cloth and warm soapy water to remove everyday grease. For stubborn marks, use a non-abrasive kitchen spray. Avoid scouring pads, bleach and abrasive creams, which can dull the coating. Unlike tiles, there is no grout to seal or re-grout. With normal use, a kitchen ACP splashback will look new for 10-15 years.
The same material works brilliantly in bathrooms, shower enclosures and laundry rooms. Bathroom waterproof ACP is manufactured with a moisture-resistant core and anti-mold coating, making it ideal for shower walls and vanity surrounds. It pairs naturally with the kitchen splashback for a coordinated look throughout the home. For commercial projects such as hotel kitchens and restaurant prep areas, ACP is a food-safe, hygienic wall finish.
ACP kitchen splashbacks typically cost USD 40-90 per square meter installed, depending on color, finish and whether holes and cut-outs are required. This is roughly half the price of toughened glass and a fraction of natural stone. Panel cost alone is USD 6-12 per square meter; the balance is fabrication, cutting and installation labor.
Send us your wall dimensions, chosen RAL color and a list of socket positions, and we will quote a cut-to-size panel ready to install. Contact Feiteng today for a free quotation and color samples. Our export team supplies panel dealers, fabricators and kitchen studios worldwide.
Q: Is ACP heat-resistant behind a hob?
A: Yes for induction and electric hobs with a small gap. For gas hobs, leave at least 100 mm clearance or use a heat shield.
Q: Can ACP splashback be drilled for sockets?
A: Yes. Use a hole cutter with a fine tooth and go slowly to avoid edge chipping.
Q: Does ACP look cheap?
A: Modern matte and metallic finishes look premium when installed correctly. The seamless finish is indistinguishable from glass at a fraction of the cost.
Q: How thick should a kitchen splashback be?
A: 3 mm is standard. Use 4 mm for spans over 2 meters or commercial installations.
A flawless splashback starts with accurate measuring. Use a spirit level or laser level to check that the wall is flat and true; uneven walls can show gaps at the top or bottom. Measure at three points along the wall width because older walls are rarely perfectly straight. Account for every obstacle: sockets, switches, pipework, windows and cupboards. Mark socket positions on a template before ordering. The wall surface must be clean, dry and free from grease or flaking paint. Fill and sand any holes. For tiled walls, tiles must be firmly bonded; loose tiles should be removed and the surface made good. If you are bonding the panel rather than screwing it, the wall must be as flat as possible because adhesive will telegraph any undulations. Feiteng's technical team can advise on substrate preparation for your specific wall type.
Feiteng manufactures kitchen and bathroom grade aluminum composite panels from our Zhangjiagang factory since 1994. Our panels are used by kitchen studios, splashback fabricators and construction suppliers in 56 countries. We offer cut-to-size panels in RAL colors, wood grains, metallics and custom printed finishes, with protective film on both faces. Minimum order for custom cut panels is one full sheet; mixed colors are available on container orders. For dealers and fabricators, we offer wholesale pricing, sample packs and technical support. Contact Feiteng for a quote, free color swatches and lead time on your next kitchen project.
For a truly seamless look, order panels with routed boxed edges so the panel wraps around the wall edges. This hides cut edges and creates a premium finish. Pair with matching color silicone for joints. Most kitchen studios offer a fitting service if you prefer not to install the panel yourself. Request a sample to see and feel the finish before ordering.
Zhangjiagang Feiteng New Composite Materials Co., Ltd.
Address:No.77 Huada Road, Environmental & New Material Industry Park, Bonded Port Zone, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu, China
Phone:+86 18151586877
E-mail:info@feitengacp.com
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