If you're looking for an easy and inexpensive way to spruce up a formica backsplash, try painting it.

If your back splash has outlets or switches, turn off the power at the circuit box, remove the plates and then seal the openings with some heavy plastic and some painter's tape. Plastic freezer bags work great for this!

Clean the area with hot water and a t-s-p alternative to remove all the dirt and residue. Use rubber gloves and safety glasses, then rinse well.

Use a palm sander to scuff up the surface of the formica with 150-grit sandpaper, then clean away all traces of dust.

Carefully tape off all the areas that you don't want painted. the next step is to brush on a coat of bonding primer. This product will grip the formica and help the paint adhere to the wall.

When the primer coat is completely dry, use a roller or small sponge brush to paint on a good quality latex paint. You will probably need a couple of coats.

When the paint is dry follow up with two or three coats of non-yellowing polyurethane.