Painting Laminate Countertops

I asked a salesperson at my local home improvement store what type paint to use. He said it couldn't be done. He had never heard of anyone painting a laminate countertop, he thought I was crazy. I did it anyway.

First I sanded the countertop with a fine 200 grit sandpaper. After sanding, I wiped it down with a damp cloth, making sure to remove all sanding residue.

Next I painted the counter with a latex interior satin paint, using a foam roller; covering the entire surface of countertop, and allowed it to dry overnight.

Apply second coat of base color, if needed, and allow to dry overnight. This will be the base color and will show through slightly when finished. You will need two to three different colors of paint or glaze to go on top of base color, depending on how many different colors you desire.

Using a damp sea sponge or a damp crumpled rag, dip into first color of paint or glaze, to go on top of base color. (I used valspar translucent color glaze for the first color). Be careful not to overload your sponge or rag, dab sponge or rag randomly over entire surface of countertop, turning wrist in back and forth motion.

Cover lightly, don't overdo (the idea is for a speckled appearance like the original). You can also pick up a countertop sample in a local home improvement store. These are free and are great to go by when painting your countertop.

Allow first color to dry overnight. If using a second or third color, follow same steps as above, allowing each color to dry overnight.

After last color of paint has dried overnight, using a foam roller, finish with two coats of waterbase polyurethane, letting each coat dry overnight. Mine looks great and visitors can't believe it was painted.

Use countertop just like you did before painting, only use trivets or pot holders when putting hot containers on counter, also, don't use harsh chemicals for cleaning, such as bleach or harsh abrasives. Scratches can easily be removed with a light sanding and covering with one coat of polyurethane.

I painted ours three years ago and it still looks great. And what's so good about it, if you want to change the color later, just repeat steps above.

by Linda from Cohutta, GA

Archives: Photo: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 11/04/2009 How do you paint countertops to look like marble? What do you use, and what do you do with it? By Susie from NC Feedback: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops All of your countertops look great and I can't wait to do my kitchen counter. I'm not very artsy, and I need some advice on the colors. Apparently, the people who owned the house before us were completely colored blind, because the kitchen is just a hodge-podge of colors. We have a really beautiful dark blue stone island, very pale tanish/yellowish countertop (with some weird stains on it) ,black appliances, and white and black linoleum on the floor. The walls are... get this, gray? We're planning on repainting the kitchen and putting actual tile down (not flimsy linoleum). We bought Rustoleum Countertop paint in Haystack. I would really like to bring out the blue of the stone island, so what other color or colors should I use to "marbalize" the countertop? I was tinking maybe a really dark navy blue, but I'd like a third color to give it some real depth. Plus, I need the fastest drying way to make the top shine. I'll be honest, I don't have time to use Enviro and I have a cat who just loves to jump up on the counter. I would hate to relive some of the nightmare-ish tales you've all told. So what is the fastest way to do the hard shiny top for it? Thanks in advance for all your help! (10/27/2009) By ClarionCutie RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just now ran across this: http://www.curbly.com/DIY-Maven/posts/7477-jonesing-for-granite Granted it's to look like granite instead of marble but perhaps that's a way to do something close to what you want. (10/29/2009) By COflower RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi everyone. Been reading here for a week or more now. Bought everything to do faux granite on my kitchen counters. Planning on using Famowood Glaze coat from Lowes to seal. It's like enviro, but cheaper. Before using, I just wanted your opinions re: the epoxy vs. Varathane. My concern is the epoxy will scratch easily. Love the look of the epoxy, but like the idea of the Varathane being scratch resistant. I'm not planning on babying my counters. Meaning, I use a crock pot, electric pressure cooker, kitchen aid mixer, deep fryer, etc. on my counter. Plus my 3 year old son climbs on counter daily to watch me cook. I do not cut on my counters, and do not put hot pans on them. So, will the epoxy hold up to all this? (10/31/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thought this link may help those wanting to faux paint granite. I think they also have a method for marble. http://www.decorative-faux-painting.com/faux-granite-painting.html (10/31/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I want to thank skanepa, that is a wonderful website. I was almost ready to quit on my counters before I got started. The tip about the gold glaze as the base coat was the answer I needed! (10/31/2009) By queenie123 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Queenie, you are welcome! I too found the website quite helpful. I did a test run on two wooden T.V. trays yesterday, and used a pearl metallic rather than gold to mimic quartz flecks. The effect was more of a subtle shimmer. Hopefully I'll get pictures up soon. The video is great too. (11/01/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Finished results. I am so pleased. I used glaze coating and it shines so good. (11/01/2009) By kkdundo RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Plan on doing my island within the week and have decided on using pour on epoxy like enviro. However, for those of you who have used envirotex, what has been you're experience with microwaves, crockpots, and other small appliances that create heat on the enviro finish? Do they affect the finish at all, and do you have to use something protective under these small appliances? (11/04/2009) By skanepa Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 12/30/2009 I would like to know more about faux granite counter tops. By Gi from Baton Rouge, LA Feedback: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is a granite paint that comes in a kit. I did the Bombay black but this is a picture of the Sicilian Sand Color. You can get more information on it from here. http://www.westsidedecoratingcenter.com/component/content/article/36-paint/69-giani.html (12/14/2009) By Hawker19 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Gi, Honestly, what I did was spend several days reading down over all the posts having to do with anything re: painting laminate countertops. Also, much info. can be gained by doing a search on the web. If you read down over all the posts, you will find references to helpful websites. My island has been done for about 2 months now, and I've received so many compliments. Overall, I'm glad I did it, but I probably will not do the rest of my counter tops. Although most people probably wouldn't notice, it (envirotex finish) scratches easily, and I wouldn't say it's as durable as my laminate. But it does look beautiful. (12/15/2009) By skanepa Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 12/11/2009 I always wanted to purchase granite countertops, but could never afford them. After accidentally coming across your website, I decided I can try to paint my cream Formica counters to resemble granite. I did it. 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 Feedback: 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 envirotex 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 Lowe's as my pour on epoxy. (11/04/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Another photo, close up. (11/04/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops These were the other practice runs I did. My husband says we'll have the nicest TV trays of anyone.(11/04/2009) By skanepa 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. (11/05/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Wow. It looks great. I have a bathroom sink that needs redone I think that I will try this. It's 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 (11/08/2009) By nunley10 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 can't 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. (11/08/2009) By queenie123 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Oh, the first pic is only my first coat of my layering. After it dries I will layer in my next color. (11/08/2009) By queenie123 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (11/08/2009) By queenie123 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. (11/08/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey guys an update here for you. I used this company's 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. 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 GIANIgranite.com (11/09/2009) By nebster 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. (11/09/2009) 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. (11/09/2009) By queenie123 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Picture looks like white is showing, but its actually lighter shades of gold metallic that were painted on the first coat that covers all the white base primer. (11/09/2009) 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. (11/10/2009) By queenie123 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (11/10/2009) By queenie123 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (11/10/2009) By queenie123 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (11/10/2009) 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. (11/10/2009) By queenie123 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just realized I never posted a before pic so here it is (11/10/2009) 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 envirotex, 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. (11/10/2009) By skanepa 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 pictures and close ups, so here they are. (11/10/2009) By timkerry RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is the up close picture if you need to see it. (11/10/2009) By timkerry RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Another look at the finished counter. The reflection from my blinds and lamp. (11/10/2009) By timkerry RE: Painting Laminate Countertops 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 backsplash 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. (11/11/2009) By funsize70 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's another after photo. (11/11/2009) By funsize70 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is the before picture. (11/11/2009) By funsize70 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a picture of my countertops that I did a few years ago. It has been awhile so I can't remember the colors, but I did use the oil based poly (about 5 coats) as my topcoat. I didn't know about the envirotex product at the time. (11/11/2009) By megandgarr RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is another picture. (11/11/2009) By megandgarr 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 time consuming, 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. (11/11/2009) 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 so 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. (11/11/2009) 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. (11/12/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Another look. (11/12/2009) By skanepa 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. (11/12/2009) 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 that's 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. (11/13/2009) 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. (11/13/2009) By skanepa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops 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 microwave. Not even a 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 though as time goes by. Seems it just takes a long time to cure. (11/13/2009) By timkerry 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 inch roller Rustoleum oil base - in black rolled on with 4 inch roller Clair de lune in Behr sample size - sponged with sea sponge Toffee crunch in Behr sample size - sponged with sea sponge Bittersweet chocolate. in Glidden sample size - sponged with sea sponge Root bear in Behr sample size - sponged with sea sponge I pressed in faux gold leaf pieces onto last coat of wet paint. Then I sprinkled black fairy dust onto of last coat of wet paint. Finally I sealed with Envirotex after 24 hours of dry time. It took 4 people to do the Envirotex, mix, pour, spread and torch I had a huge area to do. (11/13/2009) By timkerry RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Oh, 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 microwave 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 microwave? 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 information and please keep us posted. (11/13/2009) 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. (11/16/2009) By skanepa 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 Michael's craft store. Practiced alot of different color shades. This is my before shot, just painted with primer. (11/19/2009) 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. (11/19/2009) By Jessica22682 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is a close up. I tried to show the glitter but you can't really tell in the pictures. Trust me the pictures do not do them justice, everyone that has seen them loves them. (11/19/2009) By Jessica22682 Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 10/27/2009 How do I paint laminate countertops? By lornadoone38 from Boston, MA Feedback: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops There is a product out there called Prime eze. Very simple to do. Sand the area lightly 180 or 200 grit and clean with a tack cloth to be sure all dust and sediment are gone. Apply the prime eze to the area, I found with a brush works best, apply 2 or 3 coats and let dry in between each coat thoroughly. Once dry, sand with a very fine paper 220 grit, wipe off with a tack cloth again. Paint the color you like but be sure to get a paint that is for kitchen / bath, apply 2 coats, completely dry in between coats. Once finished apply a couple coats of a good quality sealer that gets hard, ask your hardware store for recommendations. Lightly sand in between coats with the 220 grit and wipe well with a tack cloth in between coats and on the final coat. I have done this and it worked beautifully as long as I have used the prime eze. I used a spray on texture paint as I wanted texture to the finish, I used a hammered metal finish on mine and I love it still after 7 years! Good luck and remember to follow all directions carefully and have plenty of ventilation as well! (09/17/2009) By Beau D RE: jesse I was wondering what you exactly used on your counters? I love the way they turned out and my husband and I were thinking of doing the same. (09/17/2009) By masonrkelly RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have been reading through all of the archived posts and you all have inspired me to paint my bathroom countertop. I am so excited! I just have a couple questions that I was hoping you could help me with! 1) Some of the posts said you could just tape around a sink, others said you should remove the sink. I am not all that plumbing savvy so I am nervous about removing the sink. Those of you that taped, did you end up with a funny edge/lip in the envirotex around your sink? Can you just reapply silicone caulk around the sink afterward? 2) Someone mentioned "framing their mirror." I have a large edgeless mirror and I would love to have the look of a framed mirror without having to spend all that money. Did you just cut frame molding to size, stain/paint it, and glue it to the mirror? What did you use for adhesive? How did you then mount the mirror to the wall without those stupid looking mirror clips? I really appreciate all the advice on this page, and the pictures look fabulous! (09/27/2009) By NJdiy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi all, All these photos are so amazing! We just bought a house and I can't wait to do this to our kitchen. I got a little lost with all the tips and postings. How exactly do I get a beige granite looking counter top, and how long should it take? I have 6 months old twins, so I'm not sure if I will have the time and energy to do it. Any advice is very appreciated. Like what materials, type of paint do I need, brand, color, amount, etc.? Sorry to be asking for so much info, but with the twins my time to be reading is very minimal. Danielle (09/28/2009) By danycsrj RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Everyone on here (I have read all these posts like 100 times) has inspired me to do my ugly countertops! I bought all the stuff, and I am doing it on Columbus weekend. Here lies the problem: I have 3 cats that like to jump on the counters! I live in a small place, and the kitchen to dining room to living room has no doorways to shut, and I cannot lock my cats up for 3 days. They will destroy my rugs after 1 hour! My husband might get some bubble wrap and we can just seal off the whole room I guess, but we will need a lot of bubble wrap! Anyone have any suggestions? I was also thinking about taping aluminum foil from the top cabinets to somewhere on the floor, so they don't jump up, but won't blocking in all the air to a small area be bad? I am using Parks Super Glaze. Can anyone help? (09/30/2009) By GramazioKittie =^..^= RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I've been lurking here for a couple of months and studying everyone's pics and techniques. I want to thank everyone for posting your information and pics. You all have given me the courage to try this on my own and I want to share my pics with you and to anyone else who is thinking about refinishing their counter tops. This was my 1st attempt and I have 6 more counter tops to go. Thanks so much for all of your help! (10/04/2009) By Lucky'smom RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I tried to post more than 1 picture at a time. Here's my before picture. (10/04/2009) By Lucky'smom RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Just finished my first countertop. I live in an older mobile home that is sometimes hard to find replacement items for, not to mention I am on a tight budget! I removed the sink as suggested by others so as not to have a lip when the Envirotex was poured. It was primed and painted then I poured the gooey stuff, just make sure you have all necessary tools handy to pour. I used a sponge brush to move the product around, it worked well for me, but then it was a small space too. The torch to remove bubble is a must! Easy to use, and works them out much quicker. Just have to let it cure a few days and I will drop the sink back in that is already to be hooked back up. I will post a pic, trying to before and after, new at this and it isn't working for me. Anyway, give it a try, it works. Just have to cut off the drips on the bottom edge, as I didn't watch it as closely on the first pour as I did on the second! I just have to repaint the room now! (10/08/2009) By Jstcheeky63 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is my before shot of the ugly countertop. (10/08/2009) By Jstcheeky63 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops OMG, I just finally took the plunge and it looks awesome. I used Envirotex and will post before and after pics soon! Don't be afraid, just do it. I have been reading this site on painting countertops for a year and finally did - I couldn't be happier! Thanks all for sharing your stories and courage. Pics will come in a few days, one final touch of trim to put up once the enviro cures before I have the final after pic :-) (10/10/2009) By hottpepper RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I spent the weekend doing my countertops, thanks to this site giving me the courage to dive in. After being unhappy with the poly covering, I went with the envirotex, and it looks great! I used dark primer, then black metallic spray paint, and then once I had flooded the area with envirotex, I sprinkled black and clear fairy dust glitter on the envirotex. It sank so the surface was smooth, but was sort of suspended, which looks great. My only issue is being afraid to pull the tape off the wall. I scored it, but I think I will wait for the thing to be hard cured to mess with it further. Wish me luck. (10/12/2009) By aaynne RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I've painted my laminate and I'm thrilled! (10/21/2009) By jammons RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Obviously, the previous picture was "Before". (Forgot to put that). Here's an "After". (10/21/2009) By jammons RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here's a close up - the light is shining down from directly above (that's the white spot). (10/21/2009) By jammons RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Jammons, that looks awesome! I am finally posting my pics tonight as well, I am very happy with the results and I also used the envirotex light - what a great product even if it is a little scary, it is so well worth it! Here is a before (I also painted the cabinets and replaced the sink). (10/21/2009) By hottpepper RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here is after. I did a white base with two shades of gray and finally splattered black on the counters, and instead of attempting the entirely laminated back-splash I went over it with bead-board and I love it! (10/21/2009) By hottpepper RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hottpepper, those are gorgeous! Probably the prettiest I've seen. I was scared to use the sponge painting technique on mine - I was worried it would look like I sponge painted my countertops. LOL. I used garage floor paint and sprinkled the texture flakes all over mine. My fiance thought I was nuts at first. He loves it now though. We also did the wainscoating backsplash and I'm painting and distressing the cabinets. Will have to post pics of entire kitchen once done. Your kitchen is gorgeous! Great job! (10/22/2009) By jammons RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Forgot to add for those of you that are interested, we used a pour on epoxy glaze from Lowe's. (10/22/2009) By jammons RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Painted my countertops just as I read here but, I have some lines from the polyurethane (used a sponge applicator). So my question is, how do I get those lines off there, do I use 220 sand paper? I'm worried it's not curing right, it's been going on 2 days. Need some advice guys. (10/27/2009) By kkdundo RE: Painting Laminate Countertops All of your countertops look great and I can't wait to do my kitchen counter. I'm not very artsy, and I need some advice on the colors. Apparently, the people who owned the house before us were completely color blind, because the kitchen is just a hodge-podge of colors. We have a really beautiful dark blue stone island, very pale tan/yellowish countertop (with some weird stains on it), black appliances, and white and black linoleum on the floor. The walls are... get this, gray? We're planning on repainting the kitchen and putting actual tile down (not flimsy linoleum). We bought Rustoleum Countertop paint in Haystack. I would really like to bring out the blue of the stone island, so what other color or colors should I use to "marbleize" the countertop? I was thinking maybe a really dark navy blue, but I'd like a third color to give it some real depth. Plus, I need the fastest drying way to make the top shine. I'll be honest, I don't have time to use Enviro and I have a cat who just loves to jump up on the counter. I would hate to relive some of the nightmarish tales you've all told. So what is the fastest way to do the hard shiny top for it? Thanks in advance for all your help! (10/27/2009) By ClarionCutie Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 09/16/2009 I am repainting my laminate countertops. They were painted about 6-7 years ago, now they have a few more dings and scratches. I have sanded and primed with 2 coats of Gripper Grey primer and have applied my 2nd coat of high gloss enamel. It is not blending well, a lot of brush lines are showing through. Any suggestions? By Daltonsmom from GA Feedback: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I want to say that this site is awesome. I don't know how to get more than one pic on at a time so I will do this in parts so you can see it all. I started by cleaning with vinegar and then lightly sanding all my work. I did 2 bathroom vanities and my kitchen. I will post my kitchen pics first then the bathrooms. I will also include pics of how I raised up my sinks. I didn't want a "lip" around them that you get even using tape. This was done by unscrewing from underneath then using 2 2x4's cut a little higher that the distance from the floor to the bottom of the sink and wedging them in. It didn't interfere with the plumbing at all and I could put the paint and sealer right under the sink. Much nicer look. The first bathroom vanity I just taped the sink and it has that "lip". I used an oil based primer (Kilz) after cleaning and lightly sanding. When it dried I put a water based coat of paint on the whole thing then took 3 colors plus metallic gold craft paints with a sea sponge cut into different sizes and started patting away. When I got what I wanted I used water based Varithane for "floors" to seal it. I did 5 coats lightly sanding in between each application. It can be re-coated after 2 hours of drying time. I waited a week before I sat anything on them, but I don't think I would have had to. It says on the can that "normal walking" can be done after 3 days. Remember, you can put water based stuff over oil, but you cannot put oil based over water. You will get bad results if you do. The pics I have don't really show how pretty they actually are. They shine beautifully and I am using them like I would normal counters. My friends love them and want me to do theirs. So here is the kitchen pics. Sorry if I do too many posts, but I tried to put them in a collage and it was way to small to see them. (07/16/2009) By Hiswitnessishere RE: Painting Laminate Countertops These are more kitchen. (07/16/2009) By Hiswitnessishere RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I didn't realize that everything I wrote to begin with would be on the "bottom" you'll have to scroll down and read up I guess. This is the end of kitchen pics. (07/16/2009) By Hiswitnessishere RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is the bathroom that ended up with the lip on the sink It's not bad, but I wish I would have thought to raise the sink first. (07/16/2009) By Hiswitnessishere RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is the second bathroom. (07/16/2009) By Hiswitnessishere RE: Painting Laminate Countertops If you scroll down to where I started my first post this picture will make sense. I raised up the sinks so there wouldn't be any build up or lip left after painting. It's explained further down. (07/16/2009) By Hiswitnessishere RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I really loved "Jesse's Five Colour Countertops", but since I'm in the U.S. I couldn't find the colors. I recently went to Canada and while I was there picked up the color swatches to get them color matched here. I really wanted Jesse's countertops. I took them to Lowe's and got them color matched. I just got the tiny sample cans. I figured I'd share the color recipes: Whalley Abbey: Valspar Satin Base 2: 101-4.25 107-3.5 104-1.725 Contemporary White: Valspar Satin Base 1: 107-0.5 104-0.25 105-3.5 Gothic: Valspar Satin Base 4: 101-6.5 107-6.75 104-2.5 113-19.750 (07/18/2009) By Liz4891 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops We ended up using the RustOleum Countertop Coating for our bathroom countertop, and are pretty well pleased with the results. The only problem that we encountered was that when using a foam roller, as suggested in the directions, we always ended up with slight roller marks on the top. I ended up putting a couple of coats on, but always ended up with these slight marks. Maybe it was just my technique, but I was not satisfied with the finish, so I ended up using a cheap HVLP sprayer, and sprayed the finish with a slight textured finish. Here are the before and after photos of our countertop; we used the "Wheat" color and the RustOlem Countertop Coating as seen here: rustoleum.com. It's only been on about a week, so we'll have to wait and see how it holds up, but right now we are very pleased with the results. (08/13/2009) By DC84N RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's the "After" photo. (08/13/2009) By DC84N RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is a picture before I started my painting. (08/24/2009) By jdiel RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is a picture after I finished my counter tops. (08/24/2009) By jdiel RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks for all the great advice. I finally did my counters and they came out great. Will post a pic, but it looks better in person. Used Envirotex Lite to seal it and used 4-5 different good acrylics and sponge for paint. I primed the counter before sponging. (08/29/2009) By emilym74 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I forgot to take a before, but it was ugly pale blue laminate. Here is one more shot. Colors are a little off on this due to the flash. The first pic is more indicative of the real color. (08/29/2009) By emilym74 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops After reading all the helpful posts I decided to try painting my counter tops. They look amazing. I am so thrilled. I used the Envirotex to seal and had to do a second coat. You must make sure you do not put it on too thin. When I put on the second coat, I only did one side of the counter at a time. This prevented the Envirotex from setting up before I could complete. I purchased the Envirotex from Michael's and AC Moore and saved a lot of money when I used the store coupons. Thanks to everyone who posted. You were all my inspiration. (09/04/2009) By soccermom34 Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 07/15/2009 I just finished the first coat of paint on my laminate countertops. When it dried there were bubbles. I know I can sand those out before the second coat, but what can I do to prevent them from appearing again with the second coat? Any help is greatly appreciated. By cherrell from Jackson, TN Feedback: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Very easy solution. My countertops were a bright orange. I bought Rustoleum's Countertop Paint at Lowe's. You paint on a couple of coats, wait three days and you are done. If you want any designs, guess you have to figure that out. It comes in 16 colors and you can order color samples. This color is taupe. (07/10/2009) By koko1028 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops So glad I found this site. I painted my old, ugly stained white countertops with craft paints and sealed with a water based poly and couldn't be happier Thanks everyone for posting your pictures and inspiring me to give it a whirl. (07/11/2009) By gorjess Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 06/15/2009 I am looking for anything, pictures, tips, how to information, for the best paint to use to paint laminate kitchen counters. Any tips are welcome. Thanks. By Cliffy from Fruitland, MD Feedback: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops www.ehow.com/how_2142766_paint-laminate-counter-tops.html - 68k - eHow is a great site to learn how to do almost anything. (05/29/2009) By Lisingreece RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi. After reading these archives over and over I tried painting laminate for myself. Have one bathroom complete, kitchen island 1/2 way there and remainder of kitchen painted in need of sealant. I used envirotex in bathroom and on island in kitchen. I think I took too long to spread it because it did not completely self level. Has anyone sanded and treated for satin look? I'm not wild about the super high gloss look in my kitchen. Bath is OK, but not sure. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. (06/02/2009) By ana010 Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 05/26/2009 I am interested in painting my laminate countertops, the pictures here are so fantastic. I am unsure about the Enviro Tex, however. How durable/tough is it? If I set a plate from the microwave on it will it hurt it? (I know not to put a pan from the stove, I don't do that anyway.) I also use cutting boards, but other than that, does it scratch easily? I have a cat that refuses to stay off the counter tops, I even tried tape sticky side up, but she's stubborn and just walked on it! I want to make sure that this stuff will hold up to regular wear and tear, using hot pads and cutting boards. Is there any other damage anyone knows about that I should be aware of? I appreciate the help! By diamond3573 from Milford, MA Feedback: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is a link to one of the Envirotex webpages that will answer your questions and a whole lot more. There is a lot of good info here: http://www.sculpt.com/technotes/Envirotex_tech.htm For additional questions, this is their technical support hot line: (212) 367-7561 (04/19/2009) By Anonymous RE: Painting Laminate Countertops prscire, I have been researching painting my old, yellow laminate countertops for months now but was not convinced until I saw your posts below. How amazing! I would love to attempt to duplicate your coloring in my kitchen. Would you mind sharing with me the type of paints/colors of paints you used as well as your method? I would greatly appreciate it (as would my budget). Your countertops are stunning! (04/20/2009) By KFranks RE: Painting Laminate Countertops According to this link: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/enpr.html, the Envirotex is water, chemical and heat resistant. Note that it doesn't say repellent, but should hold up if not the "lite" they use for decoupage and crafting. My friend used appliance epoxy and did an outstanding job of marbleizing hers, fooling even my eyes, which makes me want to find old wood and practice different applications until I find exactly what I would want to cover my older formica countertops in baths and kitchen, then add the Envirotex, but it didn't say it would hold up to scratching, a factor that might need to be there but isn't. I remember when clear polyurethane was used on everything from log tables to automobiles and souvenirs,, but suddenly stopped being promoted when it began to both scratch, chip and fog/yellow. I'd suggest that you practice and research more who have used it online. Good luck and God bless you. (04/23/2009) By lyndagayle62 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just finished creating "faux granite" countertops and I'm so thrilled. It was easy and the total cost for each countertop was about $70. Here's what I did: Using an orbit sander I lightly sanded the laminate countertop. I then wiped it dry and applied a coat of primer. Once dry I applied a water based base coat. In my case I used Behr Adobe Straw which is what my walls are painted. When dry I sprayed Krylon "make it stone" in the 2nd to last dark grey (the color wasn't named). Let it dry for 5 - 7 hours then spray it again and let it dry 5 - 7 hours. It will now look and feel a bit like concrete. Lastly I mixed and applied Rustoleum Stone Effects Step 3 clearcoat for kitchen countertops. It goes on like warm honey and is goopy and gooey but read the instructions and follow them and it will work out great. Use a 4 inch foam brush to push and move around the clear coat just as if you were icing a cake. Slide it over the edge and use another one to catch the drips and push them up on the side. I should note now, make sure you have previously totally encased your cabinets below and floor in plastic. You don't want this stuff dripping on them. I did the first time and ended up having to sand and repaint the cabinets. Smooth the clear coat well then leave it alone. Don't touch or do anything to it for 24 hours. Then do a 2nd coat. Any mistakes or bubbles will just be covered over. I messed up on my second coat so ended up doing a 3rd. It looks beautiful and is super thick and durable. Rustoleum says the clear coat is heat resistant but I wouldn't put a hot pot on it. I don't think it would hurt it but it might go cloudy. Just use a hot pad. If you're in a situation like me where my countertops were shot, it's worth a try. Even if it only lasts a couple years. It's worth it. (05/08/2009) By canadiangirl45 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I'm going for the full monty! This years tax return was to be used to remodel my kitchen, but when the pink slips were passed out at the first of the year, I figured it best to save. As you can tell by the picture, I've been living in 1950 for about a year now (sorry for the mess, picture was taken when original owner's family was preparing for estate auction, but you should get an idea of what I'm up against). My Full Monty will consist of the following: 1.) Removing old vinyl wallpaper from walls and sand 2.) Fill in routed design on cabinets and sand 3.) Paint Walls 4.) Paint trim and cornices (window boxes) 5.) Paint Wood Cabinets (countertop color is same color yellow on cabinets) 6.) Paint Countertops 7.) Replace Cabinet Hardware Since so many have walked the path before me, I'm looking for some insight. In which order should these projects be performed? Of course I will do the removing, filling and sanding first. Also has anyone ever used a product like a Wagner Power Painter to spray paint cabinets? I'm not a good painter (that's really an understatement) and I want my cabinets to have that professional painted look. What type of paint have others used to get the best results on cabinets that will have to stand up to cleaning? I prefer a flat to semi gloss finish. I'm going to use a light to medium stone brown (I like the color nebster used in 12/2008 photos on the shell sink vanity, minus the cat). Since my counters are an awful yellow, I'm guessing four to five spray coats to get the color I want. I had the kitchen floor tiled when I first purchased the home (they were already here to do the bathrooms), and it sounds like I should invest in a good floor cover, as it will be down for some time. My only concern is the Enivro-Tek. My kitchen sink is the original white cast iron sink installed when the house was built and I want to keep it. Currently it has the +/- stainless steel "huddee ring" piece where the sink recesses into the counter. Have they come out with anything that looks better? Thanks for taking the time to read my post and all comments are welcome. (05/09/2009) By ppandme RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks to Nebster I also took the plunge and painted my out dated kitchen cabinets. It was a lot of prep work, time consuming but worth it in the end. Next I plan to tackle my countertops and backsplash. (05/13/2009) By Maria Q RE: Painting Laminate Countertops The before picture. (05/13/2009) By Maria Q RE: Painting Laminate Countertops In reference to the scratching on the enviro. Well, it does. I have had mine for a year now. It doesn't bother me a bit. It adds to the uniqueness of the product. Still gorgeous. Mine are black granite look, love it. Going to do all my bathrooms now! BTW, I never sanded anything:) (05/13/2009) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops After reading down through about black look granite counter tops. Well mine look awesome and have been done for a year and I only used a shiny black paint, then rustoleum black granite look spray over. (Of course I primed but never once did any sanding, used a small hand held torch to smooth the bubbles. So easy worked like a dream.) Bounced gold and silver glitter that is square over and Envirotex, which I much prefer. I love the high gloss and it has held up with kids. I am not light in my kitchen. Everyone that sees it thinks I got granite, cheap and chic, lol. :) Now onto the kids bathroom and mine. Only downside, it does scratch but it's no big deal. You can't really see it unless you are 2 inches from it and I have had no problems with warm things on it. Of course be smart this isn't granite...no cutting, no hot pots. Fantastic! (05/13/2009) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Rustoleum now makes a counter top paint. No priming, just 2 coats. I have not tried it yet but it looks good on their website. (05/20/2009) By brookhaven RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have not had experience with the Envirotex, but it sounds similar to resin casting which is quite tricky. I have faux painted my bathroom and kitchen countertops and used a coat of faux finish polyurethane, which keeps paint from umbering and then applied 3 coats of a marine grade polyurethane found at Lowe's. It gives a very glossy finish that appears to resemble the envirotex finish. It is thicker than regular poly but maybe not as difficult as envirotex. (05/21/2009) By 1janine1 Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 04/19/2009 I have seen and read how to paint over laminate counter tops. I loved the colors that were used. They were more of the earth tones or neutral colors. I need to know how much paint I need to buy or can I use acrylic paint from a craft store? Can you add some metallic flakes and where do you find it? Please help. By Janab9970 from Maiden, NC Feedback: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I actually found the Thrifty Fun site while researching how to paint countertops last year! I'm glad I went ahead and took the plunge and got rid of my plain Jane white Formica countertops. Not to say there are no imperfections, but what I've learned is that a black or dark color does better with the polyurethane finish than light colors. The light colors tend to take a yellowed appearance, so be wary. I used less than a quart of the regular household all purpose indoor/outdoor paint for about $7.50/can at Walmart. I bought several of the small pint size cans in different colors to sponge in. I used black for main color, sponged on white and khaki gold and gray. I used a natural bristle wide brush for the polyurethane. I tried the roller first, but it was not looking how I wanted. So I sanded, and applied several coats, sanding in between. For the price, the Envirotex sealant looked a bit intimidating if I messed up. My counters look great and are holding up well, even with wiping them down with bleach. Other than dealing with not using your counters for a few days it was well worth it for less than $40 to have a new look. (03/31/2009) By NCTyphoon RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used latex paint and acrylic paint from the craft store. I bought two tiny sample Valspar cans from Lowes, then I decided I wanted more colors and got some acrylic from the craft store. I bought some gold metallic flakes from Lowes. It is the stuff they put in their granite faux paint. No need to buy the paint, the flakes will work fine (though they were kinda expensive like $5). I mixed the flakes with a translucent glaze and painted it over the countertop. Note: just put a little bit of flakes in the glaze, a little goes a long way and you can always add more if you want later. Lastly, I put Envirotex over the entire thing. (04/05/2009) By Liz4891 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops My laminate counter tops look great and it only took about 4 hours and $80. I just cleaned, sanded, taped them off and sprayed the Like Stone spray paint from Home Depot. I finished with a polyurethane, however I'm going to apply the Envirotex after reading this site.I'm a bit nervous about that part! (04/05/2009) By terrabelle RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi, I am ready to try this! I just had an estimate for new laminate and it was over $1400 installed. The least I can do is attempt to paint them. I really like the look of the stone spray, but am terrified of the Envirotex. I just don't understand how it works I guess. Plus I have a lot of counterspace to cover. Anyways, I was wondering if I used the stone spray, can I use polyacrylic as the sealer? Or will it be super bumpy? If it does end up too bumpy, can I use the Enviro over it later? And what is the difference between water based polyurethane and water based poly acrylic? Can either be used? I really appreciate any help you can give. Thanks! (04/10/2009) By honeydue RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Well I finally got done with my project thanks to all your posts on this page. I was so leery of doing this but it came out awesome. I did need help at end with second coat of Enviro though. Next are steps I took: Painted sage coat with new Rustoleum paint for counter tops. Sponged on, burgundy spray paint, then stone light beige, then copper spray, color top them with gold spray paint with sponge, also let dry over night Polyurethane gloss 2 coats Enviro tex 2 coats for durability and strength, as I have lots of people using the counter tops. Well all in all, I was so stressed about it but truly came out better than I'd hoped. Hint: You can use air dryer or heat gun to blow bubbles out of counter top but work fast as it does cure fast, less than 25 minutes, if your lucky. Then you cannot touch for 72 hours for hard cure. I wanted to post before and after but couldn't get this sight to let me put both on. (04/14/2009) By lovely42 Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 03/29/2009 Here are the best step by step tips as suggested by the ThriftyFun community for painting over your old laminate countertops. Do you have any advice to share? Post it here! Be sure to check the feedback at the bottom of the page if you have a specific question regarding this process. There is a lot of good information there. Painting a Laminate Countertop I did this last year and absolutely love it and it was easy as pie just plan to eat pizza a few days. My counters were terrible with cracks and holes in them. Being a renter I did not want to invest a lot of money either. I think the whole thing was around $25.00. This is what I did Wash with TSP or Comet to remove any oil and gunk, rinse well and let dry. Fill holes and cracks with spackle. Paint with roller 2 coats of Kilz and let dry 24 hours. Paint with 2 or 3 coats, your choice of color, water based paint, dry 24 hours. Paint with a roller, 2 or 3 coats water based polyacrylic finish, dry 24 hours. Be sure to use water based paint and such because of the chemicals in the oil based are not good for food prep. Good as new and have had no chips or problems. Would not recommend putting hot pots or pans on it. By Tami Blackstar Granite Look For a Great Blackstar granite look, use Rustoleum black metallic spray paint, 3 coats (sand with 400 grit with block sander after each coat). Next finish with 4 or 5 coats of Varathane Waterborne Floor Poly (found at Lowes) sanding with 400 grit block sander between coats. The last coat do not sand. I used an HVLP sprayer for the poly - it worked much better than brushing it on. This will give you flawless "absolute black" granite look. Much cheaper and more beautiful than any laminate, but of course not as durable. Note: don't use standard polyacrylic in lieu of the floor poly it won't be nearly as scratch resistant. By hodgepodge74 Jesse's Five Colour Countertops I used 5 colours including black. When you get your black paint done, make sure you ask for straight black rather then a black from a paint chip. Some of those chip colours have tints of blue or purple, etc. Here's what I did step by step: I removed the existing caulking (rubber lining) from around the counter with a sharp knife. note: this left little rubber bits that were hard to remove off the counter. I rolled on one layer of black, but had rubber bits in it so I sanded them out when dry. I then used a tack cloth to pick up the dust but this left little hairs in my next coat of black paint and I ended up sanding again. I then used a damp rag and rolled on another layer of black, therefor having solid black counters. I then sponged on 4 other colours from dark to light, the colours I used were as follows: Debbie Travis - Dark Magic Debbie Travis - Gothic Debbie Travis - Whalley Abbey CIL - Contemporary White I bought a sea sponge from a local hardware store and ended up breaking the huge sponge into smaller pieces that had nice looking (not so spongy looking) textures. After all the layers were sponged on they actually looked very light. I ended up sponging a light layer of black over everything again to get the granite look that I was going for. (note: don't be scared if it doesn't look very good after your first couple coats of sponging, mine looked a lot like camo!). After everything was painted I covered it with Enirotex Lite. This is a pour on finish that I spread over the countertops with a black sponge brush. Make sure that you clear your work area of any dust before applying. You'll have to monitor the counters for a couple hours and touch up any runs on the sides and back splash. This product is self leveling and can be poured on even up to an inch thick and will deliver a crystal clear, hard finish. Hope this helps, good luck to all! By Jesse Envirotex Experience After painting with Envirotex and experimenting with it I decided to share my findings with those of you who may have thought about trying this. Don't try using a light coat of Envirotex. Too thick of a coat leaves massive little imperfections and lots of bubbles. Even Envirotex done right still leaves some small imperfections - it is impossible to get a perfect finish. If you have a large area to cover you really should get a torch to take out the bubbles - a straw is really tedious, gets condensation "spit" build up in your straw which can get on your finish leaving imperfections you cannot remove. You really should use a mask when using Envirotex and using a straw to remove bubbles exposes you to the fumes. I think the Envirotex look is really a preference thing. After doing both a kitchen area in Envirotex and a bathroom using oil based poly I prefer the look of the poly - it just looks more natural. The Envirotex is really thick and almost looks like a thick coat of plastic. If I had to do over - I would skip the Envirotex and use poly. Again - its a preference thing. Good luck with your projects. I will post a picture of the kitchen next week after I fix my mess up on the application that was too thin. By Dfairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Just thought I'd check in and thank you for all the posts. I just redid my bathroom countertop and used the Envirotex. It was a scary thing to do but all these postings and ideas encourage me so much I just went for it and now I've got a few tips to share. If your laminate is peeling up in places and cracked. It can still be done! I re-glued the laminate and used finishing nails but it did not hold well enough hold so I had to use larger nails. Don't drive them in too hard or you will crack the laminate like I did. I filled in cracks and made sure to caulk around the nails and along the seams. Since I had all this damage I couldn't do a faux finish with regular paint and instead used Valspar textured spray paint in granite (at Micheal's and Lowe's). Thank you to the poster that suggested it. It worked great and covered everything up. Thank you to the lady who posted to use at least a gallon of Envirotex on the bathroom vanity. I took her advice and am very glad I did. The instructions on the box are not enough for covering an average bathroom vanity. My vanity is approximately 5' with a sink in the middle and it took 64 oz. of Envirotex for each pour. Covering the back splash with Envirotex is a challenge. I took another posters advice and continuously spread the Envirotex that pooled on the countertop from the back splash back up onto the back splash. I didn't do this for the first pour and the coverage ended up being too thin. I also continuously added Envirotex to the side of the counter because that also ran off too soon. This is the only way to get good coverage and took up the bulk of my time during the pour. It worked. As the Envirotex set up it ran off slower and more of the product stayed put. I had some air bubbles and rough spots from the first pour. I simply sanded them down and you can't even tell they were there after the 2nd pour. I used a small butane pin torch from Home Depot which cost under $10. I didn't use an Exacto knife. When I paint walls I always take the tape off when the edge is wet. I figured the same would work here. The challenge was working with the thick Envirotex. I taped around the wall just above the back splash with overlapping the tape so I could pull it off in one continuous step. I did the same for the sink. I overlapped extra wide painters tape around the sink top (I have a stainless steel edge around the sink which I originally taped off but decided to let the Envirotex cover it the second time) After my first pour even though I taped it all off and covered with plastic, I had a mess in the sink because the Envirotex seeped through from the back splash. I learned from my mistake and the scrubbing and for the 2nd pour I turned the side of the tape up and made a damn. This stopped the Envirotex from leaking into the sink. When the Envirotex had set up to a gel, I carefully mopped off the excess on the tape and then carefully pulled up the tape (remember to overlap the tape in one direction so it comes up continuously). This left me with a clean sink. Any excess that seeped off the edge to the sink top I carefully mopped up with a wet rag. This worked great and I didn't have to use an Exacto knife. Wow, what a job but it looks great. I'll try to post a before and after picture. Thank you to everyone that posted. I couldn't have done it without your help. Now it looks brand new! I'm painting the linoleum next and I'll be sure and look for tips on this website. By Tillee Step By Step Instructions Prep the surface by sanding with very fine sand paper. Wipe the surface with a tack cloth. See your hardware store. They are inexpensive, and leave the surface immaculate. Paint: You want a melamine paint. Any brand will be fine. Roller You want a small (3 to 4 inch) dense sponge roller Mask off any areas you do not want painted. Apply the paint rolling evenly, finishing in one direction. Let this dry for 12 hours. Then apply the second coat. Let this dry for 12 hours. This step is very important: Lightly sand the surface, smoothing over with your hand, checking for any "bits". Wipe down with a clean dry lint free cloth, NOT the TACK cloth. Then apply your final coat of paint. Let it dry for 24 hours to cure properly. My kitchen counter and cupboards held up almost like new for 8 years, no kidding. How good your paint job looks and lasts, depends entirely on your prep work. Follow these steps and you will not go wrong. Have fun! By Hedera Answers: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops In making a granite look, can you alternate the upper sponged colors with polyclear? I was thinking it would give more depth. Maybe even add glitter in there too. (02/03/2009) By Bob RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Just finished putting up a backsplash in my second kitchen, I painted the counters a few weeks ago. (02/12/2009) By In2Paint RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here are some before and after pictures finally. I used Valspar Granite spray paint for the countertop and Envirotex. I also painted the vinyl floor using pinstriping tape for the grout. I primed the floor then used a white basecoat of eggshell. I painted the light blue and blue squares all with regular eggshell paint and the acrylic glaze I used on the walls. I went over the squares with a pearl glaze and then put several coats of Diamond Finish Floor Varathane. It has held up well and it did not yellow. I used Rustoleum "Hammered Metal" on the toilet roll, lightfixtures switch plates and knobs. Good luck to you all and thanks for all your help. I'm off to the next project. (02/17/2009) By Tillee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a close up of the countertop. Sorry the picture isn't all that clear. I don't know about using the Varathane on the counter top. I did use it on the floor but I think the Envirotex is well worth the trouble on the counter. I have a surface that is hard as glass and I also put a couple of coats of carnauba car wax on it and the water just beads up. So far it's holding up well. (02/17/2009) By Tillee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I've finally had a moment to post my before an after. I used granite spray paint on the counters and Envirotex lite over laminate. I also painted the dull vinyl flooring. On the floor I used primer and the same eggshell paint and glaze I used on the walls. I put down two coats of primer, followed with two coats of basecoat. I then marked the squares with 1/8 inch width pinstriping tape (can be found at stores selling auto paint or on line). I also used a pearl glaze over the squares after I painted the faux. This gave them more depth. I covered the entire floor with Varathane Diamond finish. This doesn't yellow. I've used it many times in the past on floor projects and it holds up very well. Because the Varathane covers so nicely and holds up so well it really isn't necessary to use special "Floor" paint under it. Well off to another project. Thanks to all the posters for introducing me to the Envirotex. I can't wait to do a decoupage project with it. (02/17/2009) By Tillee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here was my before! (02/17/2009) By Tillee Staning /above paint I'm a resurfacing owner. I use to use to paint and different gloss depending on type of look. However, most recently to get a genuine granite look, I have switched over to staining, instead of painting. I get my chemicals from Midwestchemicals.com. Great people, fast shipping. The color pallet is great. Prep your countertop with 220 sandpaper, and wipe with M.e.k to remove deposits. You simply (recommend spraying) apply the primer of your choice to the whole counter top, pick 2+ colors depending on the look. Apply your coats with a sea sponge by hand to get the natural non- patterned look. Wait 15-20 min apply second coat and so on. Once dry you may apply whatever type of gloss you want. The gloss from Midwest chemicals, gives a satin finish more than a natural glass finish. It's all a preference. You can use this process for tubs and porcelain sink tops. (02/19/2009) By Ian RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Just wanted to say all the counters are so beautiful and I was extremely inspired by this site last summer when I started painting my counters. I did all of the countertops in my house and everyone thinks they are granite, kitchen and bath. They all came out great - just wanted to share a few tips that I used that, I didn't see in any other post. I used Envirotex Lite and found it extremely easy to spread it with a comb from the drugstore, worked so well. It goes on very evenly and I felt I stretched it out more. The other thing was try using metallic paints from Michael's, it gave me a more natural look that the glitter. Just use it last - I also found that if I took my time and looked at it a couple of days before putting the Envirotex on I could see areas that looked unnatural. - My paint held up well. I tried black countertops but did not like it at all - it looked extremely cheap and you can see every little scratch. I definitely recommend doing a mixture of colors if you're using Evirotex. Lastly, when I repainted over the black, I just primed and painted over that. I do recommend letting all of your paint dry between coats - it takes longer but it is so worth it in the end. Good luck everyone! (02/21/2009) By Amazinggreyson RE: Painting Laminate Countertops For the bumps try some wet sanding before you apply your final 2 or 3 coats. (02/23/2009) By Joe RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Let me begin by saying that all these posts were the most helpful information I found or my project. I've lived in my house for 13 years with country blue countertops that I've hated since day 1. Not having the funds to renovate and not wanting to paint the kitchen a color that went with country blue, I left the kitchen the color it was when we bought the house. Recently a decorator/friend suggested we paint the countertops black with the "fusio" spray paint and top with polycrylic. She did this for us and the change was inspiring. No more blue. However, this treatment was very fragile. The polycrylic clouded when damp and the paint scratched easily. After reading all of this discussion I decided to use the Envirotex Lite product. I rolled on satin Krylon black latex, waited 1 day, mixed acrylic art paint, metallic pewter and metallic black, dibbled on with a large art brush, and immediately sponged over heavily with the metallic black again. I topped it all off with black "fairy dust" glitter. I had about 35 sq. ft. of counter, used 1/2 quart of Krylon laytex, 1 2oz. bottle of pewter and 2 2oz. bottles of black acrylic, and less than 2 tubes of fairy dust. We used a total of 4 32oz. Envirotex kits. I gathered 40% coupons from Michael's and Hobby Lobby and kept the cost of all materials under $100. I waited one more day and prepared to apply the Envirotex. I was a bit intimidated. I re-read all the postings, re-read the directions and made my husband read them too. It wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated! Working with another person and having a plan made it pretty easy. A few pointers that I believe were helpful: Make sure you use plenty of Envirotex, don't scrimp, flood the area you are covering well (we had to re-coat 1 area because glitter wasn't covered all the way) Use a wide sponge applicator to distribute A heat gun works perfectly to remove air bubbles Use plastic and newspaper to protect cabinets (this is a messy process - be prepared!). After I finished I turned on oven on to promote faster/better curing. I removed the sink and recommend doing so. The end results are stunning! I am beginning to use the countertops and find them very durable. I am being very cautious, but believe the end result will be durable in the long run. No scratches yet and this is much better than the polycrylic finish. I'm not sure why I waited 13 years to take care of a color I hated. I encourage anyone reading this to go for it! Thanks for all the great advice! (02/24/2009) By lbff RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks to this forum, I have beautiful painted countertops. The last step, however, may have ruined my week long project. Taped the edges of the counter tops. 2 coats of Kilz. Overnight drying. Painted 2 coats of Midnight Plum. After drying, I used a WalMart bag and dabbled on Amethyst, Jade, and YellowStone. I wiped on a gold metal glaze. Realizing the Yellow and Jade were too dominant, I used a WalMart bag and dabbled the Midnight Plum on top. I then lightly sprayed craft glitter in gold and then in clear. Once dry, I put a gallon of Varathane Water Based Polyurethane on. This took about 4 coats. This is when the problems begin. After three days of curing, I realized the poly had a sticky feel to it, although it was completely dry. I then purchased Varathane Oil Based Polyurethane. I put a nice thick coat on moving the poly around with a foam brush. Beautiful and highly glossy, the way I wanted it. 10 hours later, I put the 2nd coat of oil based poly. Immediately. the poly started to wrinkle, crinkle and blister. I knew I had a problem. I went online and read what happened. Apparently the first coat of the oil based poly was not completely dry. Therefore, the wet/dry poly was reacted with one another. Is there any way that I can fix this without starting over? The other aspect that bothers me is that the oil poly turned the counters an amber color. The backsplash still appears clear, but the top is amber. I'm ok with the crinkling now - I guess. Any options? I have one counter remaining to do and not sure what to do. Help! (03/07/2009) By rkofamily "Ripply" Paint Effect Hi, Jared. You may want to try LIGHTLY sanding the paint to remove the texture, but leaving it alone may actually work to your advantage... stone is not uniform in appearance. Plus, once you add your sponged colors, I think it will add some depth and you won't feel it once you have sealed it. (03/17/2009) By prscire Took the Plunge Well, I did it! I started with an upstairs bath that no one would have to see if it turned out really ugly, but I am just tickled. Couldn't have done it without you guys. Thanks for all the advice. For those still contemplating it, get the Torch! I let someone talk me out of it... big mistake. I nearly hyperventilated trying to get the bubbles out, finally resorted to my hairdryer, then decided to give up, let it dry and sand them out before the next coat. Before and After pix follow. I used an epoxy paint from Home Depot on the sink. Hard to work with, but worth the end result. A couple tips: Envirotex is spread quite easily with a square sponge paint edger tool and is perfect for those pesky backsplashes. Just check periodically to correct any sagging until it begins to set. I used a dense sponge roller with a tinted primer for the base which worked beautifully, and smaller disposable sponge paint sticks for tight spaces. Would recommend getting the round sponge wheel for corners. The fellow who posted advice about using stains instead of paint was right. I used gel stain for my darkest color, thinking depth again, and wished I had used ALL stain instead of paint. Some is opaque, some is more transparent depending on the application, just like granite. You can be much more creative and end up with more natural results. You don't even need the glitter when using this. (03/17/2009) By prscire Took the Plunge 2 After. (03/17/2009) By prscire RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I posted picks of my bathroom first, although I haven't yet started that project, I did complete my kitchen counter. The first picture is a before. Tracie B (03/20/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is the finished kitchen! The top coat was still drying when I took picture. (03/20/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Close up of kitchen counter. I can't wait to do the bathroom. Tracie B (03/20/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I still have to pour the Enviro, but I'm very pleased with my bathroom counter top, and am excited to share it with you all. Tracie B (03/21/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops picture #2 Tracie B (03/21/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops picture #3 Tracie B (03/21/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Wanted to post a pic of the bathroom after Enviro. It looks good, but there are good points and bad points of Enviro. I will have to sand down and re-coat. A few tips I found were, wear a bandanna or something over your hair. Keep a bottle of alcohol handy to clean off messes. Enviro is alot more messy than you imagine. Use twice the amount of plastic and taping you think will be needed. Make sure you use new containers rinsed only with water for mixing and pouring. Any leftover residue will form a oil on the Enviro. Pour more Enviro than you think necessary and don't over scrap it. I wouldn't suggest blocking your sink hole, the Enviro will just build up on the bottem of the bowl, put an old empty pitcher under the opening and remove in 15 minutes and place outdoors. Container will heat up. Last but not least wait at least 24 hrs before attaching faucets and drains or they will never come out again. Tracie B. (03/23/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Oh my, sigh. My entire counter for the most part is sticky. Guess I am headed out to Hobby Lobby for some more Enviro. I will definitely make sure this batch is good and mixed. I hope it takes over the other stickiness. (03/25/2009) By CPalmer72 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops RE:Post by CPalmer72 (2) | (03/25/2009) I would definitely wait a few weeks before trying to apply another coat, if it doesn't harden up by then you will have to scrap it off. A third coat will just be sticky also, if the other coat isn't cured. Tracie B (03/26/2009) By Tracie B Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 01/29/2009 I want to paint my laminate counter tops. What kind of paint do I use and what are the steps? Tina from Smiley, TX Answers: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Wow! Look at all these older posts! Someone had asked me about "glazing" my cabinets (sorry I can't find the post now). The cabinets were painted off white which I liked but I really like a somewhat distressed look. I used brown paint glaze (you can get this several ways- mix your paint color of choice with faux finish glaze or buy the pre-made stuff), it's very easy to do. I used a foam brush to put in on then wiped it off with a rag. I am posting pics. (01/02/2009) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I didn't find any glitter that looked, well, not like glitter, at the craft store. But I did find this product instead. I used it sparingly on top of Rustoleum's Textured Desert Bisque. I threw it on the counters by the pinch while the paint was still wet. Be very careful and wear gloves, its finely ground-up glass. Only have two coats of gloss water-based poly down, but it looks like the real bits of quartz in stone. They show up better with each coat of poly (I think as the surface becomes smoother, they show as glass crystals instead of just shiny bumps). I bet this would look fantastic on a black background, like that Galaxy Quartz they sell at the home improvement centers. I'll post pictures as soon as I get the final coats of poly down over the next couple of days. Twinklets Diamond Dust (01/04/2009) By Architescher RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Help. I have been reading this thread for about 4 months now and finally this past week got up enough nerve to do it! But I have big problems that I need some advice with. I followed all the instructions on how to do this, so I cleaned with TSP, sanded, primed with grey tinted BIN primer, spray painted with Rustoluem stone spray, then coated with Envirotex. This is where the problems begin, which are: 1) There are a few areas of the counter that I ran out of envirotex and had to run to the store to get more. I thought that the envirotex would self level, but it didn't and some areas of the counter are higher ( with a wave pattern) across it. 2) After getting under the sink and seeing what a job it would be to remove it.. I decided to leave it in and tape around it, BIG mistake. I know I read that taking off the tape was hard and I tried it both wet and dry as suggested but it ripped off terribly leaving sharp points and uneven edges around the sink. I thought I might try to sand it down a little, but all the sanding did was to scratch the envirotex up. So now it has a milky color. 3) I should have paid better attention to the post about keeping the cats away. I thought I was being good by locking them in the bathroom, but never thought my 6 year old would let them out! Needless to say they were curious about the whole thing and jumped up on the counters. There are now areas where they have not only messed up the envirotex, but also taken off the stone spray. So all that you can see is the grey primer (of course once again, try and sand this and it turns a milky color) Please help me fix my counters. My family is furious at me for messing things up, and the kicker is - where the counters are good. It's beautiful and I love it! But I don't know where to go from here. Should I just try and sand the whole counter and try again? My fear is, if I do that then I am actually starting off with a worse beginning surface than I originally did. Or do I just try to touch up those areas with no paint then do a thick flood coat of enviro again? Other suggestions? Thanks so much. Hopefully mine will come out as nice as all of yours... eventually! (01/09/2009) By Chris RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Chris - Wow...sorry you have had so much trouble with this! The good news....everything is fixable. The bad...it may require starting all over:( It's hard to say without seeing the damage from the cats, but are you able to spray the stone where the paint came off? If so, then you may not have to completely start over. Envirotex is self-leveling to a point. It will self-level if it is spread fairly evenly to begin with. If you have a lot less in one area and whole lot more in another, then you will get the "wave" look and the "pits". What did you use to spread it with? If it were me, and again I'm only going on what I think yours may look like, I would try and get the paint back on where it came off - be sure and wipe overage off the enviro'd area - and then I'd enviro again - really thick - and evenly. Spread it with a plastic putty knife (very cheap at a hardware store) and then use a foam brush (also cheap) to do edges and tight spots. You must use a torch to ensure good leveling too. I used my torch periodically until the enviro started to get hard. As for the tape, I also taped my sink and used an exacto knife or razor blade to cut it off and the rough edges of enviro BEFORE it completely dried. It worked really well. Others on here may have a better way for you to fix this, but this is how I would try. I think if you get enough enviro on, it will come out great. Good luck! Tricia (01/09/2009) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops To Tina from Smiley Texas, If you go through the feedback to 9/2008, you can read lots of suggestions on how to paint your counter top. I did mine and have them online as well. I used regular latex paint. I have the instructions online as well. If you need any other ideas from me let me know online and I can respond. See picture by Jean/Robards or computer lady. Both are me. (01/12/2009) By reddogshunt RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I love everything everyone has done on here, I have the paint and the Enviro. I attached pictures of the before on the bathroom. I will post pictures after I complete my sink. Thanks for all the suggestions & help! (01/17/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops #3 of old bath. There is entirely too much drab blue in this bath! (01/17/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops #2 of old bath (01/17/2009) By Tracie B RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have been looking at this website for the past couple of weeks and was a little weary of taking on a big project with a 2 year old and a 10 month old in the house, but I finally decided to try it and it turned out great! I just hope it lasts! (01/24/2009) By Allison Jean RE: Painting Laminate Countertops After reading all the great suggestions and seeing the beautiful jobs, I did my counters. I have 7 1/2' plus bath sink and used 1/2 gal of Enviro. Got a lot of pock marks and need to re coat. How much should I use to re coat and what kind of sandpaper to sand bumps? Can I add more paint on top of Enviro without sanding the whole thing if I want to change the look? By Sharon (01/26/2009) By Sharon1285 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops WOW. All of you are amazing and I am so inspired by your posts and pictures. I have decided to try this in my kitchen but I need your help please! Firstly, I decided on the Rustoleum black paint and I will use glitter for a touch of sparkle. Which color glitter do you recommend? Should I use more than one? Black? Silver? Clear? Secondly, how do you spray paint the counters without getting spray paint all over the place? Do you spray paint like normal or do you use a brush to blend? I am so nervous about doing this but I am ready to take the plunge! Thanks again for your awesome thread! I will upload a picture of my before kitchen so you can let me know if you agree that black would be the best color with my green walls and white cabinets. THANK YOU! (01/28/2009) By Tracy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Tracy, These are the steps I used. I used the black granite spray and poly sealer. I lightly sanded the counters and cleaned them; taped all edges and covered cabinets with plastic; primed them with gray tinted primer (123 tintable primer @ Lowe's); I used the Black Granite Valspar stone spray paint (I only found this color at Home Depot) and Mineral Brown stone spray paint. The black was a solid coat then I did a light spray of the brown not quite all over. I let that dry overnight then sanded it to get the bumpiness off - not really smooth though. After cleaning this up I sealed it with Varathane oil based floor sealer - let that dry. Then to give it some more flecks I used a toothbrush with a few different colors of acrylic craft paint to splatter (golds & browns) using my finger to spray the colors here and there. Sealed it again then sprinkled some glitter (a lot of black and a little iridescent) while the sealer was still wet. I found that a fine glitter worked best. I used the Martha Stewart brand from Micheal's - it was more like dust. Let that dry and light sanded again, clean up then seal, seal, seal! I probably ended up with 8 coats of the sealer. I had quite a bit of counter so I opted to use the roll-on sealer using a foam brush and roller. If you plan to use enviro there are others on here that can give you some great tips. Just some tidbits: Good prep is the biggest part - cover everything that spray will be all over if you aren't careful! All of this was very stinky in the house! If you live in a cold climate you may want to wait until it's warm so you can open doors. I started mine when we were still in the 60 degree range but that didn't last and it got a little rough! Use a practice board! I had a piece of wood I tried it on 1st and that helped get my technique down. If you have several sections start with a small, less obvious one. I used about 10 cans of paint for approx 85 square feet of counter. It took me over 2 weekends but a lot of wait time for layers to dry. When I was just sealing I could do a quick coat before work in the morning. Good luck! I love my new counters. (01/28/2009) By craftygirlz Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 01/02/2009 How do I paint my laminate counter tops? Otis from Kokomo, Indiana Answers: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops What happened? All of the post are out of order. Editor's Note Due to the number of feedback it was necessary to archive the posts. It reverses the order of the posts, so people can read from top to bottom. (10/15/2008) By mslisa202 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops You can have your counter tops redone in new Formica for under $100. And you'd spend half that buying a high-adhesive primer, paint & then putting 5 to 7 coats of varathane on top. Not to mention ALL the hassle! Formica is cheap! Especially if you install it yourself. but even if you have THEM install it, it's STILL going to be under $100 if you have an average size kitchen. So before you start painting, go to Home Depot & check out the cost of their installed Formica. I doubt you'll be sorry! They have some that looks like granite, sandstone, marble or plain white. They have several grades, make sure you look at their less expensive colors. On the back of the chips they have the cost per foot of it installed or DIY, so know your square footage or at least the measurements of your counter tops before you go in & talk with a salesperson. I was surprised that I could afford newly installed Formica! And why have something that looks "painted" that you need to be extra careful not to scratch when you can have something brand new for the same cost or a tiny bit more money! (10/15/2008) By Cyinda RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Wow. It's awesome the admin people condensed all the old posts so we can see all the old pics and advice. THANKS ADMIN PEOPLE! BTW as someone who has recently priced installing new laminate countertops (diy and having pro install).. for me the end cost is way more than 100.00 even for a small kitchen like mine, and I wasn't even choosing the top of the line laminate counters. For starters it was going to cost over 100 just to buy the 2 sections I would need for my kitchen let alone having them installed which I was not even going to attempt to diy because my house is older and my walls are not perfectly square. You should check out http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Much-Will-My-Laminate-Countertop-Cost?&id=850275 it gives an average pricing and materials list for do it yourselves. And my counters don't look painted at all. I have beautiful shiny counters with a sparkle and depth you just can't get with Formica. ( I added black glitter on the paint then enviro'ed). Just beautiful! I am not saying painting your counters is without it's flaws but it is definitely not as expensive as buying new counters and you get to choose your colors and not have to settle with what the store has or "their less expensive colors" which may or may not match your style or kitchen. Also I have not had to worry about my finish on my counters. I used envirotex and it looks 100 times better than anything I have seen in laminate. And if god forbid anything should happen to my counters and I get a scratch...I wouldn't worry because I can always buff it out and refinish if necessary. Can't do that with Formica! Ta2Dave - I am not sure I would suggest putting a router to the edge of a Formica counter. The Formica is just a thin sheet over plywood or particle board. so if you start routing it could "potentially" weaken the edge and it would all fall apart. (10/15/2008) By Sharee My painted Counters Yeah Finally took the Plunge after so much help from you guys. I have not put my enviro on yet, think I will wait until this weekend so i can spend time leveling it (: Will post a before and a after/excuse the paper have not taken it down yet (: Gail (10/16/2008) By GMILES7854 The After Look Feeling Better about this Spray Job. (10/16/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Gail-AWESOME! Looks really good! I'm not using the glitter, but a lot of people here are saying they did and they loved how it turned out. In my own opinion, I wouldn't use a lot. But maybe you can find a gold/brown/or even clear to give it a sparkle. But I like it the way it is! Don't forget too, you are going to get a good shine when you finish it. (10/16/2008) RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Glitter will make it sparkle! But I wouldn't add a lot. Maybe even a clear one! I don't think I am going to do the glitter. A lot of people here did and they loved it! Megan (10/16/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Tricia I let my primer dry overnight because I had to put on two coats and waited to make sure it was dry. But if you don't have to prime twice I wouldn't wait overnight. Can't wait to see your pics. Gail (10/16/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey ya guys, I am so impatient too. As soon as my primer was dry to the touch I added the spray granite. As soon as that was dry to the touch I added enviro and my counters are still doing great! Also on the glitter; I used some glitter on my bathroom but I guess the type of glitter I used did not end up being "glittery" once I put the enviro on. (the enviro was so shiny you couldn't tell) I used a different type of glitter on my kitchen (I think it was called something like black fairy dust lol). I wish I would have put more on. I did a very light sprinkling. The shine of the enviro with the glitter created a depth to the counter that was awesome. (10/16/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used a wide foam sponge brush. I poured some towards the back and brushed it on the back splash first. Don't be scared. It isn't hard to do at all. I can say that now that I'm finished. LOL Good Luck little lady! Patty (10/16/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Heya Tricia - I really think using a brush on glitter paint would work fine. I have even thought about trying to find some spray glitter to make it easier to apply and to help make the glitter stick better. I have really dark counters in my kitchen kinda like gator girls but mine look more dark grey in person.(light grey base with black stone spray and white flecks) I used a black glitter which turned out awesome. It really gives depth to the counter. I would just make sure to paint, spray or sprinkle the glitter evenly across the counter and try to avoid clumps of glitter. Although there was a spot on my counter that I thought I had put more on than the rest and you really cannot tell once you enviro. Hi Gail - Great job on your counter! My bathroom cabinets are black with the sienna stone spray top(tan with white and black flecks). My walls are tan and I have some tile that is beige that I am planning on putting down soon. I will end up refreshing my paint. Not sure if I will go tan again or something else. Tan is so easy to match but idk maybe a nice moss or sage green?(your ideas are appreciated here) I will also be purchasing silver pulls to match my faucet. I have posted several pics and the admin people have added them all back in if you want to scroll down a bit it will have my pics and name below them. I don't mind reposting if you want ;) I am really proud of my work lol and I am so thankful to have found such a great site and such nice people to help me along in this remodeling adventure. Sharee (10/16/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's my first effort. Started with a 70's yellow bathroom vanity top. I painted and painted. Stopped once because I thought I was finished but decided I didn't like it so painted more over it. I'm finally rather pleased. I used 5 coats of water based poly. Hope it stands up. The hardest part was cutting the blue painters' tape away after I'd finished everything. It was on there for at least 2 months. It would pull off just fine, but I was afraid if I just pulled it, it would pull part of my hard work off, so I used an Exacto knife to cut carefully around all the edges. Now I don't like the wall color (that I'd just done) and plan to repaint the bathroom. And I still need updated fixtures, too. (10/18/2008) By Critter Mom RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Oh My Tplam, I must have over mixed (: Nobody but me will probably notice anyway. I might after a couple of days sand lightly and go over the spot where the air bubbles are. Hope I do this right (: Overall it looks great. I am not scared of the enviro now. Will post pics on Monday. But still anyone that has suggestions let me know. it's just a small spot near the front of the counter, if it was in the back I would be okay with that (; Oh and Tplam your counter looks good. great job! Thanks, Gail (10/18/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Well, After 4 days of doing my entire kitchen, I am waiting for the spray to dry so I can start to poly the countertop. WHEW! I also just took a nap. Thursday when I came home from work, I started taking the kitchen apart, long story short, I finished priming/painting my kitchen walls, cabinets, and countertops. I added new hardware too! I love the new look, but I must say, spraying the rustoleum wasn't as great as I thought it would be. WORDS TO THE WISE, don't forget to put a tinted undercoat on close to the spray color! I'll get pics asap! (10/19/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's a before (10/19/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's an after! Hope you like it. (10/19/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here is one of the whole kitchen! Don't mind the mess. (10/19/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thank you Gail! My mom and I put in a lot of work. The counter top is a brownish taupe color, but I texture sprayed it with rustoleum multi-tex spray in a desert bisque color. That was a treat Ill tell ya! I used only white primer, went through 4 cans of spray before I decided to buy the tinted undercoat, then I only used 1/2 a can! I'm on my 3rd coat of poly, so far so good. (10/19/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Mil - I had a small counter next to the stove that I put the Enviro on too thin and had divots/hail damage. I poured another thin coat on top a week later until I didn't see them anymore and it looks like it should - go for it. (10/20/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Mil15 I just called the enviro Hotline (: I have some air bubbles also She said to sand with 80-grit sandpaper. Blow the dust off real good,then rub some alcohol over the area. Let area dry. Then reapply your enviro. Hope this helps. Gail (10/20/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops It took 2 coats of primer and about 5 coats of paint! I have 4 coats of poly so far and it is looking good! I need to buy more tonight! (10/20/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Gail - according to the Enviro box, you are supposed to get air bubbles if you stir it right. I'm not sure you can over mix - they say be sure to not under mix. The torch gets rid of all the bubbles instantly. I went back and forth with the torch several times during the drying process just to make sure. (10/21/2008) By tpalm Counter After Hey not finished yet still need to enviro over the bubble spots (: I painted my white cabinet also, much better. Need too get more pulls for the bottom door cabinets. But it looks so much better. Now I need to decide whether to paint my gray walls now or wait until spring (: Let me know what you think. Gail (10/21/2008) By GMILES7854 Another pic Let me know what you think. (: (10/21/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Very nice Gail. I love the colors. No, I did not sand between coats of poly. If I do, then the textures are sanded off. So I didn't do that. But I can tell you I finished last night with 8 coats of poly and I think I am done. It is really smooth. I can feel some texture maybe a little bit, but it is pretty smooth. And shiny. Looks really good. (10/21/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Gail, I have used 8 coats of Minwax Polycrylic Waterbased poly. It is REALLY EASY to do! But I recommend that you do not use the stone look granite sprays, the texture is what toooo bumpy. They have similar colors in the multicolored textured spray that work good. Do not shake the can though, that causes bubbles, stir it good, and the only thing I don't like about it is when h20 gets on the countertop and you cannot dry it asap, a milky white spot appears. It is gone in 5 minutes, but it does appear. I wrote to Minwax asking why and they said the finish is absorbing the water, they recommend putting a couple layers of fast drying oil based poly, any brand, so I am going to try that. Maybe try to use oil based instead of water based, then you will not have to go through what I did. Megan (10/23/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Gail-I have no idea about your bubbles, I never used that before. Maybe someone else can help you with that part. But no, I used a normal paint brush. It was simple, every hour or 2 I put a coat on, let it sit for the day and then I noticed the white spots. If you do the kitchen in poly, maybe do what I did. Use the water based poly since it dries so fast, then on the last 2 coats, use oil based, it takes a little longer to dry. (10/23/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Gail, Just wanted to let you know that I used Varathane Diamond water based poly in the satin finish (I did not want a high gloss shine) and applied it using a 2 inch high density foam roller. If you apply it in thin coats, there will be no bubbles. Be sure to stir the poly very slowly and do not shake it. Also I have had no problem with any water spots at all. I was afraid to try the enviro and I am quite pleased with the results I got using this product. Good Luck! Joanne (10/23/2008) RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used Diamond Varthane last summer and have had now white spots at all. I love the look and will use it again. (10/24/2008) By Beth RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Megan, I did not have any problem with any water spots or milky appearance when water is left sitting on it. I did however pull my sink and did not put anything back together, or use any water around it until everything had cured for seven days. I think that might be a big factor. The product itself is milky looking when you open the can and goes on like a white film, but dries to a clear finish in a short period of time. I also had a hard time finding it, but went to the varathane website and looked under store locations in my area and then started calling every one until I found it. Not every store that is listed will carry it. Since it is made by rustoleum, any store that carries the rustoleum line will be listed, but not all of them carry the varathane. I live in Michigan and finally found mine at a True Value Hardware store in Rochester. Joanne (10/24/2008) By Joanne RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have been working on my counters for a week now after reading everyone's wonderful comments. I have encountered a couple of problems. First I used a brush to add the polyacrylic as the can said and ended up with brush strokes. So I sanded it and tried a foam roller. Now I have bubbles. Sanding again today. I'm going to try an airbrush. Wish me luck! (10/26/2008) By Veronica RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks Joanne, if I ever do this again, I will look for that more. I ran into the same problem, the stores on the internet said they sold it because the sell the brand, but ended up not having it. I ended up using 8 coats of minwax polycrylic, got the white spots, so I emailed minwax and explained what Idid and what was happening. The told me to lightly sand down and apply 2-3 coats of the fast drying poly, so I did this on Sat. Let me tell you, the horrible stink is well worth it! It worked great. It came out A LOT shinier and hard and no more white spots! So I put everything back on my counter and I am back to normal again. Minwax did tell the that since I put on so many coats, it will take up to 3-4 weeks to fully cure to the fullest strength. The only thing I don't like is I used a brush, and I have a couple hairs that got poly-ed in. Oops. (10/27/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a finished countertop! I'm very pleased with it. Now let me say, you can't see the texture unless you are right there, but I think it came out good. Megan (10/27/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops My first crackle attempt along with using the Rustoleum stone paint. I used Parks Super Glaze that I found at Home Depot - 20.00 for 32oz. They told me it's the same as Enviro and made by Rustoleum. I just put it on and appear to have done it too thin in spots. I guess I'll need to do another coat :) thanks for sharing your stories (10/27/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's my prior photo - pretty bad huh! See photo below of my nearly completed bath cabinet and counter (10/27/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Meicher & Bresy Great Jobs (: Well I have sanded all the Enviro off my counter tops too many rough spots and bubbles. I have reprimed and painted, Next is to let this dry and spray again. I will be applying the varathane diamond gloss. Wish me luck this time (; Hey breasy how was the super glaze from HD did you have trouble applying it? Thank goodness this is a small counter (: Thanks Gail (10/27/2008) RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi, It comes with 2 liquid bottles - Resin and Activator - mix equal parts and pour on - sounds very similar to what I have read about Enviro. Their website www.newparks.com - photo of my counter (about 4hours cured) How long do you think I should wait before I do another layer? Thanks! (10/27/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I am fascinated by all the information on painting laminated countertops. I am having a new counter top fitted 1st week of December - Black Marble Laminex in Diamond Bright finish. There is also a shelf in a wall opening - about four or five feet long, wood with existing laminate set on it. To have this done professionally will cost an arm and a leg because of the way it sits "around" the opening and I have decided to paint the laminate, if possible. Obviously it is possible, and I have located an importer of EnviroTex on the other side of Australia and will have to re-read all your useful posts to work out exactly how to do all this. But what I would like to know is, how are all your re-finished surfaces working out after a year or so? If I google for advice within Australia, the advice is, don't do it - re-laminate it, but the results you all are obtaining look pretty terrific to me. Comments would be appreciated. From Makaleka at Lake Macquarie, Australia. (10/27/2008) By Makaleka RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Sorry, for taking so long to get back with those of you wanting to know how I prepped for the painting. I had trouble trying to post messages. I have attached a finished picture of my counters. I might mention I do have some paint brush marks showing a little. Someone online mentioned using a paint pad. I make add more poly with that technique to see what happens. I'll be sure to post what happens. Prep: 1. Make any needed repairs.Fortunately, mine were in good shape. 2. Wash with TSP 3. Multi Purpose Primer..nothing special. Zinser is good to cover markers, grease etc. I only used one coat..two wouldn't hurt. 4. Applied my accents colors individually ..drying times in between. I even let the gray in the primer peek through for an added color. 5. Used a water base poly (Min Wax ) Yes, it will make a milky spot where moisture collects. Don't panic..it does go away. I'm not sure that it won't be totally gone after a month or so of curing. We'll see. 6. When removing any tape off the wall after painting, use an exacto knife. Your paint will peel off if not careful. I removed all the silicone around my counter after painting..I wanted to put in new silicone help hold down the newly painted finish better. 7. I also brushed the poly underneath the counter top to help it have smooth surface that wouldn't chip if bumped. I had lots of fun dapping on my colors I didn't even wait for each layer to dry. I mixed as I went and adjusted the design as I went. Doing it this way makes for a thicker paint job if your not careful. Try to apply lightly by dapping your sponge on a rag to get the excess paint off ..or as I did. Dap it on a paper plate and keep reusing what's on the plate to save paint. I don't know if you can show more than one picture of not. I have some step by step pictures if anyone is interested. I love the change. Jean/Robards (10/27/2008) By reddogshunt RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Gail, Using the Super Glaze from HD was much easier than I thought it would be. I was more worried than I should have been (reading some of the stories :) the website actually has the instruction sheet - under Brand finishes. I just did a light sanding and will apply another layer today as I did not apply as even as I would have liked - but they look awesome. Crystal clear where I applied a little thicker. I'll be doing the upstairs bath soon. Thanks (10/28/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Gail, I think because I used the stone spray, the parts where I did not put on as thick may look like bubbles but may actually be the "bumps" from the texture of the paint. The parts of the counter that have a thicker coat are super smooth. I'll let you know how they look when I do the next layer. (10/28/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Okay, I did another layer of the Parks Super Glaze. Looks so much better. Here's a photo of one of the spots I was concerned about. You can see the color much better. (blue spot is the flash) Some bubbles appeared (very small) I just blew on them and they disappeared! (10/28/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I finished mine at 4 p.m. and it was dry to the touch the next morning but I let it cure for three days before I put anything on it. PattyZone5 (10/29/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used the polycrylic. I loved how easy it was and hardly any smell. I did not like the white spots. They do go away, but I was not a fan on them. The longer the water stays on, the longer it takes for the white to disappear. I put 8 coats on, then I put 2 coats of fast drying oil poly from Minwax a week later. I recommend doing that! But it is up to you. As for the heat, but stove is very close to put not like yours. So far it hasn't hurt it. What kind of spray are you using? (10/29/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I'm not sure what kind of paint I will use yet. I don't know if I will go with spray or just brush on. I want to go with a black granite look with the white and gray specks, or just paint the base color black then sponge on white and black. Thanks for the advice on the finishing up with the oil based poly. The oil poly shouldn't yellow up or anything should it? The oil base should dry clear. I have heard of someone on here say they used oil based and it turned the counter top a yellowish color, but I will take whatever advice I can get. (10/29/2008) By scarolinagal4u2c RE: Painting Laminate Countertops SCarolinagal- I used textured paint and all the coats of poly made it very smooth. I kinda wish I didn't spray the texture because with the base coat I can't really see it. But mine is darker like a taupe or greenish color. So I can't see if it turned yellow or not, but I have heard of that happening. Off the subject, I'm jealous you live in SC, I love their Crape Myrtles! (10/30/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi everyone. I love reading the posts and seeing all your pictures. I did my counters down at my vacation property, a mobile home in NJ. I used a water based poly. they look good. There are a just a couple of small spots where you can see the brush streaks. Any idea on getting rid of those. Since the season is now done, I haven't spent much time there very recently so as far as holding up, I am not sure how they will do. but they look great. I tried a small sample piece with envirote lite, but i didn't really like working with it. SO has anyone used both poly and enviro? what are your thoughts. does the poly protect well enough, does it hold up okay. I like the look of the enviro but don't really care for working with it. the poly is easier, i think, to work with even though it requires more coats. I am doing a counter for someone and am so not sure which way to go. ALSO, PLEASE HELP WITH THIS, in addition to the counters, the laminate goes all up the wall to ceiling, yikes, its bright pink. I do not want to faux granite up the wall, I think it will be too much. BUT I do want to paint the laminate wall. I will prime it and use a kitchen/semigloss paint. after that should I put anything else on it to finish it off? (poly or leave it). Thank you in advance. (11/01/2008) By lpecora RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Julie, I just happened upon the site a few days before I started as well. A lot of useful info :) I'll send you a link to Kodak Gallery showing some pics as I went along. I took out my sink because it is cast iron and started bleeding rust through which I wanted to fix. I believe others have left their sinks in for the process. I sanded the counters with a small electric one using fine grit sandpaper, just to get it really clean. Taped around countertop and put on a coat of tinted Aqua Lock primer using a small roller. I just used what I put on the cabinet - tinted with Western Hat color from Muralo paint. Let it dry a few hours and sprayed on the Rustoleum Stone - color Sienna. I let it dry overnight. I used the Parks Super Glaze from Home Depot. Mix according to directions - mix well but stir very slow so you limit making any bubbles. I started by pouring it down from the back splash. I used a small paint brush to completely cover the back splash and edge of counter. For the counter top, I pulled the liquid from the back to the front so the excess drips over the edge. I just used a plastic type scraper/putty knife. If you do get bubbles just blow on them and they should disappear. After about 1/2 hour, just scrap off any "drips" hanging from counter top and check periodically until they stop. You can sand down any you missed. It dried enough overnight but found I did not do a completely even coat. The next day I hand sanded lightly with fine sandpaper and applied another coat. I let it cure for 72 hours before I put the sink back in. Really happy with how it looks now. The stone spray paint is very forgiving. You don't have to put it on real heavy - just your preference. I did some small bursts of the spray mostly. I don't use spray paint too often and was a little nervous. You can do some test sprays on something - it's real easy. I also dropped a screwdriver on it while it was not completely dry which left a mark and just sprayed right over - you'll see how easy once you start. Good luck! (11/02/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops These are mine. Did them in '06. All oil base paint and poly. The backsplash is "faux tumbled marble" Made from joint compound. I love the change. Mo (11/02/2008) By Mo 1959 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi everyone. Just one tip that is almost flawless in spreading envirotech, using your hands to spread it. You must be quick but you can actually feel how heavy it is in areas and spread out quickly to the others. After doing many other counters, this turned out perfect and flawless with hardly any bubbles. Another hint: start using a small hand torch within the first 5 minutes of the area you are doing and it makes it perfect! Using your hands also is great for the sides a and backsplash. I got frustrated with all the sponges soaking up the product and making it uneven and the scraper making divets. My hands work perfect. Use acetone polish remover to get it off your hands immediately after you are done spreading. It hasn't irritated or done anything to my skin! One more hint. No need to sand anything. Just get a good gripper primer! I will upload pix when i am finished and you will see. My island in my kitchen has a few flaws from using the other methods, but my other counter tops are as smooth as glass! Just use your hands to spread! :) (11/02/2008) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Envirotech lite takes about 3 days to hard cure. Don't put anything on it until then. You will end up with divets. Depending on where you live, humidity makes a difference to. (11/02/2008) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops As I was reading all the posts, wanted to also let you know that envirotech is really the prettiest and toughest out there. As for the tiny bubbles, you won't get many if you do it really thick and use a small hand held bernsomatic torch from home depot. Use it immediately. If you are in a high traffic area(The kitchen), I would recommend it. The key is to use envirotech really thick. 1 Gallon per area (very small area) such as each side of sink, on the island 1-2 gallons. The thicker the better and no show through with the spray stone fleck. Also, make sure you have plenty of envirotech to do an area. Once you set it , you can't go back and start where you left off, it will makes a wave. It makes it rock hard and very easy to level. They use this on bar tops. Don't forget you can get it at michael's and use the 40% off coupons from the newspaper. This makes it really cheap! (11/02/2008) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Everyone. In response to the last post. I just wanted to post this. I am not a fan of fire/flame and chemicals. Nor am I a fan of touching chemicals with my hands. Perhaps artsyfartsyfun doesn't mind putting their hands into them, but I would prefer not to - or maybe there are certain gloves to use - if so, please let us all know - (I will be doing the upstairs bath soon and would love to know what you used :). The Parks Super Glaze also did not mention using a torch. The few "bubbles" I got were quickly dissolved by blowing on. My counter came out crystal clear. This brand is also used in doing "barroom bars" in my area of the country - Northeast. I love the look - being Enviro-tex or the Super Glaze - I would say they both have the same end results. I just wanted to post my opinion. I know a lot of people are new to makeovers (as I was) and it can be very scary. Thanks all - and don't be scared off - this is something very easy and money saving to do! I was very skeptical at first and love how it turned out. (11/02/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Julie I have a pullout stove as well. I used a poly coating on mine. We let it cure for a couple of days..no problems. My toughest part was around the sink in the small area behind the sink. I had to do a lot of touch up with a small paint brush to make it match the rest of my counters. I had used sea sponges for my design. I didn't know about a granite spray at the time. Let us see how it turns out. Jean/Robards (11/02/2008) By reddogshunt RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi, I only had an area about 60in x 22in and used 24oz. On the instruction sheet it gives this... 16oz covers 3.2sq ft - 32oz covers 6.4sq ft - gallon covers 25.6sq ft - based on 1/16" thickness (11/03/2008) By Bresy I'm Finished Hey Ladies, I'm finally finished with my bathroom. Took some breaks and had to redo the counter. Had problems with the Enviro, just me I guess (: So I went with the poly. Had to apply about 8 coverings because I used the Stone Spray, but overall I am loving my new counter. Now I can get to the Bathroom upstairs. (11/04/2008) By GMILES7854 ONE MORE PIC... Excuse the Mess Haven't picked up the poly yet, may do a couple more coverings. (: (11/04/2008) By GMILES7854 ME AGAIN For those who didn't see the before pictures of the plain counter. Here it is. Pretty, huh?(: So plain. (11/04/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Gail, Looks great! Sorry to hear you had issues with the Enviro - I used the stone and Super Glaze with no issues. Good luck on the next one! Bresy (11/04/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Yeah Tpalm I just sanded over the Enviro a little not all of it, just enough to take the sheen off, with 80 grit sandpaper, And then used a tack cloth to get all the dust off. Then reprimed & repainted my base coat, two coats, let dry, sprayed my stone paint, let dry overnight and started my oil based poly. Poly is so much easier for me (: GO FOR IT. (11/04/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops To get it off my wood floor, I took a razor blade and slowly jiggled it around the spot until it started lifting, then just peeled the rest up. It didn't leave any sort of mark at all. I also used this technique for the spot that fell in my sink. You can also try to hold a blow dryer onto it for 30 seconds or so until it heats up, then take a wet wipe and get it up - it was just a lot stickier that way. (11/05/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I took the plunge and here are my results! Before and after. (11/05/2008) By Crystal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is my after! (11/05/2008) By Crystal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Julie I used the sponges and used the poly coating as well. The sponges work fine..if you do it one layer at a time..leaving time to dry completely in between, I'm sure it will be fine. Mine ended a little bumpy because I did mine all at once. I used six coats of poly and still feel it in spots. I will be adding additional poly later. The poly is by far lots cheaper.the enviro looks good but sounds costly. I had around 50 square feel of counter to do. I'd do it again while saving up for the real thing later. Best of luck. My pictures are posted earlier. Jean/ Robards (11/05/2008) By reddogshunt RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Julie, Yes I love my Shine on my Counter. Wish I could work with the enviro, but just can't seem to get it right (: Plus way to expensive for the amount of counter spaces that I have (: And yes I used the stone spray, so had to apply a lot of poly, because the stone is bumpy. But over all looks great. I haven't decided what type of spray I will be using for the bathroom upstairs yet. Walmart does have some nice choices. I really like the stone look though. Oh and get the oil base poly. Good Luck (11/06/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used minwax polycrylic clear gloss, loved how easy it was and it worked good! I didn't like the water white spots it left, so I sanded with fine paper, and applied 2 coats of oil based poly! It came out A LOT harder and shinier than the water based. the only thing I am unhappy with is I used too dark of a base coat and I cant really see the specks/texture of the spray paint. I messed up at the beginning and used white primer and couldn't get the white from shining through the spray, so I bought a base coat exactly like the darkest color of the spray and now It didn't turn out like I wanted it too, but it still looks 100 times better than before. But it is VERY shiny and hard! (11/06/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Okay, I am going to go for it! We close on our new home tomorrow and I will buy the supplies that night. Just a couple more questions; meicher79, I am leaning toward the Polycrylic. I have read that water-based poly is what should be used on counters for food safety, etc. Also, I am pregnant and have a 19 mo old in the house, so do not want to deal with a great deal of fumes. However, I certainly DO NOT want white spots popping up, so will probably finish the last two coats with the oil based poly. Did you ask anyone about the safety of this? I'm not really that concerned, because I never put or prepare food directly on the counter anyway. Really, who does that? Crystal, I love your counter. I am thinking I am going to go with the stone spray that looks like that, and we are painting our cabinets white as well. What is the name of the spray color, and what base color did you use? You guys have no idea how helpful this forum has been! My husband and I are buying our first home, and being in our twenties as well as a one income family, getting new counters simply is not in the budget for now. I am confident that a good paint job on the counters and cabinets, new cabinet hardware, and laying vinyl planks will make this kitchen my own :). (11/06/2008) By Julie C. RE: Painting Laminate Countertops The color I used was from rustoleum american accents stone spray called granite stone, and I used the envirolite. Thanks so much for the comments, I love it. (11/06/2008) By crystal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Oh yeah, before I did the spray paint I did a primer coat and the a coat of light beige paint. (11/06/2008) By crystal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Jenn I used a sponge brush with my poly coatings. I really like the spray because I am too lazy to try it the other way. And a sponge roller to roll on the two coats of primer and another sponge roller for the base coat. Hope this helps. Gail (11/06/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops In reference to a post of using my hands and spreading the Enviro. Concerning it touching your skin. There is no harm unless you don't wash it off. (let me add. It would cure to your skin after 2 days) You could use gloves, but I would use several as it may stick to the glove and make divets. I would try it to see. I haven't used them; just easy to use your hands and wash them off when finished. As far using a handheld torch. It is very tiny, like using a lighter but much hotter to instantly remove any imperfections. Even if you are hesitant and a "newbie" to DYI it is always good to have one on hand for many projects. The polymers won't blow up in your face, nor will you burn the house down. My suggestion using your hands to spread..is extremely quick and super easy, almost zero bubbles and fantastic for edges and backsplash. :) (11/06/2008) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Artsy - Not wanting to start anything here, but I also don't want newbies to be misled thinking that touching the enviro is perfectly safe. It is not. I have worked in hazardous waste for years and even the enviro instructions warn against contact with the skin. NOT because it can cure and harden, but because ANY chemical has the structure to be absorbed through the skin. You are fortunate that you had no reaction, but someone with an allergy sensitivity or even someone who isn't aware they might have one, could have serious consequences if they were to have a reaction to the chemicals. The enviro MSDS sheet clearly states the chemicals used in its product and they are high-level DANGEROUS compounds. Again, I am not wanting to cause friction here, but I strongly advise against anyone using their bare hands to spread the enviro. I personally used a filter mask, gloves and safety glasses and also had plenty of air circulating. My advise to anyone is ALWAYS follow the precautions listed on a product. It is there for a reason. Tricia (11/07/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Artsy, You may have just been able to rinse it off quickly enough but I would definately suggest gloves too. When I was doing my backsplash and leaning over to get the far edges, I didn't realize that I was leaning up onto the counter edge. The Enviro soaked a horizontal line thru my tee shirt across my belly. I washed it off cause it was sticky feeling, but the next day I woke up with a line of red bumps where the Enviro had hit. It lasted about 5 days and was super itchy and not so pretty. So just be careful with the stuff while it's wet, and you guys try what I did to smooth it out - I used a plastic paint guard thingy - it's long like a ruler and you hold it up against the ceiling when you paint the walls so you don't get paint where you don't want it? dont know the official name, but it was extremely easy pushing the Enviro around with that, plus as long as you put it on thick enough, you shouldn't get divots. Hope this helps. Gator. (11/07/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops YES I will chime in here also about using your hands to spread the enviro. This stuff is so darn thick and sticky, You guys know how much trouble I had with it (: It sticks to everything in site (: I even had trouble getting the little bit off my hands when I thought it was safe to take off my gloves. BIG MISTAKE! No way would I use my hands, this stuff sticks to everything. I have a shirt I used when applying and the stuff won't even come off after washing, now i have to use the shirt as a paint/work shirt from now on (: Newbees with that said use something other than your hands to be on the safe side. And Artsy I am glad that you are Okay while using your hands to spread these chemicals. Gail (11/07/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops FINALLY! Tech support finally got my computer fixed where I can show my pictures! I'm so excited! lol Anyway, here is my before: (11/07/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here is the after. It's so shiny that my backsplash is reflected lol. Tricia (11/07/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks Gail - Here is a better shot. Yes I sponged the colors on and enviro'd. The one I am going to sand and start over is my coffee table. I think. Haven't made up my mind yet on that one. (11/07/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here is my old hutch I tore down and made into a microwave table. Matched the top to the counters. Tricia (11/07/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And another close-up - not sure why my brown is looking so yellow, but it's definitely brown in real life. Tricia (11/07/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Kimbaleezy - Here are instructions in a nutshell: 1. Clean surface thoroughly. Use a TSP cleaner or I used vinegar and water - vinegar cuts through any grease you might have. 2. sand the surface lightly and fix anything that needs to be fixed. 3. Wash again with your cleaning solution. Let dry good. Then tape everything off you don't want the paint on. Lay papers on the floor for drips and over a sink if you have one. 4. then apply a primer - I used Kilz, some people use a spray primer. Again, let dry completely. 5. If you are sponging on your colors, apply a basecoat. Example, I knew I was going for black, brown and rust, so spray painted a black base coat. Let dry completely. 6. Now you take your colors (if you are sponging) and apply them randomly letting each color dry before starting the next. I used a sea sponge and acyrilic are paints from Wal-Mart. If you are using the textured spray paint, then just spray it on and let it dry. Apply more coats if you want a richer color. And let it dry. 7. Apply your enviro or polycrilic varnish as some have done. The enviro takes one coat and the varnish takes several. If you use the enviro, a small hand torch is recommended to get the air bubbles out. Enviro takes about 8 hours to dry, but is still slightly tacky until 12 hours. Hope this helps. Also, have good ventilation like open windows and have a fan circulating, but not directly at your surface or you will get little dust fuzzies stuck to it. Use gloves, a face mask and safety glasses. I used a large plastic putty knife to spread my enviro. Had no problems at all with it. If you have any other questions, everyone on here is great to answer. Good luck! Tricia (11/08/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops ana010, Thanks! I used a small foam roller to put down a coat of gray primer. When dry I rolled on black for a basecoat. These were Home Depot paints. I let it dry overnight. I bought acrylic craft paints for the sponging - light khaki, light tan, and dark tan. I put a small bit of paint in paper plate, dabbed my sea sponge in it, rubbed excess on another paper plate then randomly smooshed on countertop, rinsed sponge and dried with paper towel. When that paint was dry, I put on two more colors - same method as above. If you don't like it, you can take a wet towel and wipe it off, let dry and start over. Let paints dry before putting on another color. They dry very quickly. When dry, I put the enviro-lite on per directions and spread it with a wide disposable sponge brush with wooden handle. It was dry the next morning but I didn't put anything on the counter until the third day. I love mine. (11/08/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Jenn, Yup Keep applying to you feel better. I think I did about 12 coats, will apply a couple more coats after I finish redoing my guest bathroom upstairs. Oh yeah and I used oil based poly. I don't know for sure if the water-base poly could be the reason for the bumpy feeling still. Also you have to apply the poly really thick on the counters. Not thin layers. No Don't Sand the Counters. You will sand off the texture and have to restart the process (: Just be patient and the poly will cover the bumpies, I promise. Hope this helps and don't forget to provide pics. Gail (11/10/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Michael's sells the Envirotex Lite in 32 oz. packages for $29.99 in the Maryland area - found this site online that offers 1 gallon for $69.69 that includes the shipping. http://store.creative-wholesale.com. I am waiting for delivery now. (11/11/2008) By Kimby RE: Painting Laminate Countertops HEY fowkes5 & anyone else browsing to view all the beautiful pics, before the month of November go to the top and input. "Transforming Old Formica Counter Tops". Gail (11/12/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi mayrasar, I think maybe this link will help with your "resin" counters. This refers to a "cultured marble" counter and came out great. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71629871.tip.html (11/12/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Suzie, Kimbaleezay and gmiles, this is for you. Directions for painting counters. PAINT FAUX GRANITE COUNTERTOPS Wash all surfaces thoroughly with ammonia sudsy water. Dry well. Painters tape off all wall edges, drawer fronts, sink edge and stove area, or move it out so you can get to those edges. Apply oil based primer in base color of your choice. I used white. Let primer dry overnight. Get a sample piece of granite from Lowes or Home depot to use as a guide. It helps inspire me not to mess up and shows me I really can't mess up. Have your different colors for your creation ready to apply. I used 3 diff colors. All from Sherwin Williams. I got a quart of each and have LOTS left. Balance Beige, Network Gray--- Black. My base coat color was the white primer. All in oil base. You also need Minwax Clear Gloss Polyurethane for your final top coats. Get a variety pack of about 5 or 6 sea sponges. You will use diff ones for each color. The real thin sharp sponges I used for the final color (black) I started with beige over the white, just pouncing lightly all over in no particular pattern. I left quite a bit of white showing for my particular pattern. While the beige was still tacky, I used a diff sponge for the gray. I just eyeballed the effect until I liked what I saw. I referred to my little piece of granite sample as I went. Then finding a sponge with sharp little shards I dabbed it in the black and lightly went over the whole thing. Here and there. Let this creation dry about 5 hours. With 120 grit sand paper, sand entire area. You're just knocking down any roughness or raised areas. Get some tack cloth and wipe it down real good removing all dust. Using a sponge brush apply first coat of poly. Let it dry at least 4 hours. Sand again lightly, Tack again. Apply second coat poly. Let dry 4 hours. Repeat this sanding and tacking and poly at least 5 times. DO NOT USE SPAR POLY IT DRIES VERY YELLOW. I don't cut on my counters any way and I never put hot pans directly on them either, other than that they look great and handle water well. Location: Cumming, Ga | Registered: May 20, 2006 and a link to faux tile directions. Mo http://boards.hgtv.com/eve?a=tpc&m=7681003013 (11/12/2008) By Mo RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I recently have completed my kitchen tops and 1 bathroom counter top and sink, I haven't been able to post due to problems but looks like its working today. I had a some bubbles end up in one counter but overall you don't really notice and they look awesome, so many compliments. I used a stone spray from Wal-mart and Enviro-tek, I am very fond of my Bathroom, The cultured marble top and sink cam out FANTASTIC, looks somewhat like an under mount sink now I'll upload pics. (11/13/2008) By Ben RE: Painting Laminate Countertops More pictures (11/13/2008) By Ben RE: Painting Laminate Countertops My bathroom sink now looks like this for info please contact me on nebage @ gmail . com (11/13/2008) By Ben RE: Painting Laminate Countertops One more (11/13/2008) By Ben RE: Painting Laminate Countertops My kitchen (11/13/2008) By Ben RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's my after: (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's my before: (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I had cultured marble tops in the Bath. (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Now it looks like this: (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops another of a part of the Kitchen, Im still yet to figure out what to do with the cabinets (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This sink and counter top now. (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's a close up. I used a Stone Spray from Wal-mart and then Enviro. (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This was a before: (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is the after! (11/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops handysabrina, I did use just one color of spray, I'll picture it here for you, I got it from Wal-mart. I had to do 2 coats though as the first coats comes out looking like a spray can would, 'Patchy', but the second coat really tops things off. The Enviro certainly smoothed thing out to, the back splash part is still a little bumpy but still shiny and I like that look for the sides, makes it feel more like a stone counter top, you would never know it was laminate. Oh yeah I think the color was Ancient Ruins, felt like i had to wait forever to get it as there is never any staff in the paint section of our wal-mart store, Ugh (11/14/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Jenn yeah I can fell some bumps, but all together its smooth. I'm sure the bumps will be okay as long as they have the poly on them. Did I see your pics? Gail (11/14/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is the coffee table I did in the stone spray paint...same that Nebster used (your counters look awesome nebster!) My husband made the table and I finished it. Whole project cost $60. I wanted it built a certain way so I could buy ottomans and put under it for extra seating and storage. I really like it! Tricia (11/16/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here is a close-up of the stone color. Tricia (11/16/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Okay Ladies, I'll show you a pic of my Bathroom Remodel. Still in progress, My Counter Top is done and I did repaint my Cabinet over in White, it was real Dirty (: Still have to get Hardware. I went to HD yesterday to purchase paint, but never got to that isle, I found some peel & Stick tiles for $5.90 a box. Whew what a deal (: Excuse the other mess. Take a look.. Thanks Gail (11/18/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops up close (11/18/2008) By RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Ok, after looking at this site for months, I finally took the plunge. My counters were white laminate and the cabinets were that fake wood laminate. I painted the cabinets, and then did the counters. The only thing I don't like is the cabinets are too light with the counters. So I think I'm going to paint just the frames of the cabinets a little darker, and keep the doors the lighter color. I used the Rustoleum Stone spray and Polyurethane. The pics are not the best, and I can't get the other picture I took to download from my e-mail. Hopefully I can fix it! I had a lot of fun doing this! Thanks to everyone on here with your suggestions! Ann Marie (11/18/2008) By pnutzmom728 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops redssunshine and susie, here's pics of the tile process and I'll repost pics of counters. Someone asked about the sponges I bought. They were from lowes and I just used the very sharp points for the black specs. (11/18/2008) RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Before: Ugly pink countertops! (11/18/2008) By Jenn4u RE: Painting Laminate Countertops After: Up to date more modernized look. (11/18/2008) By Jenn4u RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I don't know what to do with the blue painters tape on the backsplash. When I try to remove tape no matter how careful I am the poly pulls. Anyone have this same trouble and any suggestions on how to remove the tape without ripping off the poly? (11/18/2008) By Jenn4u RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Once again i'm having to leave painters tape on for now - any ideas or suggestions on how to remove without pulling up the poly that dried on to it? (11/18/2008) By Jenn4u RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Wow Jenn, They look awesome. I had to use a utility knife to cut loose the tape from the backsplash. Just enough to break the connection. (11/19/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used the Rustoleum Stone spray in Black Granite and the Poly. I used about 6 coats of the water-based poly and about 5 coats of the oil-based poly. Seems like the oil-based smoothed out the bumps much more than the water-based. Maybe I'll try a utility knife as Bresy mentioned or a box cutter to cut away the tape. All of the back splash has the painters tape and no matter how careful I am I'm still having trouble removing without pulling away the poly. (11/19/2008) By Jenn4u RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Jenn Looks Great. You did a great job! I don't know about the tape I always take mines off after the first application of poly. Why don't you wait a couple of days till the poly really cures and apply a towel or sponge with hot water to the tape, that might help. Did you use the black granite spray for your counters? Which one rustoleum or kyolite (SP)? How are your bumpies? Gail (11/19/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Jenn, As you can see in the corner of my pic, when I pulled the painters tape off, it ripped a lot of the actual paint off too, as well as getting sort of stuck in the hardened Enviro, so I ended up using a razor blade on the rest of the counter edges to get the tape up. It seemed to help because you get a good cut right on the edge. When I do the bathroom, I'm going to take off the tape before the Enviro dries completely and see if that helps. But try the razor. (11/19/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi, You've inspired and motivated me. I just painted my counters with stone spray and covered them with a coat of Parks Superglaze. Looks great, but I have bumps from the texture, and one or 2 dimples from air bubbles that released while drying. I really don't want to put another coat on, cause it takes 3 days to cure. Will the surface survive as is? Do I need to wait until fully cured before placing stuff on my counters? Thanks :) (11/20/2008) By tlegambi RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Lynn, thanks! Yes, I definately used a primer. I also used a base coat of black paint, but realized later they sell tinted primer so that step might have been deleted had I known. The spray paint with the specks went on pretty thick so I think over a tinted primer it wouldn't have shown through - but I used Enviro not poly as my seal. Love the look, will use it again! (11/20/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Lynn W I used primer but had it tinted with a bit of black. I didn't use a base coat just the stone spray (the primer was already dark from the black tint). I sprayed on thick that's probably why I had to use over 10 layers of poly. I used both water based and oil poly. I preferred the oil-base. Good Luck (11/20/2008) By Jenn4u RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hello all! You've really inspired me so I took the plunge. Check out my before and afters. (11/21/2008) By handysabrina RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's the after! #1 (11/21/2008) By handysabrina RE: Painting Laminate Countertops After #2 (11/21/2008) By handysabrina Help - what about chips in laminate and aluminum trim? Great info on this site - best I have found anywhere! I want to paint my laminate counters and wanted some kind of mixed color - I love the granite look and think I'll go with that. My counters are old and have an aluminum corner strip where the backsplash meets the counter, as well as another strip across the top of the backsplash. What do I do with it? Paint over it, replace it with something else? Also, chips in the edges of the countertop (square edges), how do I repair before painting and such? (11/22/2008) By momthebaum RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Katy, This is from the enviortex website if you choose to go with enviro - also the same info as Parks Super Glaze from Home Dep. Both of these products are used as "bar" counter finishes which are used when serving food. I used only in my bathroom but others have used in their kitchens. It's awesome stuff. I used stone spray paint with Super Glaze and clean with Clorox Green Works spray. You'll love the results! Good luck! Surface Care. Furniture polish will prolong the life of the surface and clean smudges, etc. If scratches occur that cannot be polished out, clean with acetone, then recoat with Envirotex Lite. This additional coat will remove all surface blemishes. Envirotex Lite is heat resistant, however, if should not be intentionally subjected to high temperatures such as cigarettes, cooking utensils, etc. Envirotex Lite is water and alcohol proof. Objects, when left on the surface for a period of time, may leave impressions on an Envirotex Lite surface (the coating is made tough, yet flexible so as to not be brittle and prone to shattering from impact). Impressions usually disappear in a few hours at normal 72° - 75°room temperatures. The warmer the environment, the more quickly impressions will appear and after items are removed, will disappear. This characteristic, coupled with outstanding moisture and chemical resistance, makes Envirotex Lite an ideal coating for bar tops, coffee tables and dining tables. (11/22/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks a lot all of you! I used a light coat of spray stone then lightly sprayed a chocolate brown flat over it. Did 2 coats of poly then the enviro light which really wasn't all as difficult to use as I thought it would be. Here's a pic of my whole kitchen makeover done in EXACTLY ONE WEEK! Thanks for all your posts. I was over educated when I started this and so nervous, but it was SO WORTH IT! If you scroll way down you'll see the before. (11/22/2008) By HandySabrina RE: Painting Laminate Countertops After lurking here for quite some time, I jumped in and did it! I have 2 counter tops to do, so I tried the little one first. I am waiting to get tile work done first, then do my big one! Here are pics of what I have done. Before (11/24/2008) By Mello33 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here's the after! I'm so happy! Thank you all for such awesome advice! (11/24/2008) By Mello33 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops 'bumps' I ended up w/ lots of bumpies on my surface, but I lightly wet sanded the surfaces w/ wet sanding sponge, and I will put another coat of super glaze (when I feel like being w/out a counter for 3 days again :). The very light sanding smoothed the feel of the bumpies, and I think the second coat of glaze will make the surface completely smooth. I did wait until the super glaze was completely cured (3 days)and the sanding was so light w/ out pressure (same pressure you would use when wiping down your counter w/ a regular cleaning sponge. The wet sanding didn't scratch the surface either, so even if I wait a while w/out recoating I think I should be fine. I know alot of people were concerned w/ the bumpies, so I hope this may help you too :) (11/24/2008) By tlegambi9 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I was speaking to my brother who is a very handy guy. He's a very talented guy when it comes to home improvement. I told him about some bumps I had with my counters, and he said the same thing about sanding. He said to try to use 600 grit sandpaper and wet sand it. He also said to used a compound kind of like rubbing compound for cars. He said it should come out like glass. If it doesn't I'll make him fly 1200 miles to fix it! Ha! (11/24/2008) By pnutzmom728 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops We used the Sante Fe color stone spray from Walmart. Looks fantastic. I've used 4/5 coats of minwax Polycrylic -water base and am getting the resin to finish it up. I would like to add some metallic flecks to it in order to make it look more like granite. Has anyone tried this yet? I could use flecks for car paint/floor paint, metallic paint...glitter. I was wondering if a metallic paper might work. Anyone tried anything like this? Everyone's counter tops look fantastic! Way better than the cost it takes to rip out the old and put new in, with material and labor! (11/25/2008) By Jandcbrown RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hello All, I have been reading these posts since early summer. I have this site as my home page because I did not want to miss anything, I am addicted! I finally took the plunge last weekend, however, I "practiced" on my mother in law's bathroom first..LOL! Here is the before picture...see the lovely vanity? (11/26/2008) By CPalmer72 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is the after. Thank all of you so much. I am just amazed at all of the transformations! (11/26/2008) By CPalmer72 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a closeup of the counter! It is hard to get a picture that does it justice. (11/26/2008) By CPalmer72 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops and even closer. I wish you could see the glitter effect. My mom in law and I just snicker to our selves every time she shows someone her remodel. They instantly assume she spent a lot of money on granite....ha ha ha! I would not have been able to do it without all the wonderful ideas on here. Thank you thank you thank you! (11/26/2008) By CPalmer72 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi everyone, Wow, you guys are really amazing! Beautiful job on your projects! I refinished several counter tops in our 2 mobile homes and for my latest project used the envirotex as a top coat. They came out nice and shiny and look exactly like granite but after a few months of use I did get some cloudy scratches in some areas and am wondering, if anyone knows how to polish them out? I looked on envirotex's web site and they recommended furniture polish (did not help) and if that doesn't help to re-coat the surface with another coat of envirotex. I hope there is something else that might help get the scratches out, I really don't want to re-coat the whole thing. Any ideas? Thanks for your help! Bea (11/28/2008) By quizusa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Ok, so I tried the 600 grit wet sanding idea that I posted about a little while back. I had some bumps from the stone paint and using the polyurethane. The sand paper works great!! So far I haven't even used rubbing compound, I just wet sanded and wiped it off with a towel and it's fine! The bumps are gone. When I'm all done sanding, maybe I'll try the compound to see if what it does, but right now I haven't done it. I am so addicted to this site! (11/29/2008) By pnutzmom728 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thank you for all the comments! I had such a fun time with it and can not wait to do my own. The paints I used were a gray tinted primer, black and brown stone spray paints, several shades of black, gray, brown, and white acrylics, white glaze, float (which is a clear liquid that makes things look 3d), iridescent glitter (just a little), fine white or clear glitter, and fine black (a lot of this!). It sounds like a lot, but it really isn't and the work is very much worth the end result! The cabinet is actually a very dark brown. My mom in law wanted both colors in her bath and that is what I came up with. She literally has shown it off to everyone that comes by....even the cable guy! LOL Thank you again! I can not wait to do my kitchen! Christy (11/30/2008) By CPalmer72 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Look it's a portal to another dimension (11/30/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops OK time for round Two. I'm starting the Master Bath, I'm going to go the same technique for the counter top, but a splash of different colors to the last. I'll display the Before Pics here and that after soon. If anyone has some other suggestions please let me know I'd love to hear them while I'm at the job. One thing, any suggestions on how to cover up my shower a little?, Its two glass sliding doors? (11/30/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (11/30/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops white (11/30/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops 2 coats of stone (11/30/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops closer up (11/30/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Work so Far. Ive manged to spray the bowl with a fresh white, and complete 2 coats of the stone Spray, I went a darker Spray this time called Harbor Fog Stone Touch from Wal-Mart. Cant wait for it to dry so I can get on the Enviro-Tek. You'll notice I also drilled an extra hole, this is so the being that fell down the other hole to another dimension have a way of getting back. LOL. No but really I have a soap dispenser left over from my Kitchen remodel so putting it to good use. Oh yeah I had a heck of a time removing that that portal, Ugh it was in there good notice the mess in the Picture. Heres the pics so far. (11/30/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Disaster strikes, Anyone working with Enivro-Tek will be able to relate. So I'm all excited my paint job has dried and looks fantastic, I mix my Enviro-Tek and start to apply it. I'm now at the stage of popping bubbles, I use a hair dryer, seems to work very well. While admiring my work and checking for more bubbles the F'n cat jumps up onto the counter. Now not only has he scratched the S@#t out of the counter he has raced off and dragged Enviro right through the entire house. Believe me words can not even explain my anger at this time, especially since I have new laminate floors through the house. I'm slowly cleaning up the mess and making the best of what I can on the Bathroom Counter top. Looks like I'm going to have a wait of 2 days, start sanding the top back down where damaged, and try to get it to match the rest again. Looks like I'm in for a long week without a bathroom again no thanks to the F'n cat. Thank goodness I have some Enviro left over, though I am going to need more stone paint now. (12/01/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Nebster- I did the enviro and also had a prob while it was drying with my daughter touching it. I took the blow torch I had used for the bubbles and went over it several times and wa la.....no more problem. As long as the enviro is still setting up, you should be able to use the heat to fix it. I'm not sure a blow dryer is hot enough though. As for it being on the cat and everywhere else....try alcohol. You may have to just cut it off the cat though. I dropped some on my floor and once it dried completely, just took a putty knife and it came off wonderfully without damaging the floor. Good luck! Tricia (12/01/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Tricia, Thanks for the advice, I have some alcohol pads, I'm about the sweep the floor and give it a good cleaning to see if I can find any other spots the cat run while Enviroed. I dont have a blow torch this time, I think I got most of it up though. As for the cat, I wish I could take the blow torch to it, Ugh, Kidding. I gave him a good bath and used dish soap on his paws, I did my best, will just have to watch him over time I guess. (12/01/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Wanted to update all of you that worried about me using my hands(thanks). I did use latex throw away gloves and it works wonders. It was so fast and smoothing it out with my hands (with gloves) was great! Just wanted to let you know. One question...what do you use on sinks in bathroom to retouch and paint? Do you need to prime first? Enviro over it? (12/01/2008) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thats depends on if you plan to take the sink out ever, if you Enviro-Tek it in there you may never get it out again. I would best say take it out before you start for better results. Mine is part of the counter so I painted it to. (12/02/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And the results are in! Well somewhat, still need to put the mirror up and frame it, and decorate the shower somehow? Im also thinking of some beard paneling along the walls. (12/02/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (12/02/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (12/02/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops So has anybody done their counters, thought they looked pretty good...and then when you see everyone else's, you start thinking they don't look near as good as theirs? lol I am at that point:( So be truthful, are mine ugly? lol (12/03/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here is an "aerial" view. Seems to not shine so much from this view and you can see the colors better. Are they ugly? lol The floor is getting replaced with wood, so try to visualize that. (12/03/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops OMG. I haven't been able to get on here in a few days. I hate it when that happens! I miss so much! LOL I used tinted primer made for glossy surfaces, enviro (yes, I have a horror story), and no I did not take out the sink. I just taped it off. I pulled the tape off before the enviro dried and it worked fine for me. YES, I still have a few bumpies from the spray paint even after two coats of enviro. Here is my enviro horror story..... After I put the enviro on I got a little bored while babysitting it so I decided to paint the beadboard that I put up behind the toilet (which is right next to the counter). So, I am sitting backwards on the toilet and painting behind it when I drop my brush. Not thinking about the enviro I flipped my hair (which was down to my bra strap) over my left shoulder and grabbed my paint brush off the floor. When I tried to get up I could not....sigh. My hair...just about every single bit of it landed on the counter when I flipped it....yeah. It stuck in the enviro. I could not get up. I had to hold my hair very close to my head with both hands and pull...HARD. Needless to say I no longer have long hair, had to cut off about 10 inches. I couldn't even give it to Locks of Love cuz it was hard as glass! There were several strands of hair I could not get out of the counter, so needless to say my mother in law is now stuck with my DNA forever. LOL! So, after loosing my hair...literally. I wasn't so much worried about the bumpies. She can live with them. LOL! (12/03/2008) By CPalmer72 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks for all the awesome comments, I cant wait to finish the rest of the bathroom. My friends have also said it looks like an under mount sink. I chose a Black Rose Brown for the Cabinets, again from Wal-mart, I love this color, its dark and rich in color, think I'll use it for my Kitchen Cabinets. The photos look crappy really and don't do a justice. Scroll down for the Before and During pics. For everyone wondering about Enviro in your sink! This is the second one I have done in my house, both were the same type. The first one still looks awesome and its been a few months. Be sure to get as good tape line. Instructions: 1. take off all the old hardware - 2. Sand down countertop and sink, be sure to get all nooks and crannies - 3. Clean and wipe off all loose dust - 4. Spray paint bowl and counter, I used a primer then a white plastic spray paint, I also sprayed the whole counter - 5. Once paint had dried completely (approx 1 day) I carefully taped off the line in the sink, I had to use several short pieces of painters tape due to mine being a seashell shaped bowl. 6. Be sure to press hard on the tape, even take a plastic paint scraper and run it along the edge of the tape to ensure it has stuck to the bowl. This will help seal the tape so nothing seaps under it and give you that clean edge. 7. I used plastic bags in the sink then taped off the edges to the bag as you see in the picture here, (this is to protect my newly painted sink.- 8. I the painted my stone spray, I had to do 2 coats. 9. Allow to dray at least 1 day and about 4 hr between stone paint coats.- 10. Remove bags and tape while wet, at least I do, but do this slowly and carefully, this way you'll keep you straight edge/line. If a few stone flecks fall in the sink dont stress, this happened to me to once dry they can be easily brushed out. 11. Now Enviro-Tek it, pour it across the top so it runs down the backsplash, across the counters and around the top edge of the sink, I made sure to pour a good amount around the edge of the sink and it slowly pours down the sides and through the drain hole, if needed I brushed the sides with a foam brush. Be sure to have something underneath the drain hole and faucet areas for the Enviro to land in. 12. Be sure to watch the Enviro and pop those bubbles as the appear with a blow torch or blow on them. 13. Let dry, take a few days to be hard, hard. But worth the wait. I was able to fit all my faucets and drains late the next day. BUT I did have to careful take a knife/Razor to the drain hole as the Enviro made it smaller. wasn't hard though just took my time and was careful to edge it out a bit till the drain fit. I dremmel sander would have been perfect but I don't have one. Whalla! Your done, Looks Bloody good huh. (12/03/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops OK Ladies and Gentlemen....drum roll please! I took the plunge and here are the before and after pictures of my kitchen. Now, remember, my house is only 4 years old and I live in Florida so I wanted nice Fla colors (nothing dark) and I wanted a real eye-catching counter top. I had to repaint the back wall because on the "before" pictures you will see that the back wall is "soft wheat" and now that the countertops are done, it is antique white so it would not clash with the counters. So here are 2 before pictures. (12/03/2008) By florida gal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops As you can see the before photos, I HAD white sink, white faucets, white countertops, white cabinets, white 18" ceramic floors, and white appliances. (12/03/2008) By florida gal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here are the "after pictures" of my countertops and YES, I DID remove the sink before starting. (12/03/2008) By florida gal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Another view of finished product (12/03/2008) By florida gal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I'm trying to get a close up view so you can see the coloring, but a camera does not do it justice. (12/03/2008) By florida gal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Zen: The project time depends of course on how much counter space you are doing, but generally it can be done in a few hours and takes the enviro about 2-3 days to harden completely. The enviro is a hard sealer and here is a link to it: http://www.eti-usa.com/consum/envtex/envlite.htm The easiest way to choose your colors is to go to Lowe's or someplace like that and get their samples of granite colors. Or you can also do a google search online and pull up all kinds of samples. As for rookie mistakes, well there can be several. Like getting it on the floor, the cabinets, your hair...the cat lol. The main thing is, let everything dry good and keep working a torch over the enviro to get out air bubbles. I don't recommend using any kind of oil paint as they take forever to dry. I used the little bottles of art enamel paint from Wal-Mart. As for how long it lasts, I've seen several people that have had it done for 3+ years with no problem. The enviro is very tough and durable, however I have had a problem with it scratching easily. Tricia (12/05/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Well its been a interesting weekend, IM almost done with our Bathroom (minus the scratches from the cat). I'll post pictures on Tuesday. Just need to frame the mirror. Thanks for the advice and tips people, Oh and if you cat gets into Enviro, get him/her to the vet, we had to go in the end and was an expensive trip close to $350. Grooming, blood work and one not so well and grumpy kitty. Thankfully he is perking up again. *Future note Remember to close doors behind you in you have animals when working with Enviro, or little kids. lol. (Kiity before Enviro-tek) (12/07/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Well here's the final results, I still think I'll add a little bead board late down the track. The lighting isn't the best so the picture don't do a justice. It's really nice overall, (minus the cat scratches). (12/08/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Bathroom Before (12/08/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I think it was called Black Rose and we got it from Wal-Mart, Its a dark Brown Reddish(maybe even a burgundy) color, very rich so to speak. Its took 3 coats to get a good coverage, but we love it, we're going to do our kitchen cabinets in the same color now. Thanks for the comments, and suggestions, Florida gal I think the valance idea came from you, we picked ours up from Ross-Dress for Less for $10, $20 if you include the shower rod to hang it from. We probably spent less than $50 in total for the whole makeover. (12/09/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops HandySabrina, Post a picture of your cabinets close up, I thought about creating a Shaker Style Cabinet by adding a small flat trim around the edge of the cabinet, then painting, however due to a beveled edge on the top and bottom I don't think I can. Also new hardware goes along way, we just ordered 26 new handles for our kitchen, we're getting ready to paint ours. (12/09/2008) RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I am so excited! We never even thought to paint our countertops. Now I have a project that is not going to be a bank buster :) BTW I think I have your cat's long lost brother. He is so naughty and I can just see him now trying to "help" so I think he will be banned to the basement or a bedroom. (12/09/2008) By diannab RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I wanted to thank all of you that have posted your pictures & steps to your projects. This website has been invaluable to me. I have started on my kitchen counters. Here is the before pic. The counters were off-white & have been soooo frustrating to keep clean! I have done the smaller counter sections and will tackle the large one this weekend. (12/09/2008) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I am so happy with how they look! We had quotes for $5000 to replace all our counters with granite & I will finish this for @ $100! We also plan to replace the 80's hunter green floor tiles with vinyl tiles and I'm going to glaze the cabinets. (these projects will have to wait until after the holidays) (12/09/2008) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's a close up. It really is hard to get one that does it justice. I had some trouble with the tape so I will have to touch up the paint. (12/09/2008) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops OK Ladies I promised a few in progress pics of the bathroom. I am still undecided on what to put up to the window. I had the white wood blinds, but they always stayed dirty. So I have taken them down. Will post some before pics, for those of you that didn't see the ugly Bathroom before :) Thanks for looking Gail (12/10/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (12/10/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (12/10/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (12/10/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (12/10/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (12/10/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Looking good there Gail -Ben (12/10/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Great job Gail! It looks awesome and I LOVE the wall color! And you painted the tub? My bathroom is my nightmare. Really even in my dreams at night lol. My house was built in 1926 and has the original light GREEN pedestal sink, tub and toilet! YIKES! I am going to replace the sink completely, but didn't know what to do with the tub and toilet. Think I can paint them? Did you use a special primer and paint for tubs or was it for plastic like somewhere else I've read? After seeing your bathroom, now I'm anxious to get going on mine! Tricia PS - Nebster, how's little kitty doing? He is adorable! (12/10/2008) By tpalm RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks for the comments! I do have alot of counter left. LOL! There is actually more than you can see in the before picture. I will be busy this weekend:) I'll post better up close pics after I finish the rest. I used the black granite spray and the mineral brown but you can't see that in the pictures. I used Varathane Diamond oil based sealer & have about 5 coats at this point. I was too scared to take on that amount of square footage with the enviro. Maybe I will be braver when I do the bathroom! I've been motivated by all the great bathrooms this week:) Lesley (12/10/2008) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Both colors were the Valspar Stone Spray - Black Granite (black with white specks) & Mineral Brown (brown with black specks). I sprayed an almost complete coverage with the black and lightly sprayed the brown. I sanded after it dried overnight before beginning sealing. After the 1st seal I used a toothbrush with a few different craft paints to splatter little specks. I had brown, copper and light gold paints. Then I sprinkled fine black glitter and white "snowflake" glitter (both are Martha Stewart brand at Michael's) then continued to seal. The diamond is easy and seems very forgiving but I still have a little bit of bumps. I did lightly spot sand between some coats of sealer and that seemed to help. There is a goldish tint to the diamond but that works good for the black and brown but could alter some other colors. Here is a closer picture. It looks grayer than it really is and the colors are a little off because of the glare. Lesley (12/10/2008) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I don't see pictures of the beautiful bath CPalm did for her mother-in-law. Are older posts removed? Would you please post those again? All of you, I love your bathroom and kitchen redos. Such inspiration! Thanks. Editor's Note: Our site currently only shows the 50 most recent feedbacks. There have been so many new feedback that they have been pushed off the page I will try to get those photos up so you all can see them as soon as possible. (12/11/2008) By LaRhee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Guest, Sorry to be the one to tell you this, but you should have used a sponge roller from the beginning and not a spray sealer. You can sand it off lightly not all of it. And then roll a coat of water based primer over them and spray paint your coating again and then recoat with an oil based primer , but you have to roll it on not spray it on! Very, Very Important! (12/11/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey fowlkes I never used the epoxy, but from what I know is that if you gouged it , sounds serious. I would try and sand it lightly and reseal, but you might want to see if gator girl or someone else can help you. Good luck, Gail (12/11/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Crazy, but I just threw more Parks Super Glaze over the top, and you can't even tell there was a gouge! And where I sanded, I thought the scratches would show up...NOTHING! Luckily, the gouge wasn't down to the paint underneath. It looks FABULOUS! I'll get pics up! (12/11/2008) By fowkes5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Trinity, With Enivro I didn't have much of an issue with it pooling, since its self leveling it really smoothed itself out. I did have to wipe our my sink a little though. (12/13/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Pictures of Before (12/13/2008) By fowkes5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Picture of After (12/13/2008) By fowkes5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Close up of counter (12/13/2008) By fowkes5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I am a big fan of this site. I painted my countertops last summer and LOVE them. One thing I am not seeing on the current posts is the option of using Diamond Varthane Floor Poly. That was suggested last summer and it is what I used. I was afraid of enviro and didn't want the yellowing of oil poly. It turned out GREAT. I used plastic grocery bags (at the suggestion of someone else) to pounce my colors. They came out, as promised, not looking sponged. Over Christmas, I am going to do my bathroom with the spray stone. I love what I have seen. (12/14/2008) By Beth RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just poured it on the top of the backsplash so it ran down the front and onto the counter. It sealed up the space between the wall and backsplash. You will only get one coat on the backsplash, but it makes it nice and shiny. It will also seal the crack between the counter and the backsplash. I don't think you need more than one coast on the backsplash. (12/14/2008) By fowkes5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Beth, I used the Varathane Diamond and am very happy with it. I used foam roller and brush to apply it. I too was intimidated by the enviro with a large counter space. BTW.. I finished spraying my main countertop this weekend and will post pics when finished. Thanks! (12/14/2008) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's the before and after pictures of my kitchen "facelift" I am so proud! I am also thankful to this website and all of your advice! It's hard to believe just what you can do yourself! I did it all myself, and I know now, I don't EVER want to sand my cabinet doors again! (12/15/2008) By Mello33 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Great Job Ladies I am still in my guest bathroom :) I still have to replace the faucet and do some more base molding, but it looks a 100% better. I need some ideas on what to put on the wall above the toilet? Oh and I am still working on my Mirror Frame. Should be finished by this Weekend. Between Christmas Parties and Work, who can keep up :) Any advice anyone...Please Suggestions?? You all have such great info :) Gail (12/16/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's my finished product! Can't believe the difference. I only wish I had a "before" picture to post! Thanks! (12/16/2008) By sp0008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops One more pic of my "new" bathroom. Thanks to everyone! (12/16/2008) By sp0008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops SP0008, it looks gorgeous! I think just a simple tab top valance in the darker brown look great in my opinion. The wood work and vanity look good to me, it brings in the depth of color. (12/16/2008) By Mello33 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's the better pics of my kitchen (12/16/2008) By Mello33 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I've been looking at this and also 'transforming countertops' for awhile. I tried mine! (12/17/2008) By In2Paint By sp0008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops One more pic of my "new" bathroom. Thanks to everyone! (12/16/2008) By sp0008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops SP0008, it looks gorgeous! I think just a simple tab top valance in the darker brown look great in my opinion. The wood work and vanity look good to me, it brings in the depth of color. (12/16/2008) By Mello33 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Heres the better pics of my kitchen (12/16/2008) By Mello33 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I've been looking at this and also 'transforming countertops' for awhile. I tried mine! (12/17/2008) By In2Paint RE: Painting Laminate Countertops That was yesterday. Don't you all love my hideous wallpaper? Lol. I haven't put the topcoat on yet and I'm waiting for my paint to dry, but here it is (12/17/2008) By In2Paint RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Me and my wife did the envirotech counter top refinish, not fun stuff to work with. If you set any really hot pot or pan it will scuff the surface. There's no way to keep every bubble out of the finish, it looks real "home made" do it your self when its all said and done. Pictures look good, but by the touch you can tell something different! Thumbs down on all this. (12/18/2008) By gerald RE: Painting Laminate Countertops prior HI Gail, Gatorgirl etc. Repost your results - love my results and all yours! gerald - everyone loves ours! (12/18/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops After. HEY Gail, Gatorgirl etc. Agreed! Repost your all your results - love my results and all yours! Gerald - everyone loves ours! Definitely not cheesy - I have requests to do many other friends and family! They are amazed - and think its granite! YOU must have messed up! (12/18/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops sp0008, Looks really awesome! If you are not happy with your woodwork, did you try lemon oil or bees wax on them? It will bring back the wood. (12/18/2008) By Bresy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi! On my countertop, I used primer, 2 basecoats of a mud gray, and then I sponged on two other grays and a brown. I didn't think the first gray showed up a lot anymore so I went and sponged on a little more of that. I read a post here where someone let it dry between sponging colors, but I didn't, I thought it blended nicely when they were all done at once. I just used a different sponge for each color. Also I added a bit of glitter (in hematite!) which makes it really sparkle tho you can't see it in the picture, you can in person! It looks great though my cell phone takes pics that leave a lot to be desired. Lol! And I used Minwax Polycrylic...water based, on top. (12/19/2008) By In2Paint RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Namaruth2, Let the enviro or poly run the edge for you and fall off onto the floor, make sure there is something to protect it of course. Use a foam brush to brush under the edges periodically also I found it easy to cut away or sand off dry drip marks. (12/20/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Question: Most of you have the countertops that are rounded, all one piece. What about when there is a straight edge at a right angle, where the top and the sides meet, and you can see the edge of the formica? Does the edge take the paint just as well as the rest of the formica? Thanks! P.S. Everyone's projects look so wonderful. I'm still a little scared to try it, but probably will give it a try. (12/20/2008) By Lahree RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Ok here it is, I'll have to get a better shot later of the other side, Lighting is kinda bad, but looks great. Now just possibly a small tile backsplash, not sure? Ben (12/20/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Originally (12/20/2008) By nebster RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hello! I finally have my kitchen back together and thought I would post another pic. I still have a few other projects to do in here but I LOVE my new counters and they are getting great reviews from family and friends! Nebster your kitchen looks great! You can't even tell the cabinets are laminate! Bresy, In2paint, Gsmiles, Fowkes5, Mello, sp0008-- all look great! My comment to not putting hot pans on the counter is I couldn't do that before and now my counters at least look good:) Good luck to anyone considering doing this. I know I researched this site for weeks before I made the leap. (12/20/2008) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Cindy, I think interior paint will work, but I'm not sure. Hopefully someone will be able to answer that for you. I believe there was someone who practiced their painting technique on something before doing the counter tops. Did you use a sample laminate counter top or something else? I may get a sample and practice on that first before doing my counter top. I am hoping to get started on my kitchen in Feb with all the painting, installing and painting beadboard, and repainting the cabinets. I'm so excited I can't wait! (12/27/2008) By scrappinmama RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Cindy, It seems like there was an older post that someone said they used leftover latex paints to faux finish their counters. I think as with any of these if you prime and seal it will work. I would never have thought to use spray paint! I definitely recommend practicing at least on a piece of scrap wood to make sure it's what you want. Scrappinmama, I matched my cabinet paint today The closest match was Valspar "malted milk" in semi-gloss. I'm touching up this weekend so I can glaze them. I'll post pics when I'm done. (12/27/2008) By craftygirlz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I primed first, but I used interior latex semi gloss paints and polycrylic on top, on mine. So far so good, lol! (12/28/2008) By In2Paint RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Craftygirlz, Your kitchen looks awesome! I am looking to paint my cabinets white and trying for a black granite countertop look. Could you please tell me where to start! (12/30/2008) By lynnwright5 Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 10/15/2008 How do I paint laminate countertops? Mimi from Chattanooga, TN Answers: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops SL: Yes, I painted over the metal strips on mine. Just paint them over completely with a Kilz primer eant for bonding to glossy surfaces (it will say this on the label), and all the other coats of paint and sealant will stck just fine. (quote)(/quote)RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Post By SL from Georgia (Guest Post) (08/05/2008) Has anybody painted a counter top that has the metal strips running around the edges? and If so, what did you do, paint them, etc.? What did you use that would stick to the counter top and also the metal edges? (08/11/2008) By Christina RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey, I tried it myself on my bathroom countertop. I started with "Gripper" primer. Then I did sponge painting with acrylic paints from a craft store that I had. I used tan, black, brown, gold, and a tiny hint of blue. I topped it off with epoxy a day later after the paint was dry. It's been 2 months and everyone LOVES it, esp. my husband who had been very nervous about the whole thing. (08/15/2008) By Patrice in Minnesota RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I read several of your posts and attempted it over the weekend. Here is my before... (08/18/2008) By Jessy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And my after... (08/18/2008) By Jessy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Wow jessy looks great. Almost exactly the same color I did my kitchen in. (08/19/2008) By mslisa202 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I would use more than one color at a time, seems to give it depth. I used like 6 at one time of craft paint. I went to Lowe's and picked out a granite color chip that I liked, took it to Hobby Lobby and pretty much picked colors that were in the chip. I did however do as Bea said and added some glitter paint at the end. That totally gave it a true stone look. See pic below (08/25/2008) By mslisa202 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just wanted to share that I myself, because of this website, braved up enough courage to try this! IT TURNED OUT WONDERFUL. Not only did I do my bathroom, I also tackled my kitchen as well. Here are some before and after pics. (08/28/2008) By KE2008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (08/28/2008) By KE2008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (08/28/2008) By KE2008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (08/28/2008) By KE2008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (08/28/2008) By KE2008 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I found taking a plastic grocery bag and crumbling up much better than the sponging. I sponged all over, did more research, re primed and then used the plastic bag technique and love the results. Just another option. Good Luck (09/01/2008) By beth RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I'm almost done and let me tell you, it was a little more work than I thought. I was originally going for the marble look so I had painted a tan background and was sponging brown, gray and white onto it. The more I sponged, the more the colors bled together and I ended up just getting mad and re-painting the whole thing black. Then I bought Rust-o-leum Stone Creations, it's a black spray paint that has white stone speckles in it, although it comes in other colors. I sprayed that over the black, it is so much better now. It looks more like granite instead of home-made mush. Once that dried I proceeded with my Envirotex lite, that stuff is a major mess but the end product looks like gorgeous glass. Although I ran out 1/2 way through my counters and had to stop while I'm waiting on my next shipment. So I still don't know whether I love it or not...I will let you know. (09/02/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Everyone, My husband and I took the plunge this weekend. We did a test piece first, but weren't happy with the colors. So we played around a little, and went ahead with the counters themselves. After painting the counters we put Envirotex on our test piece. Man, it looks so much better with that stuff on it!! We had some trouble with the Envirotex on the counters, we have some divots, I think from where we didn't have enough Envirotex on that section. The backsplashes and sides were really hard and didn't come out very well, but you don't notice the problems unless you know to look for them. Overall we are extremely happy we did this. $170 for new countertops! This is the after picture. (09/02/2008) By boesie RE: Painting Laminate Countertops We did ours with pieces of sea sponges, one color at a time, but one right after the other. I discovered that there is a fine line between getting too much paint on the sponge and too little. My arms are definitely sore after sponging for hours. :) I don't know if you used polyurethane or Envirotext, but from the photos, the expense and hassle of Envirotex is totally worth it for the final appearance. There is some finesse in using it, but it looks AWESOME. Also, I wasn't as happy with my paint job until I put the Envirotex on it, it changes the whole look. Some of the colors pop out more, some are more subdued, and even some of my "oops" spots that I got tired of fixing look like they are meant to be there now that the Envirotex is over top of it all. If you haven't done that on your bathroom, I'd recommend doing that first. This picture is of the same section as the below pic, but this is w/out the Envirotex on it. Good Luck! (09/02/2008) By boesie RE: Painting Laminate Countertops The base is solid black. There is a light layer of brown, a layer of dark grey, a heavy layer of off-white, a heavy layer of gold, another layer of brown, a layer of black, a light layer of gold, a light layer of brown and then a final layer of black. Whew.... The gold was a craft paint on clearance at Home Depot. The off-white is a craft paint from Michael's. I have an answer to the Craft (acrylic) vs. Latex paint question for everyone. I definitely recommend the latex if cost isn't an issue. It is much easier to work with. It doesn't dry quite as quickly, so you don't have to use as much on your sponge, and you can wipe it up. It also doesn't stick to you as much. It's more expensive to buy a quart of it, but I found that the color was more varied. They have a lot of colors in Craft paint, but then those end up being more money than the latex. If you want the exact paint names, I think you can use the "contact" button and send me an email. But the sponging is SO dependent on how much you do at one time, and what your taste is that it would be impossible for even me to recreate it! Here's my test piece, it looks nothing like the countertops! ;) That one was done with much bigger sponge splotches, then a couple really thin layers of black/brown on top. (09/02/2008) By boesie RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Boesie -- Holy colours! ha. Agonized yes, but it was well worth it. Again, they look amazing. Here is a picture of our bathroom. We haven't taken a picture with the final layer of poly on them yet, hopefully tonight. We actually did another layer of dark brown and then a light layer of black on top of what you see here but this gives you the general idea. We are going to try to "perfect" the technique before we tackle the kitchen. We want them to turn out like yours! Thanks again. Malcolm (09/02/2008) By Malcs RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just want to thank everyone for all the great information. I just recently painted my laminate countertops and cannot express enough how GREAT they look!! These pics below really don't do it justice but you can get the idea. Thanks for everyone's suggestions!! :) (09/05/2008) By Tara RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here are some before pictures and some close ups (09/05/2008) By Tara RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's the before (09/05/2008) By Tara RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I sanded then used oil based Zinser primer. Then I used Valspar paint as the base in tan. I went to Lowes and got several returned paint samples that you can get for anywhere from $1-5. Then I used some natural sponges with Acrylic Paint from Michaels in various browns, bronzes, golds, and black. I used many different layers making sure to let dry completely between each application. Then once I was happy with it I use Envirotex Lite. The only issue that came up was there were some small air bubbles. I didn't have a torch and found they were hard to locate as it was drying. So the surface is not completely smooth to the touch but it looks even better in person! Hope this helps, I'm glad I made the leap it's worth it! (09/06/2008) By RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Good Lord I'm almost done! I ran out of Envirotech and need to order another gallon, but it's coming along! I first had a tan base with my multi-colored sponging for the marble look but got frustrated so I re-did everything with black base and then sprayed Rustoleum black spray paint with white stone specks and it looks so much better, like a true granite look - here's a before (hunter green) and after pic (09/08/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops and here's my after (09/08/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops one more after (09/08/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I did use Envirotex - it's a lot messier than I had hoped but the end product is really worth it - so clear and smooth and shiny and the torch worked wonders getting any bubbles out at all - just cover everything you don't want it to drip on and don't wipe your forehead when you're sweating - I had to cut a snip of hair that was Envirotexed! (09/09/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Well, I did it. It was scary to take the plunge, but like many of you, I'm so glad I did it. I followed the step-by-step instructions and it was really easy! I ended up going with with the Verathane Semi-Gloss top coat as I don't like high gloss things too much. I used some Kilz primer that I had on hand and my only advice is to use tinted primer if you have white countertops. I had missed a spot and didn't know until I put on the first coat of poly...the pattern just wiped right off. So I had to re-sand, re-prime and re-paint that little area. No biggie! Here is the before picture. (09/11/2008) By Amy1082 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is the after. Thanks to everyone for all of their tips and encouragement to others! This picture is before the top coat but I was too excited to wait to put the final pics up! Thanks again! (09/11/2008) By Amy1082 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Has anyone tried this Armor granit? Below is the link. http://www.armorpoxy.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=A&Category_Code=AGRAN (09/11/2008) By LPC RE: Painting Laminate Countertops WOOOOW! The last few posted pictures look AMAZING. Great job Gatorlgirl...sorry to hear you had some hair envirotexed though! Too funny! You should keep it as a memory of the job! I wanted to post a few pictures of our finished product in the kitchen. We used the Varthane Diamond Clear Gloss finish. Unlike so many others on here we actually didn't want a really high shine because of the way our kitchen lighting is. We think it might like a bit too unnatural. This stuff worked well. It's a nice shine but not overwhelming for the space which is exactly what we were hoping for. Here is a before. (09/11/2008) By Malcs RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And here is an after. Two points of note. 1) The pictures don't do it justice. Everyone says that. Now having it done, I TOTALLY agree. 2) I would absolutely look into the Rustoleum stuff. That sounds much less time consuming than dabbing with a 1 square inch sponge! Of course it will depend on what outcome your looking for but look at Gatorgirls pics...I think that looks wonderful. Good luck to anyone who is going to try it. My advice? If you already dislike your counters, do it. What do you have to loose, $50? We figured that we didn't like the ones we had anyway, so let's do them. We surely won't like them any less than we do now...worst case scenario is that we have to replace them before we sell in a few years. (not everyone is in that position I realize...but that was our thought process...) (09/11/2008) By Malcs RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Oh...and here is the finished product in the bathroom... (09/11/2008) By Malcs RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I would definitely try that Rustoleum - the stuff in the gallon paint can is expensive - you can probably get the same result with a painted base coat and the Rustoleum spray can that has the specks - you could even use 2 colors to get different colored specks if you wanted - and they're only $9.00 for a spray paint bottle. (09/11/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I fixed 2 boo-boos...the first was a smaller counter next to the stove that I guess I didn't put a thick enough coat of Envirotex on and it had dents/indentions like hail damage. I poured another coat on later and it's completely smooth now like it never happened. The other oops was when I started on the biggest part of the counter and ran out. The Enviro lava-ed itself and stopped in the middle of the counter. When I got my next shipment I poured a thick coat on top of that as well as the undone part and to the touch it's completely smooth, looking straight down onto it it's completely clear, but when I look sideways and there is light shining on it, I can see the outline of the wave where the first bit of lava stopped. So it may do that if you fix it, but I would go for it - you really have to look for the imperfection to notice it. (09/12/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Also, I've been reading this post for the last 2 days and keep hearing about following Bea's instructions. I've gone through this post over and over and cannot seem to locate them. Could someone please repost the instructions people are mentioning because my wife and I would love to get rid of our "wonderful" salmon pink countertops! :) (b)Editor's Note:(/b) Here it is: We painted a bathtub before and they sell a special kit for that at Home Depot or Lowes. The results are great. We will paint our ugly green kitchen sink very soon using the same product. The paint is high gloss shiny white and very durable! I am really happy to see everyone's fantastic results! Congratulations to all of you! We are currently painting our second project and will use the Envirotex. We tried oil based Poly and it changed to an ugly yellow color within a month, so we re-did the whole counter and used Benjamin Moore water based Poly. It's awesome and does not cloud, but the pictures here show even better results with the Envirotex, so we are trying this now. Attached is a picture of our kitchen in our Mobile home in Florida. I'll post a before picture once I find it in the deep abyss of my hard drive. lol Good Luck to everyone! Bea (06/03/2008) (09/12/2008) By godzillasurfer RE: Painting Laminate Countertops The one I used was called Rustoleum American Accents STONE, color is black granite. It does feel stony to the touch but once you put your sealant on top you won't feel it anymore. I'm such a fan of the Envirotex (yes, even though I Enviroed a big piece of my hair accidentally and had to cut it out) and it goes on nice and thick so you could put anything under there and never feel it - that's how restaurants place coins and pictures under the varnish of their tables or bars, the sealants smooths right over it. (09/12/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Becky - I just finished doing my counters last night and my backsplash is 7 inches tall, and I can tell you, it's never going to look as nice as the actual counter, simply because the envirotex levels out, and basically just oozes down the backsplash. The only thing you could do is yank it off the wall, lay it down flat, Enviro it and put it back up. Mine was pretty tight on the wall so I didn't try. You can still pour some down it and it will give it a slightly shiny look, but won't be thick and glassy like your counters. Maybe you could do a different backsplash afterwards, like the faux tin or even tiles? I feel like a pro at this point because I've been doing the counters for about 3 weeks (I ran out of Envirotex twice and had to wait for my order) but they are done and gorgeous. I just try not to look too long at the not-as-shiny backsplash! Let me know if you want my exact how-to and any tips I have. (09/15/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops A lot of people were asking for instructions on how to do this so I looked up Bea's post and reposted it here for them. I'll be happy to post step by step directions. Step 1: Clean the old countertop. No sanding is necessary, just a good cleaning will do it. Step 2: Apply a Primer with a Paint Roller. I used a brownish tinted primer from Walmart. I didn't like this color at all but it doesn't matter because after all the sponging you won't hardly see anything of the primer. You could also use white, but since I wanted brownish colors I asked them to tint it. Step 3: The fun part: Take a sea sponge and dip it in several colors at the same time (I use a plastic paint tray to add paddles of Acrylic Craft Paint (from Michaels). The tray is big enough to have several colors in it at the same time and you can mix them together as you please. I kept working on this counter for several days until I liked the result. If you mess up, just dip the sea sponge in black paint and sponge all over it again. The Glitter is also Acrylic Craft Paint (Folk Art Brand Brush on Glitter Paint from Michaels). I mixed this in a small cup with water, about 20% Glitter, 80% water and sponged it over everything else. This gives it a really cool look, just like real stone. Step 4: Let the counter dry for a day or so, (you won't believe this, but I actually had no time for TWO MONTHS to apply the final step and the counter was holding up fine,even without the finish. But I don't really recommend it....lol). So if you can, add the finish the next day. The finish I used is called Envirotex Pour On Finish which I ordered here http://www.creative-wholesale.com/Envirotex%20Lite.htm I ordered the 1 Gallon Kit and still have half left over which I will use for the counters in the bathroom. Wow, I just noticed, they lowered their prices! The Gallon Kit is now $55 and worth every Penny! Tip: Make sure your cover your floors with a drop cloth because the product will drip over the edge. I mixed 3 separate batches and applied the finish to 1/3 of the counter first, waited about 30 Minutes while frequently attending to the drips that run over the edge (Just wipe them off with a Clorox Wipe) until it stops dripping, then do the second part and then the third part. I used a wide foam brush to spread the product around and also applied a very thin coat to the backsplash. Again, attend to it frequently to make sure you won't have any runs. People mentioned the bubbles that will rise to the top of the finish and they are really very, very tiny, I tried the blow torch and almost burned the kitchen down, so be careful! I think a stick liter would be perfect, the blow torch is just overkill! Just hold the flame over the bubble and it will go away. The busier your design is, the better it is because you won't see tiny imperfections at the end. I think that's about it. The finish is hard as Glass and very, very shiny. I just love it :-))) Good Luck to you and have fun! Bea (06/18/2008) By quizusa (09/15/2008) By mslisa202 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Gatorgirl and everyone, thanks for all your replies and help. I finally managed a small island and while the painting part turned out OK-I used textured kind of craft paint from Joann on top of the primer. I won't use it on the whole countertop, it was too much texture. The way I sponged made it look more like my fake ceramic tile floor, which I really do like! Anyway, I finally used the envirotech, and while most of it looks great, I do have some spots where it almost seemed to puddle, and some where it didn't cover enough. Trial and error, I guess. I will try to post pics when I'm all done. But an FYI-I found the Envirotech lite at Michaels craft store. This week they have a 50% off coupon in the paper for those of you looking to buy it. They had a small kit and a larger one. The big one was $28 or so, before the 1/2 off. thanks again for all of your ideas and help- Becky (09/16/2008) By RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's a closer picture of the granite look I got from the Rustoleum. (09/16/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I'm finally finished with all my countertops. Here's the final product. I'm thinking of painting the dishwasher and fridge with stainless steel paint. Someone stop me before I'm addicted... (09/17/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Just a little FYI that may help out on shipping time and costs! Hobby Lobby carries the Envirotex Lite! I bought mine there and a half gallon was $24.99. I was just going to post this because I was going to order mine too, but it's the same price as ordering and you don't have to wait or pay for shipping. (09/18/2008) By Autumn RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey everyone, I wanted to let you all know you can get Envirotech from Michael's. It is much cheaper. The only draw back is I could only find in half gallon size. You can use coupons from Sunday paper. Get it half off. It is still cheaper anyhow, no shipping and you get it today! Thanks everyone for helping out! I just started priming counters today! We will see what happens. (09/18/2008) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Yes, I painted actually 2 nice coats of shiny black glossy enamel paint onto the counters (over my Kilz primer) then I sparingly used the Rustoleum. It dropped the pretty white speckles onto the black then I sprinkled the whole thing with clear/white glitter - I can't stop looking at how pretty it is when it sparkles. For the idea about buying the 1/2 gallon at Michael's for $24 - that's a great deal - basically the same price from the website plus no waiting or shipping! Good idea... (09/19/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here are a few pics of what's been done so far. There are a few posts that will follow with pics since I can't seem to post more than one at a time. The green is what they used to look like. Pretty, huh? The island has the Envirotech on it, but the long counter only has paint so far. Gatorgirl, thanks again so much for all the help and tips. The one about the plastic paint thingy was great! I had one, used it and it worked wonderfully. Thanks again, Becky (09/21/2008) By Becky RE: Painting Laminate Countertops One of the island that is done. (09/21/2008) By Becky RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And one of the whole counter with just paint so far... (09/21/2008) By Becky RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used a mixture of textured paints I found at Joanns. I liked how it turned out, but the only bad thing was that you could actually feel the texture unless you pour enough of the envirotech to cover the bumps the textured parts of the paint left. But after a good coat, it's really smooth. I posted pics of the 2 colors of that paint, one is Terra Cotta Deep Canyon and the other is Fierro Gold, which is more metallic. The other paints I used were just the little bottles of acrylic you can find at any craft store-black, a very light brown and a little bit of a cream, almost light yellow. I just poured a little of each on a plate and went to town. Sponged, pounced, mixed, pounced and sponged some more. Hope this helps, and thank you all again for all the advice and ideas. (09/22/2008) By Becky RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here are 2 more pics of the finished parts-this one shows that I did manage to almost match my floor! (09/22/2008) By Becky RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And this one is just with the envirotech on it. (Need to get a utility knife to get the tape off the backsplash there.) Sorry If I'm being soooo annoying with all these pics-I'm just so thrilled with this topic, and so happy with how everything turned out. Considering I'd been quoted almost $2500 for new countertops and I don't think I spent $100 total! Thanks for listening and looking! Becky (09/22/2008) By Becky RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Becky - your counters look really good - I'm glad you went for it...I noticed you have a few dried "teardrops" under the edge - you can sand those off smooth with a Dremel drill. For your question about how many coats - I had one small counter next to the stove that I very first did and the layer was too thin because I saw the divots and indentions so I poured another layer and it came out perfect - now the bad part - On the huge island I ran out of the Enviro after I had started pouring and it had lava-ed itself only halfway down the counter. It looked like the ocean that had stopped on the shoreline. When I got some more, I poured it over the part I had already done plus the naked part, and it's now smooth, and looking down onto it I can't tell, but in the sunlight, looking from the side, I can see the "wave" of where the original had stopped - so I guess as long as you are adding more on top of old, it's fine... (09/23/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Well. I ended up putting 2 coats on because the first ended up bumpy. Didn't have the right torch. I got a bernzomatic hand torch and it did wonders. You definitely need one! It is really gorgeous! I am waiting for it to cure now. The only draw back is the waviness of the Envirotech. It is very hard to spread and keep is from waving. It does self level, however I am a perfectionist, so I would like it to be absolutely perfect! This is a great alternative to replacing and spending thousands of dollars. Thanks for all your help gatorgirl. Will up load pix as soon as it cures. I took them through the whole process. One major suggestion to all whole are sponging. It is so much easier to spray paint if you want a stone granite look and boy does it turn out awesome! Adding glitter is even more beautiful. My next project is the bathrooms. I am going to use the new Rustoleum hammered metal paints. I did refinish my kitchen chairs with that as well. Gotta love all the new and cheap things you can acquire on a dime! OH, one more suggestion. I used a sponge and a metal spatula, one to spread(metal) and one to sponge sides. That worked rather well and it cleaned nicely too. (09/23/2008) By artsyfartsyfun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops yay Artsy is done! I agree with the torch method, not only does it remove hundreds of bubbles at a time but it also does a great job making it extra smooth - I tried a few spots with the straw but spit fell out onto my gorgeous counter and I couldnt get it up, now I have DNA for the next homebuyer on the counter...oh well only I know it's there! (09/24/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops If you used the Enviro and some spots are still wet, I read on the directions of the Enviro it could be because it wasn't stirred long enough - the two components need to be completely mixed together to start the bonding process. Did you mix a little at a time or the whole amount? You may need to take it off and re-do it. sorry... (09/25/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Gatorgirl is right. If the enviotex is not dry then it was not mixed well. You really have to mix it completely. I actually did what the suggested and used the 2 step mixing method. And just when you think you have mixed it well enough....mix it some more. I am with gatorgirl if it is not dry you might have to remove it. I am actually considering putting another coat of evirotex on my counters and I have had them completed for a couple of months now. I will also use a torch on this last coat. (09/25/2008) By mslisa202 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I found my rustoleum at walmart! (09/26/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops The rustoleum paint I only used half a can. First I painted a primer. Then semi-gloss black slate color. Then I took rustoleum grey stone and did a lite spray and put on a lite sprinkle of silver glitter. I did use minwax oil base. Because I wasn't concerned of the yellow tint. All I wanted is a high gloss and I got it without a thick glass look. I put on 6 coats. Love it. I wont say it looks like granite but it does look a 100% better than the hunter green that I picked years ago that I thought country country country was the thing, now YUK. (09/27/2008) By nattie RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is just the rustoleum over cultured marble and primered sink... Please excuse the mess! (09/27/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I still need to put the envirotex over all of it but here is a close up of the counter/sink combo (09/27/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I forgot to do a before pic of the actual bathroom but here is a pic of my upstairs bathroom which looked exactly the same. yuck! (09/27/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Instructions for painting a cultured marble sink or laminate countertop. Here is the list of materials that I used: Sand paper - I used a medium grit sand paper. The purpose is to get the sheen off and get the surface ready to accept the paint. Primer - I used Glidden Gripper Grey Primer for Superior Deep color Result (per the label) For the counter and Kilz spray for the sink in white. Spray stone - I used Rust-Oleum American Accents Stone in Sienna Stone. It is tan but looked a little pinkish on the cap but when you put it over grey its beautiful. Envirotex - This is a name brand for a polymer resin. Which is like putting 50 coats of polyurethane on at once.. It give a great shine as you can see in gator girls work. Paint roller - I have a small foam roller that I use for all my little projects that works great. Paint brush - Any will do really. I used it to get the "nooks and crannys" when using the paint Tape - Painters tape or masking tape to tape edges of counter and to make the line in the sink. Disposable cups - use to pour the envirotex down the backsplash. Putty knife - Having the large size helps with the overall spreading and a smaller one helps with difficult to reach areas Foam brush - To use on the sink. It will absorb the excess enviro so you don't get a puddled look at the bottom of your sink Now most of these can be purchased at home depot or lowes even walmart.(where I got most of my stuff). However the envirotex can usually be picked up at a craft store like Michaels, Joanns, and Hobby Lobby. Its realatively inexpensive ranging from 9-30 dollars depending on the amount you are getting. Step 1. Clean your surface of any debris and sand well. If you own a belt sander its what I used for the flat surfaces and did the rest by hand. Step 2. Wipe all the dust off from the sanding. Step 3. With trial and error I have found that painting the sink white first is easiest and gives the best results. Don't worry about taping the sink yet.. just spray the Kilz white spray paint evenly over the entire sink area getting an even coat. To avoid drips dont get to close to the surface. If you do get drips.. wipe the excess and let it dry and sand and reapply if necessary. Let it dry. Step 4. Tape the sink about a 1/4 the way down and tape paper to the bottom so the sink is completely covered with the exception of the "rim" Step 5. Prime the entire counter top using your foam roller and brush with the Glidden Gripper. Let it dry. Follow Basic instructions on the Glidden can. Step 6. Spray the Rust-Oleum over the entire counter to get the desired color/coverage. This is the point that you would add the glitter for the sparkle if you so desire. Let it dry Step 7. Follow the instructions on the envirotex. Stir very well. If you don't you can end up with soft spots that won't dry. Step 8. Start envirotexing your counter by working from the top down.. What I mean is start with the back splash and work your way down to the sink. Pour some envirotex into one of the disposable cups and slowly start pouring down the back splash. Use your paint spreader to "scoop" the puddles back up. Do this a few times to get the stuff to stick. Then pour some on the counter and start working it around saving the sink for last. To get the envirotex down the sink use the same method as with the backsplash with the small putty knife at first then use the foam brush to smooth everything out. After about five minutes you can use the torch to get rid of any bubbles that start appearing. The torch will not work in the sink (when you turn it upside down it will extinguish) so get a straw and start a blowin 8o) Let it all cure per the manufacturers label. Oh, also I used paper cones in the sink holes on my bathroom counter to stop the enviro from oozing down into them (09/27/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Oh shoot! Sorry for the long post before, but in addition to the previous post don't forget to get a torch to get all the little bubbles out of the envirotex. Hope this helps and inspires creativity in everyone as I have been inspired by everyone on here. (09/27/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I did just leave the white kilz for the sink. It was the color that I wanted and it turned out great. I didn't think I needed to put another coat of paint because I am putting the envirotex over it. This is the same stuff they use to put on bartops with the embedded photos and coins and stuff. Its so thick you could put a penny on the counter and envirotex it and not even feel the penny. If you are concerned ( i was too at first) put another coat of ultrawhite paint over the kilz. (09/28/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a pic with the envirotex on it. (09/28/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And just one more .. (09/28/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops ok ok .. last one of my bathroom, I swear! But I wanted to show off my new faucet and drain. Believe it or not this was the least expensive one at home depot for 16 bucks. Eventually I will upgrade to brushed nickel but not just yet. (09/29/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (09/29/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops By no means am I an expert but if I was in your situation I would definately put a coat of a good primer(latex or oil doesnt matter as long as you stay consistent with your primer and color) Then put a coat of whatever you want your base color to be. For me I wanted my base grey and I had my primer tinted grey and sprayed the stone on top. I don't recommend using glitter unless you put onto wet paint because if you sprinkle it on dry paint it could create problems with the next step by mixing into the finish and creating bumps. The next step is pouring envirotex over all of it. This is self leveling and give the best finish. I wouldnt say mine has a glass finish at all. It looks just like real granite.. no lies! Even the edges feel like semi polished granite (kinda like a rough cut granite)and the top feels like very polished granite. all because of using the spray stone and envirotex. If you don't like the high gloss finish. I read on the envirotex instructions that you can make a satin finish! I haven't tried it but I am going to try it on my sink. Hope this helps (09/29/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops First you need to move all the way to the bottom of this page and start reading each post up from there. Not only are there numerous ways to answer your question, there are tried and true examples and pictures from all of us here who have done what you're wanting to try. We have all been there and answered each other's questions. You won't be confused at all once you read. (09/30/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Believe me I know all of your fears about the envirotex. I actually went and bought oil based primer, paint and some poly before I decided that was not the look I was going for. So I took it all back and used the money to dive into my envirotex adventure. If you are really nervous they sell a small size for around 9 or 10 dollars and you could start out with a small craft like making your own tv tray with pictures embedded in it or keepsakes or a small side table top. At least this way you would get a feel for it. But honestly it wasn't that difficult. Just prepare in advance, make sure you tape up everything that you don't want enviro'ed( I actually used old christmas paper and taped that to the whole front of my cabinets because I had just painted them) and put a drop cloth on the floor. I think its easier to take out the sink but check out gatorgirls. She did not and hers looks great.(I was nervous so I took mine out. the plus side to this is that no one can run the faucet while your waiting for everything to cure 8o) and dont forget to get something like a putty knife. having two different sizes helps. (09/30/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Envirotech is the best. I can't really say that because I haven't used any other sealant but I know how gorgeous mine came out. No, it's not totally easy. As some of you know, I envirotexed a piece of my hair that I had to cut out, I got drips on my hardwood floors, I ran out midway through my biggest counter and had to wait a week to continue...but that's the beauty of this site - we give each other advice! My advice is Wear a headband and don't wipe your forehead while you're working. Problem fixed. Got a drip on your floor? Aim your blow dryer on it for 60 seconds, it gets gooey again, and wipe it up with a wet wipe. Fixed. Run out of Enviro? They sell it at Michael's! (you could have told me that earlier, haha) problem fixed! If the main part you're worried about is that your counters will come out worse, that won't happen. Just look at the pictures on this site. They're really good work, and we aren't pros, we're just like you, trying to save a bunch of money. Go for it. We're here for you. (10/01/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Instead of Envritech I used Diamond Varthane Wood Floor Poly. I LOVE the way it looks and I was able to apply it very easily. This was someone's suggestion earlier this summer. It is easily washable and looks fabulous. (10/01/2008) By beth h RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Shannon - yeah, if you aren't as artsy as some of the others here that did a good job with the sponging I would definitely go the granite look and spray it on - after I painted my base color it took me all of 10 minutes and I promise you won't be disappointed in that Rustoleum American Accents Stone. The flecks that come out with the spray really look like granite once you get the sealer on top. As for the soft spots, yes, if something heavy is on there, like a microwave, it does leave little intentions where the "feet" are, but they level back out after a few hours or a day. But how often are you moving your microwave or heavy coffee pot around, so you won't really notice. The feel is like smooth soft glass - the best way to describe it is if you've ever been to like Bennigans and you're sitting at the bar and you look down and you're thinking "how did they get that postcard/coin/picture under there?" and it's really smooth and thick and shiny on the top - but 1000's of people have put heavy plates and beer glasses down so it's more banged up than yours will be which is glass like - but the reason it leaves small indention is (so the directions say) because if it didn't give slightly, it would shatter if something hard fell on it... As for the sink, definitely put something down into it like newspaper or drop cloth (although I got a few drops that hardened and I took a razor blade under it and it came right up). I didn't even tape the edge of the silver part of the sink because I read another poster say they left theirs on too long and it hardened and was hard to get up - so I was just really careful moving it around the edge, and kept wiping any off with a wet wipe - it really doesn't spill over too fast like liquid or anything. (10/01/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I read on another post similar to this one that she has had her enviro'ed counter tops and they are going strong for three years in a house with a family of four, not to mention all the neighborhood boys that come over. I think the greatness of enviro or any kind of a polyurethane finish is that you can always do another topcoat! (10/01/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have used my crock pot several times since finishing my counter tops and have had no issues at all. I do use a cork disk to set it on. (10/02/2008) By mslisa202 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I did use the waterbased poly and yes it will have a white ring or spot where anything wet is left but, it goes away in just minutes. I am very pleased with the poly and can say it looks very nice. (10/03/2008) By tdcornell1950 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops You can absolutely add more Enviro if your first coat seems too thin. I did a small counter next to my stove that was too thin and had divots/hail damage looking spots. I poured another thicker coat over it a few days later and it got rid of all the dings and it's completely smooth now. Definately try it. (10/06/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops The Enviro is self leveling so if it looks bumpy or wavy it might be because you have it on too thin. I would do another coat, a little thicker. After about five minutes the bubbles start coming up, and I put the blow torch flame about 1/2 inch long, just enough to pop the bubbles - if you hold it still or put the flame too big, you will get indentions where it heated up too much. Now after I got all the bubble puddles out that I could see, I turned the flame up just a little higher and ran it along the whole counter, sort of quickly, like you're spray painting something - that got rid of bubbles that I never saw and also seemed to give it a more smooth appearance too. (10/06/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Jules - Its not the heat that helps the bubbles its the cO2 I believe. As for the waviness, you can put another coat on using a big putty knife this time and its always better to have to much enviro than too little. There are some really helpful instructions in the enviro package. (i.e. using the blow torch, creating a satin finish, cure times, and what steps you should take for a second layer) Also I wanted to tell everyone when I was putting on my second coat on my bathroom counters( I did the second coat because I tried the satin finish on my sink and decided I like the shiney better) I was talking to my hubby and since I am very animated with my hands I put my fingers smack down in the enviro. I almost died! This was about 90 minutes after pouring. My hubby got the great idea of getting the torch to soften it up so it would redistribute the enviro. It worked. No more fingerprints! Just thought I would share that tip. Also if you are doing a sink use the foam brush because it creates less bubbles, definitely use the large putty knife to spread as it creates a smoother surface, the torch will also get rid of any dust particles or hairs that might have dropped on the surface (when the surface is still wet), if you are doing your bathroom its best to remove the drain, and one more thing use a straw to blow air on to the bubbles in the sink as the blow torch will not work when you turn it up side down. (10/06/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops HI All I've been reading all of your posts and I finally got the courage to tackle painting my countertops. We had just moved into our house and have plans of changing the whole configuration of the Kitchen in a little while, but I couldn't stand looking at the "teal" countertops. I needed a quick cheap fix. I'm so glad I did it. I primed the counter top, and then painted it with a chocolate brown paint, and then used the stone spray paint with brown, black and beige specks, then finally used the enviro. What seemed to work well for me with the enviro was using the flat edge of an oversized spackle knife to ensure an even layer. Overall I'm so excited I decided to do it. If your reading these posts and not sure GO FOR IT! Another quick tip I got the Enviro from AC Moore (this weeks Sunday paper and their website as well has a printable 55% off coupon) (10/07/2008) By kburd RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Meicher79 I used The Rustoleum American Accents Stone. It definitely has a texture to it, which smooths out with the enviro. Not sure how it would be with the poly. I was afraid to tackle the enviro, but it really wasn't that bad. The dripping was a bit of a mess, but as long as I made sure I covered the cabinets and the flooring it was okay. Good Luck next week. Let us know how it turns out :) (10/07/2008) By kburd RE: Painting Laminate Countertops ***I used Glidden Gripper Primer (latex) and it worked great*** Oh and KBURD your countertops look fantastic! (10/07/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Laurie I also had a low spot in one of the corners of my section and I did an entire second coat. It seemed to fill it in. I would try the second coat only thing is you have to do the entire section. (10/08/2008) By kburd RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I did it! Don't mind the mess! The yellow walls, floor, ugly brass knobs and light are next! I am off to Home Depot! Thanks for all your help everyone! Then it's off to the next project! (10/09/2008) By shannon430 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is the sink! (10/09/2008) By shannon430 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops You said you were getting new knobs for your vanity! Well, an easy cheap fix is SPRAY PAINT! I am spraying my hinges oil rubbed bronze that I found at Lowe's. Or if you are interested in brand new, don't go to the store. Go on EBAY! I bought 19 knobs and pulls and only spend $31 shipping included! They are oil rubbed bronze and they are beautiful! Just thought I would let you know! (10/09/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops You are so right! I didn't even think about spray paint! That's what I am going to do then! Thanks! I used spray paint and this is actually the polycrylic top, I am still working up the nerve to use the envirotex- but I am going to use that in the kitchen. Just wanted to start out small and see how I did! (10/09/2008) By shannon430 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I am using the polycyrlic too! So far I like it, but its only on a piece of trim I tested! How many coats did you use? I plan on about 6 or so. I used 3 on my trim and its nice and shiny. Im too nervous about the enviro too. Plus, Im doing this alone and I dont want a lot of mess. So Im with you! (10/09/2008) By meicher79 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have enviro'ed just about every counter in my house, lol. The enviro box gives instructions for cleaning. Something about furniture polish I think, but I just use the Clorox wipes to clean my counters and sink and it has not damaged them. If it ends up doing so I will let everyone know, and if it does get damaged it wouldn't be the "oh crap" moment you would have with any other expensive counter because you can always rub some acetone or alcohol on it and do another coat. I am not sure about the poly because I haven't used that (yet.. lol) but I would think the same for that finish. Just don't use anything abrasive like comet that can scratch the finish. Here is my sink below. (10/09/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here ya go, Gail - pictures of my black with white speckled granite kitchen counters... (10/10/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (10/10/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I gotta answer the one about the blow dryer - I tried it (when my hubby was taking his sweet time coming back from the Home Depot with my blow torch) and no, it doesnt work. The part that pops the bubbles isn't the heat, its the carbon dioxide. You could use a straw and breathe onto it, but you'll pass out if you have a large area like I did (tried that too and spit forms in the the straw, which dripped onto my beautiful counter - more cussing ensued!) I said this before, I am the biggest baby when it comes to anything hard like changing a tire or anything, but I really surprised myself with the blowtorch thing. Just keep the flame low, take off your gloves when you light it (you dont want your hands to catch on fire) and keep moving it back and forth. And open windows and doors so the fumes dont make you sick. But the little one, it's smaller than a fire extinguisher, really works wonders in getting all the trillions of teeny bubbles out of your Enviro and gives it a final glass-like look. I promise! (10/10/2008) By gatorgirl89 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just made sure that the paint was really dry first. Like I said, I had to use a lot of Kilz, you might not have to. When I spray painted, I let it dry about 6 hours and made sure it was not tacky at all, then I started with the poly. It took me awhile, but I had a 3 year old and an 18 month old, so I had to do this during naps and bed time. But I love the way it looks! My hubby does too! Anything was better than what we had! I will probably do the poly in our master bath too, I really do like it. The kitchen I am hoping for the enviro, but I am a so nervous to use it because I won't have the extra pair of hands- but you never know. (10/10/2008) By shannon430 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have used the enviro-lite with much success and yes it is the same thing as envirotech just a smaller size container I believe. The spray paint took about two hours to dry. And I started with the enviro right after. You can definately do a seal coat (you will have bumpies though) until you can flood it. But it depends on if you are talking about a seal coat of poly or enviro. If you are going to tackle enviro you might as well go all the way. I have read on other sites where krylon make an acrylic spray clear coat made for spraying over stone. I think this would work on the short term and you could still put enviro over it if you so choose. Flooding the enviro up to the sink is not a problem but you may have trouble if you ever want to remove it. That enviro is some sticky stuff it will bond to most anything. I caulked a small section of my corner before I painted just because the old caulk had come up. But if you don't need it you don't need it. Did I mention the stone spray gets into and pretty much fills any gaps? Hope this helps, Sharee (10/11/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here ya go girlies. Check out my kitchen counters (inspired by gator girl) I used a light grey base and covered with granite black and white flecks. (Turned out looking like a really dark grey). I have white cabinets and blue walls (color was called tinsel beam I believe) with oak engineered wood floors and now have been inspired to spray paint all my hinges in polished nickel like my pulls. Next project! (10/11/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks to everyone here after a year I finally took a chance and did my blue countertops. I did it a little differently and decided to do a marbled look instead. I am posting my pix of the finished look. (10/12/2008) By GinaK68 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is one more closeup. (10/12/2008) By GinaK68 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This technique is much easier than it looks. If you think about real granite/marble it is not perfect and extremely variable. I kilzed the countertop (CT) first. Next I painted a base coat of yellow. I have no idea what any of the colors are exactly because I used left over paint and mixed them together. The veins are cinnamon. I took the small piece of real granite I had and matched the colors from that by eyeballing it. I took a paint tray and put a blob of white on it and added 1/10 black or so. I mixed it up so it turned the gray that was in the sample. But around the edges I didn't mix very well so there were some black and white areas. Next I took some yellow from the base coat and added some white to it. Again I matched the sample. (BTW, I used the white that I painted my cabinets with.) Finally I took a brown that matched the sample and added 50% glaze to it. I think the glazing adds depth. These colors were basically in a triangle almost touching each other. I also took a blob of cinnamon and put it on the tray too. Using a REAL sea sponge I got it wet and wrung it out well then started dipping it into all three paints in a row. So, all three colors were on the sponge but not right on top of each other. Then I just sponged it on all over the CT. I tried to make diagonal striations with the grey in some places. Occasionally I would dip a corner into the cinnamon too but sparsely. While I did the whole countertop I had to make more paint. I didn't have to match perfectly but it was close. By the time I got done it was dry enough to start the veins. I used a small paint brush. I think the smaller the better. I dipped it in the cinnamon and kind of held the end of the brush so I didn't have great control over it. I tried to follow the "natural" striations I created. Sometimes I added a little water to the brush to make it easier to drag. I had to use my fingers sometimes to smudge the lines so they didn't look too perfect. Since the CT was still a little wet from the three colors being applied it was easy to smudge. I looked at the sample I had a followed the vein look there. If the veins got to thick or weird I used the sponge again with the three colors on it to dull it or reduce the look. The brown with the glaze is 50% translucent so when it dries it is a little see throughish. The black parts where done both from the original dabbing from the unmixed grey and later where I used pure black and sponged it on. Again the trick is to sort of blend it in. But it a few spots I didn't blend it. Again like the sample. I used a little mother of pearl paint in some spots here and there and mixed a little glitter paint with water and painted the black areas with it. This is what the sample looked like. If I was a little more patient I might have looked around for crushed oyster shells or something to give it that look. That is the basics. I Googled "how the faux paint marble fireplaces"and found the instructions for the marbling. I do suggest practicing a little on a sample paper. Although if you practice on your countertop and don't like it just reapply the base coat and start over. I did pry my back plashes off the wall and paint them on the floor. I realized the REAL granite would never be cut so thin and wanted it to look better. So, I screwed a one by four to the wall and then glued the back splashes to them. I then sponged/painted the top of the wood to compliment the backsplash. I tried to make any veins follow to the top. ( I really used a variety of paint from latex wall paint to paint in the little bottles from Michaels to ceramic paints. I looked at the great variety of spray paint from Ace Hardware and I am confident any of them would work.) I let it dry and then used Envirotex lite. I happened to have had a 12-16 inch propane torch and used that so get rid of the bubbles. Don't be scared. It appears you can blow them out with your breath but I would have passed out sooner than later. I found out MORE envirotex is BETTER. I had to pore more on my first try after it dried because it did not stay on the edge well and had a couple of holes. When I ripped some tape off the sink a little late it kind of pulled it back from the sink. I used the torch to warm it up and it flowed back to the edge of the sink. My picky custom builder friend said I should have raised the sink and put the E-Tex to the edge then put the sink back down. Whatever. But he was surprised how good it looked. I dont know if I forgot anything but you can email me at kellergm@musc.edu if you want or ask here. I live in Charleston, SC. (10/13/2008) By GinaK68 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops GinaK68 - Your counters are beautiful! Great faux finishing. (wish i were that talented, mine would be just a big paint glob!) mslisa202 - We are bathroom twinkies! (almost lol) you have a cooler sink with a beveled edge. Great job btw .. it looks wonderful! Gatorgirl - I know what you mean about the back splash in my kitchen. I kinda like it. Kinda don't (depends on my mood 8o.) My hubby says he likes it like that (probably just trying to not say anything to get him trouble lol) but I definitely think if it is sanded down, rubbed with a little acetone it would be smooth as a baby's bottom! The paint idea is good since your backsplash doesn't get much wear at all but it may not hold up over the long run. Hmmm, Igot it! You could always paint it with the super shiny black paint and then do the spray on clear topcoat (about 9 bucks)! That way you wouldn't have to flood your entire counter with enviro again lol. And it would still look the same. You could also get a tooth brush and flick some little white specks on the black paint to get the same look. One more thing, Can I just say WOW! Pattyzone. Your kitchen is awesome. I dare anyone to say anything about your black cabinets now! You did a great job on your countertops they look so real and expensive! Can you imaging the cost of 36 sq. ft of real granite? (10/13/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops If you are planning ahead (I didn't) you could use the 40% off weekly coupon from Hobby Lobby and buy one 32 oz kit per wk for $10 off until you have your needed supply. The price is $25, so you get it for $15...Fantastic Deal. Our Michael's didn't carry it. (10/14/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops They were dry to the touch this morning...yeaaaa! They are NOT perfect but I can live with them until I get new cabinets. The backsplash is not smooth like the counter because of gravity even though I tried to smooth it several times with the wide sponge brush. (10/14/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops and another view..... (10/14/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used enviro and the spray granite (this left bumpies on the backsplash). I kinda like them kinda don't ( more than likely I will end up sanding the bumpies down and either doing another coat of enviro or using some kinda poly over the backsplash). Good news is that if you are planning on sponging like pattyzone, you won't have to worry about bumpies because it is just paint not the granite rough feel. So if you are talented like patty and some of the other gals on here. that is one mark in the plus column for you and the enviro because it will just make it easier to get a smooth finish. Hope this helps Sharee (10/14/2008) By Sharee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I picked up 2 paint stir sticks for each kit and I bought (2)2-1/2 qt plastic paint pails but you could use anything that is large enough and you will throw away, ice cream pail or anything with smooth sides so you can mix it well. I mixed in one, then poured into 2nd one and mixed. Also used the same pails over and over. I will get the paint color names and post them shortly. Good Luck! (10/14/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops You sound so excited like I was yesterday - LOL! The colors just look different in the photo because of the light. I used acrylic because it dries so fast. I had practiced on one small area a few times, then just painted over it when I put the black base on. I just squirted it on the counter and used a small foam roller to spread it. I sponged with sea sponge these colors in this order: (Americana brand) light mocha, cocoa, khaki tan. Also bought Bleached Sand and Sable Brow but don"t think I put any on, can"t remember. Just try a color and if you don"t like it, wipe it off with a damp cloth and try another. I then used Folk Art Outdoor in "Licorice" as the last sponging and not much of it. I had tried a glaze but it takes a long time to dry so I wouldn't use it again. It will look dullish until you put the gloss on. Good luck little lady and don"t worry like I did! (10/14/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops My backsplash was a separate piece but I didn't remove it. Because enviro slides downwards and won't pool in that upright area, it will not be smooth like the bottom part but I can live with it. (10/14/2008) By pattyzone5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I wanted to mention that I picked up a tea pitcher and plastic spoon from the dollar store and used that. It has a pour spout and only cost a dollar. It is not good to try to reuse the enviro container though... I tried to do one bathroom and then right after do the next (using two batches of enviro in the same containe) and I ended up getting some little dried bits of enviro in the mix. ughhh! I got the enviro out and put it in another container but ultimately I could see a tiny bit of white specks in my finish. ( I am the only one who notices though). (10/15/2008) By Sharee RE: Kitchen area/Counters Hey Ladies I finally uploaded pics of my open Kitchen counters. Let me know what you think about me painting them and what color. Thanks Gail (10/15/2008) By GMILES7854 RE: The other side of Kitchen Hey this is the Sink/Stove area Thanks for your suggestions Gail (10/15/2008) By GMILES7854 Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 08/05/2008 How can I paint laminate counters? Diane from Cutler Bay. FL Answers: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Can anyone who has painted their countertops tell me how long they waited before applying the sealant. I am going to use Envirotex, as I have seen some of the pictures from people who have used it and I love the finish, but I have been getting conflicting answers from the paint stores as to how long to wait before you apply it. One lady told me you have to wait until the paint cures, which can be as long as 60 days depending on what kind of paint you use. Another person said just to wait until it is completely dry, about 12-24 hours. I am using high quality acrylic paints. Unfortunately it doesn't say anything in the Envirotex instructions about how long to wait. Your help would be greatly appreciated. polishedbypam (04/24/2008) By polishedbypam RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I waited about 6 hours (total drying time for the melamine paint I used) before applying the envirotex and it turned out great. (04/24/2008) By Jesse RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Jesse Did you find the Envirotex hard to use. Some people said they had a hard time with it. I figure the only hard part would be the back splash and the edges. Wondering how to get the right thickness if I use a foam roller to spread it. Did you use a foam brush or roller or a plastic spatula like the instructions say to do? Thanks for your help. Pam (04/24/2008) By polishedbypam RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is a great site. Thank you everyone for the information posted on painting laminate countertops. I painted the countertop in my bathroom. See Pic below. I want to now do the countertops in my kitchen. Will I not be able to use my stove for about a week until I am completely finished? (04/24/2008) By lvngitup RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Lol, wow there was a lot of information that disappeared! Envirotex wasn't hard to use just make sure that you have the time to spend to watch it set/touch up any runs. The backsplash is the hardest part. Being a self leveling (pour on) product it's going to be difficult doing anything vertical. Here's another picture of my finished product for those who were going to refer to it. (b)Editor's Note:(/b) Sorry that some posts went missing. We are trying to see if we can get them back but there was some sort of corruption on this page and we had to delete them to get it to load at all. Articles are safer than feedback. If you are interested, Jesse, please contact us directly. (04/28/2008) By Jesse RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I decided to give this a try. Since I was to afraid to do my own countertop I did my mother-in-laws bathroom in her trailer. It turned out great. I looks like slate and very shiny. I sanded with 120 grit sand paper, used oil based Kilz primer, sponged acrylic craft paint and finished with oil based poly. The kitchen is next, and I am going to use Envirotex. Hopefully mine will turn out as excellent as Jesse's! (04/29/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a picture of the "before". YUK! (04/29/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops (04/29/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Jesse, Your countertops look AWESOME! I love the granite look you were able to get. What colors did you use? (04/30/2008) By lynnwright5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Jesse - thanks for responding. Again, the countertops look fabulous - I love the shine! I'm doing mine over and have the first coat of black on. I'll be applying dark chocolate and metallic silver and will be coating with a water based poly as I can't find the envirotex here in Atlanta. I heard that oil based poly yellows too much and changes the colors. I will post pics when my job is completed. (05/01/2008) By Linda RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Jesse, Your countertops are exactly what I am looking for. They are absolutely beautiful. How difficult was this? You didn't mention that you sanded down your formica. Is that the first step? Also, could you tell me where you got the Debbie Travis paint? How much envirotex did you use? Thanks, Tammy (05/02/2008) By Tammy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I've justabout finished with the counter project. I have a couple more coats of poly to apply. I'm very pleased with the results. (05/04/2008) By Linda RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Still curious on how to make sure the lip and backsplash gets coated right with the poly. I am going to paint my counters with acrylic craft paints and will probably use an oil poly since the Envirotex is going to cost me over $100 for the size of my counters. Any more insider tips is well appreciated. Thanks in advance! (05/04/2008) By yummybunnie RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hello Linda, I think your counter top looks great! Do you have a close up pic? Also, did you use the craft paints also? If so, what colors did you mix and match. Thanks I REALLY want to do my countertops but I'm just scared it will look horrible! (05/07/2008) By MzBrwniiz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Tammy, I didn't sand first since the countertops already had texture. Sanding wasn't really needed. If your countertops are smooth you might want to sand but if you're using melamine paint it's not that big of deal if you don't. Debbie Travis paint won't be available in the States but you should still be able to match the colours (cross-refferance <----- don't know how to spell that!) I ordered the gallon kit of envirotex and put a good coat on. I only ended up using about half of it. I'll find a use for the rest I'm sure. Good luck to all! (05/07/2008) By Jesse RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I decided to try the envirotex. This is a side table in a travel trailer. The white thing is a plug so that the envirotex didnt run through the cable hole. I can say that the envirotex was a little intimidating at first. I mixed it well like the directions said. I wore a mask while applying it, and I had to use a piece of hard paper to distribute it all around in places where it needed filled in. It didnt run over the sides so I helped it a little with the piece of paper and then used the foam brush to coat the sides. Maybe if I had used more it would have ran over the sides? I did get bubbles, but I blew on them through a straw and they came right out. (05/08/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a close up - if you want to see a before picture go to the little bathroom below under Dfairchild and you will see the pink countertops this trailer had. (05/08/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Mz - Thanks! I bought a couple packs of poster board to practice on before I actually painted the countertop. Find a pattern/color selection that you like before attempting on the real thing. The colors I used and in this order are: Black - base color chocolate metalic silver metalic gold charcoal then the last coat was black sponged in over here and there. But practice first, when you're confident move to the counters! Good Luck. Let me know if you have other questions. (05/11/2008) By Linda RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Help! I painted my counters a solid navy blue, then coated with Envirotex Lite. Because of the solid color it shows every imperfection in the sealer. Is it possible to remove the Envirotex, repaint with marbling, then re-seal? (05/12/2008) By joz RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I was just wondering if anyone knows what you could use to make the countertop look like it has little confetti like flakes in it. I thought about solid black with copper confetti looking flakes, but not sure what to use. (05/13/2008) By lynnwright5 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Question for DFairchild-- I am going to start painting my countertops and was sure I was not going to use poly until I saw your post. What about the yeloowing factor that is involved with oil poly and why didn't you use water-based poly. (05/14/2008) By beth h RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Beth, the oil based poly turned my grey into green, but it looks good. I would say its going to change your colors and you wouldn't see yellow unless you are using a white or off white color. I didn't use water base poly because I was doing a counter in the bathroom and a person who posted on this sight mentioned problems with clouding around their sink with the water based poly. I decided on the oil base poly because of that and also because the bathroom isnt a place you would prepare food so I didnt worry about the oil leaching into any food. The oil also seemed to put a higher gloss from what I could tell in the pictures on this sight. If I had another counter to do I would probably try the water base product and use the diamond one that was mentioned by one of the postings on this sight. I just got done with the envirotex on a kitchen dining table in the trailer and I am very disappointed with all the little flaws that you can see not to mention I dropped it and put a big chip in the side of it :( Tomorrow I will have to sand down the counter that I messed up on earlier and continue with a thicker coat of the envirotex because I dont know how to remove it or I would. Its possible I may just rip it all out and have my father help me install some new laminate? Since this is my mother in laws trailer, I will let her decide if she likes it or not. She is not a perfectionist like I am and may be fine with the little flaws. (05/14/2008) By Dfairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Ymmybunny, I would be careful with the oil-based poly and how you apply it. People seem to have good results, but mine were a disaster. I used oil-based since I had read where the water-based clouds. The counter was a light brown coloring. After I was done with the poly and it had dried, it turned yellow. The color was ruined. But worse yet, in the corners and where the backsplash met the counter (places it pooled while drying) it was a thick yellow, looking like grease buildup or something. Picture shows a practice piece that I didn't poly laying on the counter to show difference. Not saying not to use it. I think they all have their own issues, but be careful with application and what color you are putting it on. (05/15/2008) By Tanya RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I think an oil based poly "yellows" with light colors. Of course, it would show more. With my black counter top, I don't see any yellow tint. I've had a very good experience with the oil poly. From what I've been reading online, water based poly has come a long way and will stand head to head to the oil based, with the oil based being slightly stronger. The water poly takes longer to cure whereas the oil is cured when it's dry. If I painted my counters with a light color, I would have no problem using the water poly. I would maybe increase the coats to 7, rather than 5 with the oil. Just my 2 cents. Good luck everyone. The counters have made a huge difference in my kitchen and I'm very satisfied. (05/16/2008) By Linda RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I posted this on another thread.... I LOVE Varathane Diamond High-Gloss water-based poly. I used it on my kitchen counters. I have NOT had water spots, lifting, clouding. I tried Cabot and Minwax and DID NOT LIKE either the water-based or oil based. Varathane Diamond also has a spray poly that can be useful for putting the first coat on without "lifting" the design off with the brush. I used an oil-based in my bathroom, and it turned my beautiful Aegean blue to a turquoise green. I had to sand it off and redo it. (05/16/2008) By COHippyGirl RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here's a closer picture...you can see the unfinished counter on the other side of the stove. (05/16/2008) By COHippyGirl RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a picture of the Kitchen makeover. I like the Diamond Polyurathane (water base) the best. The table was done with envirotex and it has little flaws but looks good also. After all the testing with oil base poly, water base poly & envirotex. I think the water base poly looks more natural for a painted countertop and is easy to do. Not to mention the clean-up much easier too. I will send the before picture in a few. (05/26/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is the before picture (05/26/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a close up of the dining table (05/27/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops And another of the kitchen counter. I think I am done with my sharing now. Best luck to everyone who ventures here! (05/27/2008) By dFairchild RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi greywulf, We painted a bathtub before and they sell a special kit for that at Home Depot or Lowes. The results are great. We will paint our ugly green kitchen sink very soon using the same product. The paint is high gloss shiny white and very durable! I am really happy to see everyone's fantastic results! Congratulations to all of you! We are currently painting our second project and will use the Envirotex. We tried oil based Poly and it changed to an ugly yellow color within a month, so we re-did the whole counter and used Benjamin Moore water based Poly. It's awesome and does not cloud, but the pictures here show even better results with the Envirotex, so we are trying this now. Attached is a picture of our kitchen in our Mobile home in Florida. I'll post a before picture once I find it in the deep abyss of my hard drive. lol Good Luck to everyone! Bea (06/03/2008) By RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I found it :-) Here is our Before Pic, isn't it nice? When we took possession of the Mobile Home we both looked at each other and said."What have we done?" lol Thanks again for all your great ideas in this thread. Bea (06/04/2008) By quizusa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I'm buying an old house and have decide to paint the counter tops instead of buying new ones after reading the posts. I do have one question that no one has addressed. Did you have to lift the sink up to paint? I have a cast iron sink and hoped that I didn't have to lift it. (06/09/2008) By Renee RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Renee, Welcome and Congratulations, you won't regret your decision to paint your countertops ;-) We did not remove the sink, just tape off the edges with painters tape and you will be fine. Good luck to you! It's a lot of fun! Bea (06/10/2008) By quizusa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I'm going to start painting a small bathroom counter top tomorrow. I've read where people sand between each coat of poly, but should one also sand between each paint coat? I'm planning to use black Rustoleum as my base coat and then dab with acrylic leftover paints I have. Should that work OK? Also, I wanted to use the melamine paints I've seen discussed here, but so far haven't been able to find them in metro Atlanta. Does anyone know if they're available? That's not a brand name, is it, but just a KIND of paint? (06/14/2008) By Critter Mom RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Critter Mom, We already painted several counter tops and never sand in between coats. When we did our first one we sanded but all it did was destroy our beautiful design. If you use a good primer and the acrylic paints and most importantly a high quality finish it will come out great. I think I read some place that the Melamine paint is not available in the US, only n Canada. We just finished our 5th project today and it's the best ever. The secret is we used the Envirotex Finish. Yes, it is expensive but the results are absolutely stunning. I found it very easy to work with, you just pour it on the counter and spread it around with a foam brush. That's it. I will post before and after pics as soon as I can. I expected nice results from the Envirotex but I did not even hope in my wildest dreams how awesome and realistic it looks. Just like Granite...wohoooo! Now we have a Million $$$ Countertop in a 30 year old kitchen....lol, so the Cabinets need a makeover now too! All the best of luck to you! Bea and Rob PS: One more tip: The more layers you sponge on, the more depth you are going to get. I think we added about 10 layers of different shades of brown and we spread glitter all over it too. I can't wait to show off the picture :-))) (06/15/2008) By quizusa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I've been thinking about this for awhile. My only concern is if I leave a glass on the counter for example, am I going to get a water ring like you would on a glossy coffee table? I know I will need to be careful with them but I don't want to be afraid of my counters either! I planned to use oil based kilz, base coat of dark brown latex paint, craft paints for the accent colors (sponging it on) and then minwax polycrylic (water based). We've also been toying with the idea of just laying new formica on top of what we have ourselves. My dad has done it before. I'm estimating $200-$500 depending on what kind of laminate we get. That includes all the tools and contact cement. However I already will have the kilz and brown base paint from another project so it's probably only going to cost me about $30 for the counters (craft paints, minwax and sponges). I guess I could just buy the minwax and do it on a scrap piece of laminate flooring to test it out. (06/16/2008) By Jill RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Has anyone had issues with water marks? For example, if I put a glass on the counter will it leave a water ring? I've been going back and forth on this idea. I actually just bought oil based Kilz and dark brown paint to paint some furniture. I'll have enough left, so all I'd need to do is spend about $30 on some craft paint for accent colors, sponges, and the poly. I planned to use Minwax Polycrylic. On the other hand we have though about just buying laminate and going over what we have- doing it ourselves. That will be about $300-$400 for a middle grade laminate (ie not what's in stock but not that new HD stuff). That includes the tools and glue. That certainly is not alot of money but we do have other things around the house to do. J (06/16/2008) By jill1978 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi all, Here is a close-up of our newest counter top. This one has been sealed with Envirotex Light Pour On Finish and the Shine is incredible. It's hard to photograph, the pictures don't really do it justice but I tried my best :-) Have a great week. Bea (06/16/2008) By quizusa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Bea I love your counter tops. They are exactly the color that I want mine. I saw where you used 10 different colors of brown and then added glitter. What kind of glitter did you use and also did you use acrylic paints? One more question did you paint them one color for the base and then add the others to it? I wish someone would post step by step instructions on how to prep them and then paint and seal. Lisa (06/18/2008) By Lisa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi Lisa, Thanks so much for the nice compliment. I'll be happy to post step by step directions. Step 1: Clean the old countertop. No sanding is necessary, just a good cleaning will do it. Step 2: Apply a Primer with a Paint Roller. I used a brownish tinted primer from Walmart. I didn't like this color at all but it doesn't matter because after all the sponging you won't hardly see anything of the primer. You could also use white, but since I wanted brownish colors I asked them to tint it. Step 3: The fun part: Take a sea sponge and dip it in several colors at the same time (I use a plastic paint tray to add paddles of Acrylic Craft Paint (from Michaels) The tray is big enough to have several colors in it at the same time and you can mix them together as you please. I kept working on this counter for several days until I liked the result. If you mess up, just dip the sea sponge in black paint and sponge all over it again. The Glitter is also Acrylic Craft Paint (Folk Art Brand Brush on Glitter Paint from Michaels) I mixed this in a small cup with water, about 20% Glitter, 80% water and sponged it over everything else. This gives it a really cool look, just like real stone. Step 4: Let the counter dry for a day or so, (you won't believe this, but I actually had no time for TWO MONTHS to apply the final step and the counter was holding up fine,even without the finish. But I don't really recommend it....lol) So if you can, add the finish the next day. The finish I used is called Envirotex Pour On Finish which I ordered here http://www.creative-wholesale.com/Envirotex%20Lite.htm I ordered the 1 Gallon Kit and still have half left over which I will use for the counters in the bathroom. Wow, I just noticed, they lowered their prices! The Gallon Kit is now $55 and worth every Penny! Tip: Make sure your cover your floors with a drop cloth because the product will drip over the edge. I mixed 3 separate batches and applied the finish to 1/3 of the counter first, waited about 30 Minutes while frequently attending to the drips that run over the edge (Just wipe them off with a Clorox Wipe) until it stops dripping, then do the second part and then the third part. I used a wide foam brush to spread the product around and also applied a very thin coat to the backsplash. Again, attend to it frequently to make sure you won't have any runs. People mentioned the bubbles that will rise to the top of the finish and they are really very, very tiny, I tried the blow torch and almost burned the kitchen down, so be careful! I think a stick liter would be perfect, the blow torch is just overkill! Just hold the flame over the bubble and it will go away. The busier your design is, the better it is because you won't see tiny imperfections at the end. I think that's about it. The finish is hard as Glass and very, very shiny. I just love it :-))) Good Luck to you and have fun! Bea (06/18/2008) By quizusa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I tested this out on a piece of laminate flooring I had. Primed with oil based Kilz, painted, then sealed. Half I did with minwax oil based poly, half with their polycrylic with multiple coats. Does it look good? Yes. Does it look like it will hold up? Somewhat. Is it going to hold up to my cat jumping on the counter and digging his claws in. NO! I took a key and poked it, not even that hard, and it left a HUGE deep gauge. So just a word of warning to those of you with bad cats that jump on the counter. As a side note I was at Lowes and they nice looking faux granite laminate sheeting for as little as $50 for a 4x8 sheet. This was the in stock stuff. They also have special order laminate sheeting that starts at $2 a square foot. With glue and some tools we need to get it is only going to cost $200 to do our kitchen. We are going to wait till we can afford a new sink too. I attached a sample of my test board. The little chips are the laminate samples I like. (06/21/2008) By jill1978 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Anyone. I am still trying to figure out how to get the Envirotex or poly to stay on the vertical pieces of the backsplash. HELP!! Also, I am doing A LOT of kitchen counters and I will need about 3 of the gallon kits of Envirotex for it (getting expensive). Any advice on using oil based poly for the counters? I have heard about the clouding with the water based and would like to hear some comments from a few of you. Thanks, Bunnie (06/21/2008) By yummybunnie RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi everyone, When I used the Envirotex it spread over the edge of the sink and I didn't know how to deal with it, so I left it on. It really doesn't bother me that the edge of the sink is sealed now too. I don't know, if painters tape would help because the product is so liquid and might still kreep under the tape. Next time I would try to spread the Envirotex just to the edge of the sink and make sure it does not run over (like I did at the edges of the counter) On the back splash I applied only a very think coat with a foam roller and it looks fine. About water based Poly: I used Benjamin Moore water based Poly to seal a desk and it is a great product. It does not cloud when water gets on it. Jill, your sample looks amazing! Very nice! But you are probably right, a cat's claws might not be so good for your counter top ;-) We are still putting towels on the counter to protect it for the first weeks, the Envirotex appears hard as Glass but you never know. Good luck everyone! Bea (06/22/2008) By RE: Painting Laminate Countertops When painting the counter tops (I'm starting with a small bathroom counter), what's the best thing to do with the caulking between the back splash and the wall? Should I paint it to make it look like the counter top? I was thinking of maybe painting it the wall color. But what have most others done? I don't want it to look odd. (06/25/2008) By Critter Mom RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have a situation in my kitchen that I haven't seen discussed in this forum. My laminate countertops go right to the wall and then the same countertop material is used as the wall and goes all the way up to the cupboards and behind the stove etc. The corners where everthing meets has a skinny metal divider that takes the place of caulk. This same material has also been used to cover a shelf on the wall and the windowsill above the sink. I want to try this but I don't know how to proceed. I can't possibly have this entire area looking like granite! It is now avocado green, so you can see how long I have been avoiding it. Please- anyone have any ideas? (06/28/2008) By joanne RE: Painting Laminate Countertops AWESOME! I have just spent time reviewing the information on painiting over Formica. I have been working on upgrading my condo and have heard about this type of painting. I am excited to know this FAR LESS EXPENSIVE option really works. I will practice to make sure I have the patience and the know how. Thanks to everyone who feels like a cheering squad for doing it myself. Beth in SW Florida (06/29/2008) By Beth AT spk.org RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just finished painting my countertops and island in my kitchen. I had blue countertops and they showed every little speck of dirt. Based on info from some suggestions here, I am thrilled with the outcome. I began by cleaning the countertops and then wiping down with white vinegar. Then I followed with a coat of oil based primer. Next painted a solid latex base coat. I used a sea sponge roller for each of the next two coats in different shades. I used three beige type colors. I finished with three coats of glossy soap and water clean up polyurethane. I had about 12 people for lunch today and all thought I had installed new countertops. I have lots of countertops and probably did it for less than $200 with plastic drops cloths, brushes and all paints. Wish I had done this in several other houses I owned! (06/29/2008) By Elizabeth RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thank you quizusa (Bea) for all of your help and to everyone else who posted about this. I just finished painting and sealing my counters and omg they look amazing. I love the effect that the evirotex gives to them. Here is a pic but believe me it does not do them justice. I LOVE THEM. Lisa (06/30/2008) By mslisa202 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I found this website a few months ago and I could NOT wait to do my countertops! The house is a 1898 farmhouse that has been badly renovated and every room needs A LOT of work, one at the time. We finally got to do the kitchen and OMG, I never thought the counters would trun out THAT great! The counter on the island where the sink is was faux wood and the ones on each side of the stove were white. I did not prime but applied 2 coat of a very flat khaki latex paint then started with the acrylic paints. I had gone and got a few samples of laminates that i liked and went from there. I did not removed my sink, just put tape around it and it was fine. My husband did the varnish as I found out i was not as good at that then the sponging part. LOL so there are some light streak of varnish that you can see a little bit, this is my fault. :( I guess since this is such an old house, imperfections just blend in better. He ended up putting probably 5-6 coat of minwax oil varnish in semi gloss finish and he did sand with very fine steel wool in between. We are so impressed with the results that we will keep them like that until they start showing some wear. We wanted to do a quick fix until we have extra funds to buy new counters but for 20-30$ that this cost us, we might just redo the same thing over again in a few years (depending how long it lasts)! (07/01/2008) By kansas canuck RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I am not sure if we can attached more than one pic with a post so here is the "before" picture. LOL (07/01/2008) By kansas canuck RE: Painting Laminate Countertops ok last post. Here are the 2 samples I picked as guidelines. The small one is "oxide" by Wilsonart and when We put it on the counter, we can barely see it because the color and pattern is so close to it :) the bigger one is "deepstar fossil" by wilsonart again. This one help me with the pattern more than the color itself. So for those of you who are not sure, DO IT! You can't go wrong, it is by far THE cheapest way to improve your countertops! (07/01/2008) By kansas canuck RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I also had the skinny metal strips and just painted over them. Hope it will last. So far it looks good! (07/01/2008) By elizabeth RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a close up picture of the finished counter, my camera doesn't do justice to our hard work. LOL (07/01/2008) By kansas canuck RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Thanks to Bea and everyone else for the inspiration. I only spent 2.15 for making this happen. I bought four bottles of acrylic paint at the flea market at .50 each. I already had the Kilz and poly for the base and finish. I looked at several models of granite and several of the finishes I saw here to get the "look" I wanted. I used white Kilz primer, forest green, burnt sienna, light gray, dark gray and black acrylic. I used a brush and sponge technique to achieve the desired look. It took less then 3 hours for the process minus the top coat. I still need to put on more poly, but I love the results. thanks to everyone. Oh. I started with the old white with gold and silver flakes. I have more pics, I'll upload later. THANKS AGAIN. Marty (07/06/2008) By Marty RE: Painting Laminate Countertops To Joanne of the guest post of 06/28/08. I have the same and did my wall in a solid color of forest green, after cleaning and priming. I haven't sealed it yet, but it seems to work just fine. Remember, I have the old white with gold and silver flakes on my counters and walls or I should say, I had! Thanks again to everyone. Marty (07/06/2008) By Marty RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have to show a picture of the work in progress. I didn't want people to think I was making this up. Go figure. My mom thought I had bought new counters. She wants me to do hers now. So this is kind of what I started from. (07/06/2008) By Marty RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This was my model of painting. 2 coats of primer, then 1 coat of "free hand" forest green, 1 coat of "free hand" burnt sienna, then the sponging. I sponged light to dark then light to dark for a deeper variation. My poly isn't done yet, but I love the counters and my cat hasn't scratched them yet. To anyone with cats, keep your coats light (smoother finish, less drying time, easier to accomplish depths, just don't lag on the final finish. hint, hint, that's why mine isn't done yet. But poly seems to be holding up fine to the water, cats, and heat. 3 weeks later. Thanks again, Marty (07/06/2008) By Marty RE: Painting Laminate Countertops OK after lurking on this board for weeks, I did my countertops over the long weekend. I decided to go about it a different way than described here slightly. I used Valspar Granite Paint. My countertop is now blue with stone texture and I love it! (07/07/2008) By Leanne RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I saw another person ask this, I haven't seen an answer, maybe I just overlooked it? I am looking to get rid of the sunshine yellow countertop we have, and make it a nice calm medium blue. It looks like it will be alot cheaper and faster to paint the yellow away instead of getting all new material. After checking out the site here, I have seen some beautiful effects that I think I could do. (I'm also thinking that this may be where my kids get into the act and create their own art, but we'll see what my husband thinks :-) But what I want to know is if the Envirotex is safe for food preperation? Can I still use the countertops to prepare my family meals without making us all sick? The other thing I'd like to know is how long this finish is expected to last? Will I have to redo this in 2-3 years? or will it last longer? Thanks for the information! (07/08/2008) By Misha Burgundie RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I found this about Envirotex: Surface Care Furniture polish will prolong the life of the surface and clean smudges, etc. If scratches occur that cannot be polished out, clean with acetone, then recoat with Envirotex Lite. This additional coat will remove all surface blemishes. Envirotex Lite is heat resistant, however, if should not be intentionally subjected to high temperatures such as cigarettes, cooking utensils, etc. Envirotex Lite is water and alcohol proof. Objects, when left on the surface for a period of time, may leave impressions on an Envirotex Lite surface (the coating is made tough, yet flexible so as to not be brittle and prone to shattering from impact). Impressions usually disappear in a few hours at normal 72° - 75°room temperatures. The warmer the environment, the more quickly impressions will appear and after items are removed, will disappear. This characteristic, coupled with outstanding moisture and chemical resistance, makes Envirotex Lite an ideal coating for bar tops, coffee tables and dining tables. I haven't found anything that says that it is harmful once it has dried. (07/08/2008) By ThriftyFun RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi everyone, I keep coming back here and am always stunned by the creativity of you guys! Raquel, Your counters look stunning! Thanks everyone for posting your pictures, please keep them coming :-) After a couple of months I can report that the Envirotex is holding up very well and I believe, it will last for a very long time. 4th of July was the "Acid Test" with all the mess and tons of dirty dishes staying on the counter until the next morning (ahem....blush...well, there is better stuff to do on the 4th than washing dishes, right? lol) There were a few impressions in the finish and I was disappointed but guess what, they all disappeared within about 12 hours and the finish is smooth as glass again. Cool Stuff! Good luck to everyone and Have Fun! Bea (07/10/2008) By quizusa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I did it! Here is the before photos. (07/10/2008) By Rockybug05 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Another before. (07/10/2008) By Rockybug05 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Finally the after photo. I used Bea's instructions and they were great. Here are a few more tips with what I encountered. I ordered the epoxy with the link that Bea had referenced and got it in 2 days. Also, I used regular acrylic paint from JoAnn's fabric (coffee bean & burnt umber browns, taupe white and black and orange mixed with the white). 1.Make sure you use alot of drop cloths around your working area when doing the epoxy. This gets sticky and messy if your not careful. 2. Try finding a painting guide - something that can help you spread the epoxy but make sure you use enough to keep it even and level. Don't forget the foam sponge. 3. Take off your painters tape when it is still wet, I waited until it dried and it was very difficult and hard and it stuck. I used a utility knife to get it off. Good luck and email me with any questions! I have many more photos also. Raquel (07/10/2008) By Rockybug05 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops After reading all the posts here, I finally got brave enough to try this on my countertops. I'm really pleased with the results, although the finish still clouds a little when it gets wet (I think this may resolve over time as the finish "cures".) It only has 2 coats of water-based poly over it now, but I think I will eventually do more. (07/10/2008) By Christina RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is what they looked like before, the white laminate with gold flecks that so many unfortunate people on this site have had to deal with. (07/10/2008) By Christina RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hi again, Wow, another great photo! Congratulations Christina :-) Great Job! You inspired me to paint the backsplash in the same design as the countersl. I'll try it and will post pictures when it's done! Bea (07/11/2008) By quizusa RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hello everyone, I've been reading the reviews for quite sometime and I finally took a leap and painted my counterops. I like them a lot, they were a bluish gray with mauve. I have before and after pics. It cost me less than $30.00. I wanted to say thanks to everyone for being so thougthful and including others on your home makeover secrets. I need new cabinets but maybe I'll get brave enough to do those myself as well. Thanks again.. (07/14/2008) By SHORTCAKE RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I like everyone else have read and reread the posts listed. I knew I wanted to redo my countertops and took the plunge last weekend. What I started to do and what I ended up with were completely different but I love my new look. I sanded, cleaned, and primed. I practiced on a board. However when I started (why I did this I don't know) I used a light brown glaze that I had bought for another project and put in on with crinkled plastic grocery bags. I just kept pouncing until I had the desired effect. I did that twice over the entire counter and loved the look with just that. It has highs and lows in the glaze color. The best way to describe is that it looks like a big slab of stone. I now have started to put on the Varthane Diamond Floor Finish Polyurethane (water based). So far so good. (07/17/2008) By beth h RE: Painting Laminate Countertops First just let me say I am absolutely amazed by all the ideas and creativity. I have a question and it seems most of you at least have an idea about this so here it is. Can you use a paint with a faux stone finish (like valspar you know with the texture) then apply paint colors on top of that, and then the envirotex. If so would it look more authentic? (07/18/2008) By chasey RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Please help a 10 minute old "Newbie" to this website! I didn't see this addressed yet but if so, I apologize. To be honest, I LOVE the color of my laminate countertops/backsplash as they are and from the granite I've seen in homes, I am TOTALLY convinced these colors would be PERFECT! So, I don't need to necessarily PAINT them, or especially WANT TO, before the rest of the process. In a nutshell I want to transform my current laminate countertops/backsplash so the current colors remain but still appear as if they are granite. Does anyone know how, or even IF, this could be done? I guess the very first part in all the steps after thoroughly washing them is to sand them down. That is where my problem lies since I don't want to sand out any of the current color(s). If anyone knows any possible solutions I would be very, very thankful. And I apologize if I made any newbie mistakes in this post! Steve / "DoItMyself" (07/20/2008) By DoItMyself RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is for DoItMyself. If I understand your question correctly you want to keep everything that you currently have but just get the shine of granite. From reading everyone else's posts, couldn't you just add a high gloss poly or the envirotec? I also saw a product at Lowe's that was a resin product (like envirotec) but cheaper. That would be unscientific approach. (07/20/2008) By beth h RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I want to thank you all for your posts and the beautiful pictures I saw. It inspired me to do the same. The first one is a before picture. (07/20/2008) By isis1346 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is an after shot of the counters. (07/20/2008) By isis1346 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops In regards to the resin product at lowes it is called glaze coat. FYI if anyone has used this product cold, you let me know. Thank you (07/22/2008) By chasey RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Let me first say thank you to you all. I did it and love it. I recently bought an old 1920s home and am redoing it slowly, it is great. I am going to post a before and after, though the after is not through, just the counter tops, I am thinking of painting the cabinets black and putting the stainless steel backsplash. The kitchen is large with 4 windows and 3 doors so I don't think it will be to dark. (07/22/2008) By Marcia RE: Painting Laminate Countertops This is one of the finished countertops. (07/22/2008) By Marcia RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Marcia - great job! They look beautiful. What did you use as a top coat? I originally painted mine with a high gloss topcoat. The pics are posted in this thread. But, I really got sick of the shine and redid them with a satin topcoat and I really like them less shiny. (07/23/2008) By RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I just painted my laminate counters and ceramic tile backsplash. For the counters, I cleaned, sanded and primed (oil based) the counters. Then once, the primer was dry, I sponged (sea sponges) 5 different colors of acrylic craft paint on the tops to acheive a granite or stone look. Once the craft paints dried, I applied 5 coats of oil based poly and allowed the tops to dry/cure for a few days. It was relatively easy and I am very happy with the results. Here is the before. (07/24/2008) By Beth in NJ RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is a close up of the painted counters. Good luck and have fun! (07/24/2008) By Beth in NJ RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I LOVE this site! I can't wait to try it, in fact I may start with the TSP tonight! I never thought of painting my counter top. I really want a smooth black finish with no other colors, should I just roll out a single black paint or would this show way too may imperfections? For those of you that have done it do you think it would be difficult to make it very monotone? What if I got a few different black paints and sponged them? Would that be better? Gorgeous job everyone! LOVE IT! Thanks! (07/24/2008) By Joy RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Here is the after pic of my kitchen - painted the counters, the back splash and the walls. Joy - I think you could do just the straight black counters. I would prime first then maybe do two coats of the black paint. I think more than one coat of the black would hide imperfections. Sponging different blacks would give you a slight textured look (which could look great!) but I would try your straight black first for the monotone look you are looking for. Once your black paint has dried, you can begin adding poly to seal/finish the counter. I did 5 coats, sanding in between, which smoothed out my coats of paint and poly for a nice shine and smooth feel. Good luck and hopefully we will see pics of your new counters soon! (07/25/2008) By Beth in NJ RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Response to Chasey: I used the Glaze Coat that you found at Lowes. It is very thick and definitely requires a propane torch to air out any bubbles. I rolled it on with a small sponge roller and got some of the edges with a small paint brush. It's a self-leveling product, however, try to make sure that you've covered every area with the product with an equal amount of the resin, otherwise it will look patchy and unfinished. When all was said and done, I ended up using two batches of it, and created "two" coats to give it a nice even finish. Also, another warning, if you do decide to use this product, and purchase the propane torch, make sure you keep it at least 6 inches away from the resin, the resin can and will catch fire. It is in its base form a flammable chemical. Oh and one final note, make sure you have plenty of drop cloths down, because it will drip, especially when you're covering the edges. I hope this helped you some. I know it sounds complicated, but it was actually really easy to use and supposed to be more durable than just plain polyurethene. (07/26/2008) By isis1346 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I used the envirotec? finish on them. I have now started the cabinets and am loving it and have ordered the stainless look tiles for the backsplash, but no idea what color to paint walls, want something light I think. Here is a picture of the progress. Ignore the mess in the cabinets lol, I have yet to straighten them out since I will be painting in there. Marcia (07/26/2008) By Marcia RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Hey Marcia, Have you thought about a parchment color for your walls if you want the light? Also, I know you were thinking light for the walls, but have you also considered "red?" It would make a great accent piece to your cabinets, "brand-new" countertops and even your new stainless steel tiles. Just a suggestion. (07/26/2008) By isis1346 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Boy, am I impressed. The Wilsonart laminate on either side of my kitchen sink is very easily stained - bleach does it -- all stains are absorbed easily. I want to apply either a sealer or clear coat of poly to stop this. Should I just use a clear, light sheened poly? The finish is porous but the pattern is good. Thanks for any tips. (07/30/2008) By Tillytoot RE: Painting Laminate Countertops These are amazing! My countertops are in dire need of help. I am currently paining my cabinets and will definitely do this next! Does anyone know if you can buy a matte poly? I prefer a matte countertop. Also. instead of a sponge roller, could a reguler roller be used to give it a texture? Thanks (07/31/2008) By popeyesgal RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Popeye's Gal - I originally finished my counters with a high gloss poly and after a while I liked the gloss finish less and less. I refinished again with a satin poly and they look fabulous! They have the appearance of a stone finish. One tip, when finishing with the satin poly, stir the can of poly continuously to not let it settle. If you let the particals settle, you will set more of a shine in various spots. (08/01/2008) By Shahk Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 04/22/2007 Can I paint old laminate countertops? If so, what is the best process? P. Warren from Illinois Answers: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I did this and found it to be very easy and affordable. They were dark blue to begin with and I painted them with a tan-tinted primer, then sponged 2 shades of brown. I then sponged black on, let dry, then white, let dry, then more brown. Be sure to use OIL based poly. I used water based at first and had to redo them. my hubby was a little leery at first when I told him I was going to paint them, but he loves them!!! The results are absolutely gorgeous and now I will be doing my kitchen counter tops, too. (03/18/2007) By westiemom RE: Painting Laminate Countertops Painting laminate countertops is easy. Just make sure you use a good primer to start with and let it dry for at least one day. Then use a good melamine paint and a smooth roller. Don't use a lot of paint on the roller and don't try to roll it out to thin just a nice even coat. Let dry for 24 hours then apply a second coat. (03/28/2007) By Tom Douglas RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I painted my counters last May. Almost a year now! I used Debbie Travis' idea. You can't get melamine paint here in GA (unless you buy pet food). Anyway, I used all oil based products instead. I love my counters now. Easy to clean, no scratches. (04/06/2007) By Maureen (Mo1959) RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I very successfully painted my laminate countertops in my bathroom! It was a weekend job and the hardest part is prep work as in most painting projects. You must first scrub the surface with TSP, sand with fine sandpaper and then begin your painting. I used a rustoleum paint in black(you want a paint that will dry really hard). Then I sponged 4 colors to give it a marbled look(I used sample pots of paint from Menards). Sanding between coats, I finished with 3 coats of polycrylic. I had company for Easter and everyone thought it looked great. My husband said, "You have guts!" when he saw what I was doing, but he is also pleased with the results. (04/09/2007) By love2decorate RE: Painting Laminate Countertops YES - It's all about preparation. First you'll have to thoroughly clean it with a degreasing cleaner. Then sand it a bit to give it some "tooth" then thoroughly wipe it down with a tack cloth. Finally before painting it you'll need to coat it with a high adhesive primer (like Zinsser 1-2-3)... Then you paint it the color you'd like. Finally you need to cover the whole paint job with at least 3 or more coats of varathine. OR you can skip most of the steps above & just paint the Laminate with MELAMINE PAINT. Melamine paint is made to cover melamine, that white (or black) plastic covering on discount furniture. Formica is made from Melamine. Melamine paint is an oil based paint. So if you go this route, I'd wait until late spring so you can open your windows, because of the nasty smell. Just follow the directions on the can. Just look in the Yellow Pages for: Paint Stores. Then call around & ask if they carry Melamine Paint. You'll need to buy melamine paint at a paint store. They don't sell it at Home stores (like home Depot). The colors are a bit limited. HOW TO PAINT JUST ABOUT ANYTHING: http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=1915&cat=1&by=3 Refinishing Plastic Laminate Cabinets http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/letters/kitchen/mobile_cab.htm Cabinet Rescue-Cabinet Refacing In A Can-Waterborne Acrylic Laminate Finish http://www.melaminepaint.com/ (04/09/2007) By Cyinda Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting Laminate Countertops Archived on 09/20/2006 I have started to paint my laminated countertops. I read somewhere to use oil-based paint because it was more durable and smoother, so I used an oil-based primer, then I put oil-based gray enamel on it because it said to use a littler color for base. I want it to look like black marble, but now I don't know if I can put the black enamel over the oil-based grey enamel and then streak white enamel through it to create the marble look. Does anyone have any ideas? Help. Debbye from Kimberling City Answers: RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I have been remodeling my bathroom and just finished laying my ceramic tile and have been thinking about giving this countertop facelift a try. I have the ugly old laminate countertops. If anyone could please post close-up pictures of how their's turned out I would be grateful! I love the idea of a faux granite or marble finish, but I've never done any faux painting before so that is my biggest fear on giving this a try. Any step by step tips on how to do the faux work would also be appreciated. (08/05/2006) By mef1957 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I tried this. THIS WORKED GREAT. I did a section at a time so I could still use the kitchen. I painted my cabinets white, then used black and white acrylic paint and polyurethane and it looks like granite. Even hubby was impressed. Every1 thinks I got new countertops, I was quoted over $800 for FORMICA replacements... this cost less than $20. THANK YOU! (08/05/2006) By Linda RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I painted my countertop with Rustoleum EpoxyShield (water based for basements). It looks great! The paint is really strong, but when I added the paint chips, it gave the countertop a rough finish. I used Minwax Water Based Polyacrylic as a clear coat and sealer. It's smoother now, but I noticed that if there is any standing water on the countertop, it will turn into a milky white haze. It will evaporate and turn clear again. I believe that the Polyacrylic is absorbing the water. I'm going to try the Minwax Water Based Polyurethene. Hopefully that will prevent the hazing. Has anyone else had this problem with water based polyacrylic? http://www.rustoleum.com/brand.asp?frm_brand_id=19&SBL=1 http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/polycrylic.cfm http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/floor-poly.cfm (08/14/2006) By Brian RE: Painting Laminate Countertops My husband and I found a neat product. We were watching TV and saw a commercial for a product called RollerRock by Daich Coatings. It makes plain cement look like stone. We thought that would be fun to do on our patio.....so I went to the website to check it out. Was I surprised. We've been thinking of painting our countertops in the kitchen and bath for a while now. This company makes a product called SpreadRock. It comes in 5 colors and states that it can be used on countertops. It has a granite look without all the extra work. Just prime, coat, and seal. We are excited to try it. It's more expensive than just paint, but hopefully it will last much longer. (08/15/2006) By culver97 RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I'm considering doing this to a condo in Molokai because it's so remote & hard to get materials and/or professionals there. Before finding this discussion here, when I finally found a technique, I was going to buy a short piece of laminate countertop to practice with. Online you can find a 4 foot section at Lowe's for $34, possibly cheaper at a local store. Home Depot used to carry them in their stores too. Also I wanted to contribute a couple of links. The previous one for Christoper Lowell no longer works, but you can find his instructions here: http://www.christopherlowell.com/demo.php?id=45 Also, here's the direct link for the Daich products: http://www.daichcoatings.com/ Just from the few things I've read already, I think the most important step for durability is to make sure the countertop is sanded so there is something for the paint or coating to adhere to. This holds true when people tile over their laminate countertops. Debbie Travis mentions that Melamine paint doesn't need a top coat. I'm not sure what a Melamine paint is though. Certainly an epoxy paint would be good, although probably one dimensional by itself without a fauxing technique. Another technique that is being used on these countertops is using them as a base for a concrete countertop, so people might want to research that a bit too. Well, good luck everyone & don't forget to post pictures (good or bad). Also close up shots would be appreciated! (09/02/2006) By mynde More Info I found another thread on this site with a few more pictures of people's redone countertops. What a bunch of talented people: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf370385.tip.html Also, I found the site for Cabinet Rescue, mentioned previously: http://www.cabinetrescue.com/ Guess what? It's Melamine paint like Debbie Travis used. Only problem is that in the FAQ, the Cabinet Rescue people do not recommend it for countertops, floors, or any other place with high usage. But then all the experts say Formica can't be painted over either, hehe. I guess it's a "your mileage may vary" situation. However, it can be tinted and looks like it would be a good application to use for redoing what it's name implies, cabinets. (09/02/2006) By mynde RE: Painting Laminate Countertops I am in the middle of painting my countertops right now. All I've done so far is clean them, give them a quick sanding so that the primer really adheres to the surface and have now finished the first coat of primer specifically made for Melamine paints. So far so good. Not a strong smell in the house either. I had a couple of chips out of my old counter top so i just filled them with regular polyfil and sanded them down. Looks good as new. A project that would have cost me a couple hundred $$ to buy new counter tops has now only cost me $40! (09/09/2006) By Dawn Report Spam or Abuse Request: Painting a Laminate Countertop Archived on 03/22/2005 Request: Painting a Laminate Countertop I really hate our countertops but can't afford to replace them. I was wondering if anyone on this site had tried painting their countertop (I saw that it was possible mentioned in a recent feedback). If so, how much does it cost and how does the finished product look? We have a couple spots where there are small holes or dents in the counter, can those be filled before paint is applied? If anyone has any ideas, let me know. Thanks, Jim Answers: RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop I've never seen the final results but Christopher Lowell who has a show on the Discovery Channel has instructions for painting countertops: http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/... There are pictures on the site of what it looks like after painting. There are some more instructions from the Do It Yourself Network: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/... Susan from ThriftyFun (03/22/2005) By ThriftyFun RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop I will have to warn you not to believe everything you see on TV. I seen them paint a concrete livingroom floor and decided I was tired of carpet and stains, and did the same to my floor. No one has a perfect concrete slab unless it was just poured. Mine had cracks and so forth. We filled the cracks, we put kilz on the floor, and we followed all of the painting instructions. We put 4 coats of polyurethane on the floor. We scratched the floor in numerous places while carefully moving our belongings back in. Also, I could not clean the floor in the entryway. It always looked dirty like the dirt wouldn't come up. It looked good on TV, and we obviously thought it would work, but it didn't. Just be careful. Try to get a formica sample that is similar in color to yours and paint it. (03/23/2005) By suzi homemaker RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop Jim, these are instructions I took from another list or a web site, haven't tried them myself but I am going to. You could do any color or a faux finish such as granite or marble. PAINTING A VINYL FLOOR or FORMICA COUNTERTOP: *** Important to note: Any embossed patterns and lines on your existing flooring or counter will still show. Try to work these patterns or lines into your design. 1. Clean existing vinyl floor or counter well with detergent and water. 2. Sand lightly to remove any glossy spots. In the case of the counter, sand the whole counter. 3. Prepare it for painting by cleaning with TSP to remove the gloss from the vinyl or formica, following the manufacturer's instructions. Carefully follow any recommended safety measures including wearing rubber gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask. 4. Apply Zinsser BIN Primer Sealer to the floor according to directions. This is a primer that prepares the vinyl to accept paint. Let it dry thoroughly. The smell can be strong so open the windows and close the room off from the rest of the house while using this product . Let it dry thoroughly. 5. Your floor or counter is now ready to paint You can paint any type of faux finish, tape off areas and design a pattern, or stencil a random or regular pattern or border. The final step is sealing the paint. Apply three coats of satin or high-gloss non-yellowing polyurethane for the best results and durability. I recommend water-based because it will not change the colors that you use. If you are going to use oil-base, practice the color/poly combination to see if you like the finished color - it really is quite yellow and will turn more yellow as it ages. If you use waterbased, don't sand between the layers with steel wool. The tiny fibers of the steel wool will break off and rust in the poly, causing little tiny brown spots. I don't ususally sand between layers anyway, but some recommend it. (03/24/2005) By Pat RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop I painted my ugly white and scratched formica countertops over 9 months ago and am thrilled with the results. I used Zins bonding primer tinted dark gray and followed with a mix of acrylic black and white paint (craft paint) that I dabbed on a sea sponge and created a granite look on my countertops. Followed with 4 coats of oil based polyurethane (I don't do food prep directly on the countertop anyway without using a plate or cutting board). The finish is amazingly tough and I even dropped a heavy glass bowl from the upper cabinet and it didn't chip! I will attach a picture of the after....I am SO GLAD I tried this... what a transformation in my kitchen! (04/18/2005) By Marianne RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop I painted laminated cabinets using a product called Cabinet Rescue. My cabinets were walnut in color and dark. I painted them white as I have a small kitchen. I just followed the directions on the can. It didn't require primer; but it did take three coats of paint. I put no protective cover on the cabinets after painting. After years of use the cabinets are now showing a few bare spots which I know I can paint over. The product comes in quart size and it took three quarts to do 17 doors and 6 drawers. Don't know if this will work on laminate countertops; but worth the check. I would just put a protective coat on top. (10/05/2005) By Jean RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop I painted my bathroom countertops with stratified paint - 2 coats - Did not need to sand or prime -- looked great and just a few little chips a year later that need to be touched up - I even clean it with comet - The only thing is if you have something stored on the countertop -- ex. Vase -- discolorization occurs underneath. (10/14/2005) By Taste and no money RE: Sara Painting a Laminate Countertop You can find the directions from Debbie Travis's Painted House by typing this URL. http://www.painted-house.com/episodes/9/111/?view=04-7k- or by typing faux grainte countertop into the google search engine. Let me know how it turns out. I've never done it, but am extremely anxious to see how it turns out when an amateur does it. I'm thinking of purchasing a home, but it doesn't have very good countertops in it. Faux grainte may be the solution if it works for you. (11/27/2005) By Heather (guest post) RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop I painted my kitchen counter tops about a year ago with melamine paint and I didn't even bother priming first, and the counters look great! I have only 2 minor knife scratches, which I could easily paint over. I used a small paint roller to apply the paint and you couldn't even tell that my counters are painted because they look so good. It was an easy job and cost me under $20 (02/24/2006) By Lisa RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop There are Epoxy paints that they use to resurface tubs and tile. These paints are expensive (around $65/gal), but they are tough as nails, require no primer (usually) and most even come with a 10 year guarantee. Don't be confused if you wind up looking at 'boat paints' - they use the same stuff to paint bass boat hulls. (02/28/2006) By Spec RE: Painting a Laminate Countertop I just completed refinishing my 1960's laminate countertops. It cost me about 25 bucks. What I used was Tough as Tile Tub & Tile brush-on epoxy finisher. It only comes in bright white ut I had tint added. It was very easy and turned out perfect. I am attaching a couple of pictures to show the results. (04/23/2006) By JoAnn Report Spam or Abuse