Painting Laminate Countertops

I am so amazed by the transformation, it turned my so so kitchen into a welcoming sophisticated kitchen! Thank you ThriftyFun! I have told everyone about your helpful website:)

Source: ThriftyFun :)

By Kerry from Oak Harbor, OH

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RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I am getting ready to do this with my countertops. I'm concerning about the Envirotex coating on my vertical backsplashes. Does anyone have any tips for how to apply Envirotex on a vertical surface?

They are wood, and caulked down, so i really don't want to remove them. Any tips appreciated. Thanks!

Post by leannaa

Rustoleum Stone or Hammered?

I am a little worried about spraying the stone on. I noticed with the hammered finish you can brush or roll it on. since I am going to put the enviro sealer on it anyways, wouldn't I get a similar look w/ hammered? has anyone used this?

I just painted my cabinets white, so that is why I really dont want to spray it on :) Thank you for your help. Everyone's counters rock!

Post by cindy31

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Did you use a product like this one? http://westsidedecoratingcenter.com/giani.html
I have seen it in stores, the kit apparently has everything in it that you need to do a granite countertop finish. What did you use?

Post by Hawker19

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

TimKerry, I did a similar thing to my island about a year ago. I bought actual bead board from Lowes, as well as trim pieces. I painted mine cream, and am thinking about antiquing it now, to give it more of a primitive/farmhouse look. I tried looking for table legs as well, but opted for decorative trim pieces instead. Good Luck!

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Everyone's look amazing:) stay tuned ...I am going to show you my kitchen island transformation into a farmhouse kitchen island!! I painted it black and bought wallpaper bead board for it! Omg. It looks just like real beadboard:) It really finishes off the new counter tops:) still searching for inexpensive furniture legs that are 35" tall to complete it.

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

This is a close up. I tried to show the glitter but you can't really tell in the pics. Trust me the pictures do NOT do them justice, everyone that has saw them loves them.

Post by Jessica22682

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

My after (glare is from wooden blinds)...

Disregard the walls, I'm in the process of redoing our large open living area, all at once.

Post by Jessica22682

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

After reading this site over and over. I finally got the nerve to do my counters! I love them! The envirotex really scared me but the results are well worth it! Today is the first day I moved all the appliances back in, 3 days to cure. Went from dull gray laminate to caramel, black and glittery granite! I bought a granite stencil from Victoria Larson (works great if you like the granite look). Martha Stewart makes a very fine glitter in lots of different colors that works great for this project, I bought mine at Micheals craft store. Practise alot of different color shades. This is my before shot, just painted with primer.

Post by Jessica22682

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I am so glad yours went away :) My garage just worked out that it fit back in. I think it was a little short to begin with :) I just covered my bath vanities with minwax oil poly. They turned a yellowish color. No water stains though. I am not going to put it on the white sink though. I am going to apply enviro. now on the whole thing. The yellow is not that bad, kind of makes it look like the real deal.

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

TimKerry, I'm afraid it won't fit back in because the countertop will be thicker after enviro. Don't want to go through cutting it to fit. I thought maybe we could tape around it really well. Also, I placed a cup of just poured coffee on my island, because I forgot, and got a slight ring, but it went away. The cup was not on there long before I realized and moved it.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

It took several years to cure. This a.m. I walked in their and plopped my hot coffee cup down on it and walked away and came back and you couldn't tell it was even there before. I can not do this in the kitchen yet. It will take a very long time before you can put anything hot on it! Trust me. We have a corner app. garage..hubby had to take it apart to do the enviro. we put it back up 3 days after enviro. was done. You have to take it off to get a continued flow of the product.

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Has anyone used envirotex around and inside an appliance garage? I have one in the corner of my kitchen. Just wondering how people have handled this situation.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

pksummer, when you pour the epoxy, you spread it so it runs down over the sides, then use a foam brush to spread and smooth it onto the sides. In my experience, the sides are not near as smooth as the top. It still looks okay, but they are more of a textured look. Maybe others had better luck than me. Just be sure to cover your cabinets with plastic or paper, that also covers the floor under and beyond your countertop edges. I found plastic drop cloths to be inexpensive and easy to use for this. I used painters tape to fasten them, then took it off about 3-4 hours after the pour, once it's tacky enough not to drip anymore.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

How did you do the side? Where do I get the instructions for this? I hate my counter tops and can't afford new ones so I am very interested in this. Thanks

Post by pksumner

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

skanepa we must be on the same thought level. I will not babysit my countertops. The section I have completed is where my microwave sit. I personally pull hot plates from there to the counter to cool. This is one of the main reasons of test running this highly used area, if I can't put my hot cup of coffee on it then its not for me. Plates of food are much hotter so I will keep everyone posted. I also use many hot small appliances for cooking so I also be watching here before I move my project to the next level. Thanks for your advise on the mixing containers. It's the simple tips like this that you don't think ahead of about until you go to start as I did. Queenie

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

So TimKerry, are you saying that your sports bar eventually cured to the point you were able to use it like a normal countertop? Cups out of microwave on it? If so, how long did that take?

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I didn't see a difference with indents, when using the pledge. I am constantly on the kids telling them don't put that bowl or hot coco on that countertop. I just reheated my coffee this am and almost forgot that I can not put it down on the countertop without a hot pad. I know what I will be getting for Christmas this year:) Hot pads lolololol mine are still there. Maybe other peoples have disappeared? I don't know. They do look gorgeous but functional. I think they have to cure a long time. At least my bar one's did.

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Deeli, I guess what I'm thinking about is, after I make coffee, I don't want to have to use a hot pad under my cup as I'm pouring from the coffee pot. Or after I make soup, I want to be able to put it straight into the bowl without a hot pad under the bowl. Those are not things I have to do now, and I don't see myself or my family babying counters like that.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

skanepa, as long as you use a hot pad, just like you normally would with a pan coming off the stove, I can't imagine how you could have a problem with food coming out of a microwave or indentations from a crockpot by taking that caution.

Post by Deeli

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Oooh, that doesn't sound good. Although, it does say it is a pliable finish and objects may leave impressions, but should disappear. But it sounds like the cups/bowls from micro. may be due to the heat? It says it's heat resistant up to 120 degrees, but not sure how hot that really is?

TimKerry, I've read that you use pledge on yours. Did that seem to help the impressions made from cup/bowl from micro? I don't want a beautiful counter that I can't use. I'm thinking about maybe doing the rest in the Rustoleum Countertop Paint, or just leaving them as is. Anybody know much about durability of Countertop Paint? I've seen mixed reviews. TimKerry thanks for the info., and please keep us posted.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

For those of you who email me with what colors I used here they are:

Kilz primer tinted gray - rolled on with 4" roller
Rustoleum oil base - in black rolled on with 4" roller
Clair de lune in Behr sample size - sponged with sea sponge
Toffee crunch in Behr sample size - sponged with sea sponge
Bittersweet choc. in Glidden sample size - sponged with sea sponge
Root bear in Behr sample size - sponged with sea sponge

Pressed in faux gold leaf pieces onto last coat of wet paint.
Sprinkled black fairy dust onto of last coat of wet paint.
Sealed with Enviro. after 24 hours of dry time
Took 4 people to do Enviro. Mix, pour, spread and torch I had a huge area to do.

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Hi gals:) I would be super careful with everything you put on it!! I placed my crock pot on it the other day on low and the little rubber circles showed up after I went to put it away. Even the rubber circles from my glass cutting board showed up. Do not put anything directly onto it from micro. Not even bowl of soup etc. or coffee cup. It tends to leave some sort of ring from where your bowl or cup was? Our home sports bar also did it and it is over 6 years old. It is getting better tough as time goes by. Seems it just takes a long time to cure.

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I've asked this before, but no one seemed to respond, and I know there are those of you out there with Envirotex or other epoxy finishes that have been on there for some time. I'm still worried about how it will hold up to dragging a kitchen aid mixture out of my appliance garage, placing certain serving dishes with rough bottoms on them, cup from the microwave, or cup of coffee on them, etc. My island is done, but I'm leery of doing the rest of my counters. Those of you who have used your counters with this finish, please update the rest of us on durability, what to avoid, what is okay, etc. Most of the posts seem to be of finished product after being completed. I would like to see some "everyday use" posts. Thanks everyone!

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Queenie, another thought. I read in the directions the container should be 50% larger than the amount you're mixing. That said, you should probably buy at least 2 gallon containers to mix in.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Queenie, I bought large plastic tubs/buckets from True Value in the paint section. They were about 3 bucks each. Used a paint paddle to mix, and I did whip it like cake batter, as the directions stated. Ended up with lots of bubbles in it, but they say thats normal. Just be sure to scrape sides and bottom as you're mixing. You should be able to buy the buckets at your local paint or hardware store. My walmart didn't have them. I hope your large pour goes as well as your smaller pour. Good thing your husband will be there to help you. Two people for a large area is almost a must. If you can do a section at a time, that's what you should do. But if you have a lot of counter that runs continuously together, then good luck! And remember, if needed, torch, torch, torch!

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Skanepa what did you use to mix a large amount of envirotex with? My plastic coffee cans worked for one quart but my next mix will be the max one gallon that you can mix for a pour thanks, Queenie

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Skanepa I am so happy for you it looks awesome!

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Closeup of burnt carmine by folkart. These spots are not everywhere, just in a few places, as seen in my granite sample.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Another look.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Here is the finished island, Finally. No bubbles! In the background, you can see what my original counter looks like. I plan on also doing the other counters. The process was quite long and tedious, but worth it. For those interested, I used a white water based primer, without sanding (Zinsser Bulls Eye 123), then a base coat of latex wall paint (hazelnut cream). Then sponged on craft paints consisting of metallic gold, champagne pearl, brown, grey, black, white, and a tiny bit of burnt carmine (deep purple). Got my inspiration from an actual granite sample.

Lots and lots of trial and error. Sealed with Famowood Glaze Coat, and ended up with lots of bubbles. Sanded problem areas, just top off bubbles, then poured a second coat, this time with Envirotex Lite. My husband torched for 1/2 hour straight to make sure no bubbles this time. Pour on glazes are somewhat difficult to work with, but worth the finished product. Plus they are food safe, at least Envirotex is. There is a close up photo in a previous post.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Yea! Well it's morning and my island counter is beautifully bubble free! For those who have torched to remove bubbles; is it normal to have to torch for 1/2 hour? Megandgarr, your kitchen looks very inviting and cozy. Good to hear you've had your painted countertops for a few years.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Skanepa, I am so happy to hear it went a little better this time. If all your bubbles are gone, it will dry exactly like what it looks like now. I am so blessed and lucky but this is only the beginning for me. I will tackle the rest of them all at once. I already told my husband he will be involved in the process because it is so large. I will also buy more propane because when I was test running it. It kept going out when I tilted it (I think the lord was really watching out for me,lol), but thankfully I did not need it or I would have been furious ! Hope you wake up to a beautiful counter you worked so hard for. Queenie

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Okay, you all are probably getting sick of hearing from me, but I'm an hour into my second pour, due to bubbles in the first pour. This time my husband was here to help. He torched for 1/2 hour straight, while I kept watch. So far so good. No bubbles. Queenie, I have no idea how you ended up with zero bubbles and no torching. We still had a ton of bubbles, but it seems the 1/2 hour of torching took care of them. Tomorrow morning will be the real test. I hope I wake up to the smooth as glass finish!

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Skanepa I wish you luck. Mine came out so great that there is no need for me to apply a second pour.

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Well, Queenie and all others who have or are considering using a pour on epoxy, I just called Envirotex number and they were sooooo helpful! The lady was so kind and talked me through everything to do my second thick pour. I'm hoping I will end up with a bubble free surface this time. I would recommend Envirotex over any other pour on epoxy. My experience with the Famowood Glaze Coat help line was not nearly as good. They acted like I was an annoyance and were not very helpful. In fact the Envirotex lady said the Famowood person gave me wrong information about the thin coat, and I should never have been told that. If in question, go with Envirotex! I was trying to save money, but now have spent more trying to fix the problem.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Skanepa, I was terrified because I was armed with a torch waiting for bubbles. I didn't have a single bubble and now the fear of it not curing properly set in, but I was blessed its as slick and dry as if it was still wet. I use 2 plastic coffee cans for mixing one quart. I truly believe the step that tells you to pour and mix in one container and pour and mix again into the second container and not over or under mixing was the key to my success. It doesn't make sense but in the long run it worked! Good luck. I will be following you. I used a foam brush for spreading and once it was all spread I let it self level. Don't touch it anymore after that. Queenie

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Queenie, I didn't use any oil based paints/primers. Used Zinsser Bulls Eye 123, that will stick to anything for my primer. It's water based. I followed instructions for drying time. Followed with a latex base coat, then acrylic craft paints for the faux finish. I thought maybe everything wasn't dry enough before the glaze, but don't think that's it. Everything dried over night into the next day.

Maybe I should have let everything dry for a day or two, but others on here applied enviro soon after painting. Oh well. I just bought 3 quarts of Envirotex and will try again tonight maybe. Maybe the Enviro will do better than Famowood Glaze Coat. I also read the directions over and over because I didn't want to mess things up. I'm glad you had great results. How did you deal with bubbles, or didn't you get any?

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Timkerry, you have out done yourself with the gold leaf ,it looks awesome! I also want to thank everyone else for sharing all you ideas and especially close up pics and over all view of all your wonderful counters. I am in the process of planning a new kitchen everything I am doing now is just what I call it a bandaid to be able to live with it but I am truley thinking of customizing my entire new counters down the road with the envirotex. Not only will it cut costs but I truly love the finish on it. Right now the counter over the dishwasher and around the sink is warped so I will be going to lowes tomorrow to see my options for maybe replacing that section before I complete the rest.

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

skanepa, I know this is not the answer you are looking for after the long pain staking process of the faux painting but if it was me I would just sand it down to the bare bones and start the process all over. I used a oil based primer and let it dry completely before second coat; very timely but worth it in the end. I am blessed to have not had a single bubble after all the horror stories as yours. Truthfully I was terrified that maybe I didn't mix well and fear it would not dry as nice as it looked wet. But today its just as slick as yesterday and dried well.

I would have to look back later on your old posts but maybe there is some kind of chemical reaction going on with something you used in your process ,( that happened with me in the past with not allowing oil paint to thoroughly dry before painting with latex and acrylic ) it started the bubble process with just paint so I am simply guessing on your behalf. I wish I had better answers for you because I know how upset you are. I am not out of the woods yet. I still have the big ones yet to do.

I followed the envirotex instructions as if I was working with a bomb. It made no sense to pour and mix in one container and then pour into another and mix again but I did it. I used two old plastic coffee cans to mix a quart and then I worked fast. One thing I have learned is patience for dry time it is one of the most important key in success (and yes a lot of trial and error taught me that). I pray that someone will have a solution for you. I know you worked so hard. Good luck!

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Here is another picture.

Post by megandgarr

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Here is a pic of my countertops that I did a few years ago. It has been awhile so I cant remember the colors, but I did use the oil based poly (about 5 coats) as my topcoat. I didnt know about the enviro product at the time.

Post by megandgarr

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

This is the before picture.

Post by funsize70

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Here's another after photo!

Post by funsize70

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Hello All, after reading through all of your helpful advice and tips and looking at all the amazing pictures, I took the plunge and did the faux granite in my sons bathroom. I chose to do a black granite look and it looks amazing! I stained the cabinets and I even created my own backplash and shelf using shelving material and did the faux granite look on it too. I can't believe it turned out this beautiful. I could not have done it without ThriftyFun.com and all of your invaluable advice!

Post by funsize70

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Attention everyone who has used a 2 part pour on epoxy! I need your help! I am so frustrated and angry. My first pour left bubbles all over the surface even though I torched to the point of smooth glass. The bubbles came back and would not go away! Called the help line and received advice which I now know was bad. I was told to lightly sand with 600 grit and pour a seal coat, which is a very thin coat.

Well guess what? I ended up with wavy lines all over my counter and you can still see where all the bubbles were! Impossible to do a seal coat as a top coat. I should have known better but thought the professional should know what they were talking about! I guess my only option now is to do a complete second thick pour coat. But I'm so scared I'm going to end up with the bubbles again. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. I thought about lightly sanding and doing a poly on top, but the professional told me the epoxy would crack under a poly.

I'm at my whit's end here. Please, I know many of you have been pleased with the epoxy process and that's what gave me the confidence to do it, so I need your help. By the way, my island is about 21 sq. feet, so it's not exactly a small job.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

TimKerry, I thought I recognized that picture at the top of the page! I saw it on another thread I think last week or so. Remember the close up to, and how you explained about using gold leaf. I loved it from the first time I saw it. Very beautiful.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Another look at the finished counter. The reflection from my blinds and lamp:)

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Here is the up close pic if you need to see it:)

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Wow girls! Everyone's looks fantastic! See, we can do it:) It is a little nerve racking at first, but with some helpful guidance it is possible:) I don't know if you ever saw the before pics. and close ups, so here they are;D

Post by timkerry

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Thank you skanepa. I don't know if I should be scared yet. I did not get a single bubble but its still tacky but looks slick as ice so far. I have started warming the room with the oven to try to speed the process. I used one quart. I don't dare touch it. I only touched the edge of the tape. I amazed myself at the last minute of almost calling it quits on the faux painting. Mine came out different every time so this last shot was to simplify in order to be able to repeat it again next week.

I am like you I have to have my kitchen somewhat functional. Next week will be all the rest all at the same time. I have almost 80 sq.ft. and wacked out 9 sq. ft. today lol . I will keep everybody informed here because this is where I started and wished I knew what I know now from trial and error. Many practice boards then painting my counter up my kitchen wall. Lol ,it all has to be painted anyway but my husband is really hating looking at the counter painted on the wall, lol!

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Queenie, it looks like you've done a great job. I really like your color choices. I hope you have great results with the enviro....no bubbles like I ended up with. I'm planning on sanding down the bubbles tomorrow, and trying to add a seal coat of the glaze on top. I called the help line and the lady said I didn't have to do another thick pour, just a very thin seal coat to smooth the surface out. So hopefully that will work.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Well Laniegirl, I really appreciate that. After all my trial jobs, I much preferred the blended look as well. I didn't want my entire kitchen out of order all at once, so I just did the island for now. Will do the rest in the near future, that way I always have a counter I can use for small appliances and food prep. If you get tired of your new laminate in the future, now you know you can always paint over it with great results.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Yes Skanepa, I was referring to yours. They are all nice but I like your blending better. I already got a new laminate top but I probably wouldn't have if I had raed all this first. I was worried about trying to make meals, etc. with all that going on.

Post by Laniegirl

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I just realized I never posted a before pic so here it is

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I hope all my photos are helpful to others ,as the ones in the past that were helpful to me .

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I am into the first hour of cure time with the envirotex and I could not be any happier at this point.

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Picture looks like white is showing but its actually lighter shades of gold metallic that was painted on the first coat that covers all the white base primer.

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

A closer look; hope these pics are helpful. Good luck to the rest of you following on this site!

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

OK, here is my bark brown color mixed with the glaze again and then all the deep tone specks was achieved by a small piece of real sea sponge and only the bark brown with no glaze. I really like this look; sometimes less is more after many trials and errors. Next will be the envirotex.

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Hey guys an update here for you!, I used this companies Liquid Stainless steel look that you see in some of my picture Makeovers, I recently had this emailed to me from them and thought people here my want to use it. Check it out!.
Nebster. (Ben)

New granite paint for quick Formica counter top makeovers! It's a new mineral paint that turns old Formica countertops into the look of Italian granite in a weekend.

It comes in a complete Kit that includes everything needed to turn all the countertops in a standard size kitchen into the look of 'Sicilian Sand or 'Bombay Black granite for $49 -

And the look is amazing! -as you can see for yourself in the attached "Before and After" images on www.GIANIgranite.com

Post by nebster

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Laniegirl, if you were referring to my work, then thank you. I tried both real sea sponges, and a faux sponge from walmart. I found the faux sponge gave much better results than the real ones. I was able to get very realistic veining without a "sponge painted look". Now I just have to tackle the bubbles. They're awful! If you were not referring to me, then maybe the faux sea sponge tip will help others. I bought it in the paint section of walmart where they displayed brushes, etc. Also, blended colors very well, even dipped sponge into 2 colors at once (brown and gray). I guess it's all personal taste.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Oh, the first pic is only my first coat of my layering. Aafter it dries I will layer in my next color.

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

This post is for a step by step of my progress, so far I have sanded, primed in a white oil base and now that it has dried I applied a gold metallic acrylic paint mixed with translucent iridescent glaze. I brushed it on then went back over with a rolled up piece of plastic wrap now I cant go any farther until this coat totally dries. Through many trials and error I have found out that simply simplify the whole process or you will never get it all done to match (I have almost 78 sq. ft. to cover). So here's my first counter. Wish me luck and hopefully it will turn out great for others to follow without the stress that comes with the trial and error.

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Wow! It looks great. I have a bathroom sink that needs redone i think that i will try this. not too big of a job.

To the person wanting to know if they can use acrylics. I am a crafter/painter from way back. The answer. is yes as long as it is properly coated and applied you can use acrylic almost anywhere. Even outdoors if you weatherize
the surfaces well. A good clear varnish or sealer I prefer matte finish most always will do well. Perhaps a few coats sparingly applied. Thanks guys, carla

Post by nunley10

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Very, very beautiful! That is the most professional looking job I have seen to date. I don't think you could tell the dif unless you knew it between painting and the real thing.

Post by Laniegirl

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Here's a closeup.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Well, I did it. Got most of my info. and courage from this website. Thanks everyone. I painted my kitchen island, and will do the rest of the countertops later. It did not go as expected. Took me 7 1/2 non-stop hours just for the faux painting until I was happy with it. Next day did Famowood Glaze Coat from Lowes. This is the same as envirotex. I would love the result, however, even though I torched all the bubbles out, as it was curing, many, many bubbles popped up.

At this point it was too late to pop them because they left dimples once popped. So I'm hoping to lightly wet sand then polish to get them out. I really don't want to do another coat. Too time consuming (I have a 3 yr. old) and expensive. I read a post on here that suggested using 600 grit to wet sand, then a compound like they use on cars to get a glass like finish after the sanding. Not sure exactly what the compound is? Well, if anyone knows a better way, let me know.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I must say those do look beautiful! Mine that I had done this past summer didn't. Congrats!

Post by melody_yesterday

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Wow! You did a great job. Thank you for sharing your beautiful kitchen. You go gf..Sherri

Post by K9cats

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I am so glad you took the plunge and you did such a great job! Thank you so much for sharing that it was ThriftyFun that inspired you to DIY and for sharing a photo of the completed job! Yep, ThiftyFun is a great family :-)

Post by Deeli

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

I'm motivated now! Looks great!

Post by Allison5

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Just wanted to say that stonedistribution.net is a great place to look at granite samples because there are many choices, and you can enlarge them to see detail. Also, I tried using a large plastic spreader for the glaze coat, and also my hands with gloves. Hands were much better for coating sides/edges with less waste. After I was done spreading it out, I removed my gloves and used a foam brush for drips. Another tip: I realized later-about 2 hours, that I got the epoxy in my hair. What a mess! I thought I would have to cut. But I tried dipping my fingers in rubbing alcohol, then sliding them over, and over my hair as I separated the strands. I then combed through the pieces gently. It worked! This was before it actually hardened completely and was still tacky.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

OK I took the big plunge and ordered my envirotex today (I live in the mountains), no places sell it here in no mans land, lol. I have been following everyone the past few months and even going back through the very old archives, so many new ideas from trial and error. I have many practice boards. They are all so different. I have learned one step that will be critical and that is white primer base (and once dry) then a mix of gold metallic and translucent glaze will be my very first color and I will allow that to dry before I start the magic. Any other suggestions for depth from this step forward would be greatly appreciated. I look so forward to being able to post pics to share with the others that have since joined this site as a follower as myself, great and wonderful inspirational people here. Thanks to everyone here!

Post by queenie123

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

These were the other practice runs I did. My husband says we'll have the nicest t.v. trays of anyone!

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Another photo, close up.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

Wow Kerry, those look fabulous! I just finished my fourth practice run and think I finally found a pattern I love! So onto my kitchen now. A few notes: I would not recommend sprinkling glitter. I tried Twinklets Diamond Dust and it just made the surface bumpy, and I'm not willing to do second coats of enviro to smooth it out. I used metallic gold and champagne pearl to mimic the metallic flecks seen in granite. Don't think you can tell from photos, but I used Famowood Glaze Coat from Lowes as my pour on epoxy.

Post by skanepa

RE: Painting Laminate Countertops

It looks like you did a fabulous job and make it sound so easy, I'm tempted to try doing my countertops!

Post by jess

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