There are numerous ways to update your kitchen. If your countertop is still in good shape, consider painting it instead of replacing it. This is a guide about painting kitchen 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 did 2 bathroom vanities and my kitchen.
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!
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:
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.
Well we did it. We went in head first and painted our laminate countertops. We were extremely nervous to try this, but were already considering replacing them with new ones. We thought, why not try it before we get new ones? Well after reading through several different ways of doing this, we decided to go with our own idea.
We have a black and silver theme in our kitchen, so we decided to go with a greyish countertop to match the theme. We chose the epoxy concrete paint. The one that people use for their garage floors. We chose "greyling" as the color with black, grey, and white flakes. We got a small canister of the flakes and actually mashed the flakes down even smaller than they come.
We painted our countertops as directed for the floors. We did about 2 coats of the epoxy to make sure we covered every space. We made sure it was dried completely overnight. Then we applied 2 coats of polycrylic clear coat in high gloss over it. This just gave it an extra shine and took away the little bit of roughness from the flakes. We let that dry over night as well.
It feels so smooth now and it's super shiny! We're very pleased with the outcome of it all and glad we went this route. We saved a ton of money by doing it this way and spent less than $100 on the whole thing, rather than $1,000 on new countertops.
I just finished painting my kitchen counter top with acrylic latex paint and polyurethene. It was a lot of fun and saved lots of money. I spent a total of $150.00!
Anyone can do it. Here's a picture before I finished the last section. So you can see the color I previously had. I might mention, my counterops were in good shape when I started this project. The hardest part is applying the poly coats afterwards.
I got the granite look I was wanting. Now I can save up for the real thing down the road.
I might mention, that you treat painted counter tops as you would any laminate top. Nothing hot, and you don't cut on it.
It will chip easier if you have kids around. All you'd have to do is sand it, paint it again and then the poly.
My cabinets are Aristokraft Spice cabinets/ Oak with Spring Green Paint Color for those of you not able to find a paint color. This green is a blue hue, no yellow what so ever. I love it.
I might mention, I googled "refinishing laminate counter tops" to get the idea.
By Jean from Robards, KY
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 one. 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 Fusion 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 one 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 a 1/2 quart of Krylon latex, 1 (2 oz) bottle of pewter and 2 (2 oz) bottles of black acrylic and less than 2 tubes of fairy dust. We used a total of 4 (32 oz) Envirotex kits. I gathered 40% coupons from Michaels 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 posting, 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:
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!
Well I finally got done with my project thanks to all your post on this page. I was so leery of doing this but it came out awesome. I did need help at the end with the second coat of Enviro though. I started with a white countertop. These are the steps I took:
I was so stressed about it but truly came out better than I'd hoped. You can use a hair dryer or heat gun to blow bubbles out of counter top but work fast as it does cure fast, less than 25 min. if your lucky, then you cannot touch it for 72 hours for a hard cure.
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. I 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.
I used an epoxy paint from Home Depot on the sink. It's hard to work with, but worth the end result. A couple tips:
Before and after photo:
I need to repaint my counter top in the bathroom. It was painted with melamine paint. Do I have to use melamine again or is there some other kind of paint I can use instead of melamine? Also, my bathroom cabinets were painted with melamine, but I don't want to use melamine this time. Any suggestions appreciated.
By Karen
By leahj
07/27/2011
I am trying to paint the bathroom countertop, I love the way morgalm did this! What type and color of paint did you use?
I'm a newbie here, but not a newbie to DIY. Somebody's gotta do it. I've spent 2 days reading and looking at all of your beautiful countertops and making notes. Now I'm down to trying to figure out what sealant to use, so would like to take a vote. It's the democratic way, right? I read a lot of you use the enviro-lite, but to some seems intimidating. Since this is my first time, not sure I want to be that intimidated.
Others I've read have used water-based poly, oil-based poly, Parks Super Glaze, and Varathane Diamond, so I guess what I'm trying to determine is which one.
There are so many of you that have done beautiful jobs, but used different sealers. Can we have a vote here please? I'm not "sponging". I'm using Rustoleum's stone spray stuff, if that helps. I'm using a tan undercoat layer first. One more question, does that need to be latex?
Thank you. And glad I found you guys.
By LinDuh_in_VA from Richmond, VA
By tercarr0l
07/11/2010
I kind of have the same type question. I have a beautiful medium sized vanity with nice trim detail that has a laminate top, rest is wood. It was an ugly yellow with gold trim so I wanted to re-paint for my 10 year old to put in her room. So, after researching for almost a week, this is what I did. Please bare with me in my lengthy explanation. Starting out with a smooth laminate vanity top already, I knew I had to do nothing to it except make sure it was clean so I put Glidden gripper on it which was white (gray was the only other available color). Went on nice and even, used a "Purdy" brush. I let it dry 24 hours and I first tested the front removable piece of wood that I could screw off and I painted it with "Ace" Premium Enamel spray paint (deep purple).
It was so nice looking the next day, so I sprayed the vanity but I ran out and they did not have that color at the store anymore. So I continued with some left over paint of the same color but in a gallon can, but it was Behr Premium Satin Latex Interior, Exterior paint. Good for wood, etc. I let dry for 24 hours. Again turned out pretty nice but needed a 2nd coat and a nice glossy finish to add a nice final touch. After letting that dry, I used an "Ace" Clear Enamel, but noticed the next day, some parts were shining like glass and others dull and grainy almost as if I painted a wood top with a natural grain. It was really noticeable from a distance, especially in the light. Plus, even though the gripper was evenly applied with a brush and I spray painted it evenly with the enamel, I really wanted the glassy look like some of the spots were but I ran out. So I went back to Ace, told them what I did and asked for a good shiny, clear glossy, easy care finish that I could brush on. He handed me a pint of "Minwax" lacquer. I thought, "Great"! I just saw that online and researched it a bit so I thought I was good to go.
Not! I went home and OMG. I used sparingly but evenly, whew the fumes were unbearable, even though I opened the garage and wore a small mask. I did not want to use another spray can, that was horrible doing that so I used a brush and it showed the strokes so bad and dried to a milky dull finish. Not only that, but as I was painting, it stripped off some the paint to show the gripper so I had to re-paint those spots. It was difficult because I could not bare down like I wanted to because it removed some of the paint but I had to paint quickly because it dries so, so fast. I am also concerened...even after the proper waiting period that it might be hazardous to my daughter having it in her room. I really was just looking to restore an old piece of furniture and work on a little project. But after further research, I see I would need to lacquer and sand, lacquer and sand and repeat too many times. Then seal then sand then buff, etc, etc. Whew! Ok, after that whole speech, I would like to know if I can just get some "Sierra Acrylic Enamel" and top it with that and be done with it to avoid more lacquer or starting over. I am only asking because I have the matching 6 drawer dresser to do also but do not want to go through what I went through. I really want these to turn out nice, but not costly or hazardous. Thank you. Signed, Not an expert. LOL.
3 days later, "The Expert" cost me $9.00 to answer incorrectly, after ruining it, he is now telling me to use MinWax Poly-Crylic. I have already bought the Enamel spray. What to do. What to do! And why did the lacquer bond to the wood part of the vanity after the steps of gripper, then latex but looked different on the laminate after gripper, latex? I mean, see how shiny the legs are. Now what to do with the rest. Sorry so lengthy. I am wore out, as I am sure you are from reading this.
I have a laminate countertop I want to paint. But it has a metal strip along the front and on the inside edge. What do I do with this metal strip when I paint the countertop?
By literarytrvlr from Cincinnati, OH
By notetotel
07/27/2011
Go to retrorenovation.com and see their site. you have a mid -century modern kitchen, ours was built in 1947 and the counters are yellow. we have so enjoyed living with some elements of the past. look into it before you change anything. On this site thousands are accessing sites to BUY the strip material and install it. Others are searching to buy old Metal cupboards to put their homes back to the period. notetotel Ontario Canada
What can I buy to paint a laminated counter top?
By Earlene from DeRidder, LA
Is it possible to (step by step and what products) paint my laminate counter tops to look like dark brown quartz?
Lisa Russ from Florence, SC
By suzieq775
10/05/2010
You can do this with acrylic paint. You must seal it and understand,seal,seal,seal it. I painted a kitchen bar and it still looks fine. However,we only ate at it.When your dealing with surfaces that get wet it's only a matter of time before you must redo it or replace it.
I see lots of posts here and elsewhere on the web about painting laminate, but none of the photos I've seen show laminate counters with the metal edges, and metal joints between the counter tops and backsplashes.
Has anyone done this? If so, what kind of preparation did you do on the metal? We're thinking of using Giani granite but haven't made up our minds yet. The counter is probably 50 years old, and a sad faded turquoise, so almost anything would be an improvement.
Thanks in advance!
By soup-lady
By rbrady
07/26/2011
I think I would tape off the metal strips because they may not take the paint as well. Sand with a fine grit sandpaper before painting.
How do I faux paint laminate counter tops?
By FURCAR2 from Colonial Heights, VA
By ktsmomma2
03/07/2011
So easy! Use an oil based primer first. Then an oil based paint for the base and for the accent colors. I did mine about 3 1/2 years ago and have loved it! Haven't had any problems with it chipping either and we cook 3 meals a day in my kitchen. So, it gets used a lot! I did not put a coat of polyurethane on it either. Someone told me it would be easier to touch up if it didn't have that shiny coat on top. Let me know if I can help with anything! You won't regret it!
I am truly working on budget here. I have read the many posts as to how to paint counter tops and am excited. But, I also have an issue with the counter top in that it was not cut straight where the two pieces join at the corner. There is a gap along the length from the back to the front where the two pieces are supposed to join. Anyone have any suggestions on how to fill this gap?
By gailbie
By frugalsunnie
03/04/2012
I think I'd use paintable silicone caulk to fill the gap. If it's quite wide you can use a piece of old panty hose to create a base inside the gap for the caulk so it doesn't drip right through to the underside of the counter. LOL, ask me how I know this can happen:)
Attach the sides of the patch cut to size from the stocking to the edges of the gap with super glue-be sure to position the patch so that it dips a little into the gap area. Doing that will create enough fill so that if you need to, you can sand any caulk that has raised above the surface of the area you plan to paint. Make sure you let the caulk cure for at least 48 hours in a warm dry room before trying to sand it.
A squeezable (eliminates the need to purchase a caulk gun if you don't have one already) tube of paintable caulk shouldn't cost you more than $3USD at a hardware store or your local favourite big box store.
I am looking for paint which I can paint on top my kitchen work top. It is not shiny, but has a matte finish to it. Please help me find something. I don't want to spend too much money on kitchen worktops.
By sheetal mistry from Leicester
By KJellybean
05/12/2011
There is actually a new product that you can use to paint your countertops and it mimics a granite type look. I don't remember the name of it right now but both Lowe's and Home Depot carry it. Just ask!
Can you use the counter tops that are painted the same way as the original Formica top? Or are there restrictions?
By Maria from Miramar, FL
By louel53
08/06/2010
The easy answer is that paint simply is not as durable as laminate. That is why people have laminate counters. Some of the suggestions from others may be a better alternative to just painting the laminate. Regular paint will scratch very easily.
I need some help. I painted my countertops with granite spray and used a water based poly on top (4 coats). That was 3 days ago. They feel dry to the touch, but are soft enough to leave marks.
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).
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.
Can I paint old laminate countertops? If so, what is the best process?
How can I paint laminate counters?
How do I paint laminate countertops?
How do I paint my laminate counter tops?
I want to paint my laminate counter tops. What kind of paint do I use and what are the steps?
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?
I have seen and read how to paint over laminate counter tops. How much paint do I need to buy. Can I use acrylic paint from a craft store? Can you add some metallic flakes and where do you find it?
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?
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.
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.
Where can you buy the paint needed for painting laminate countertops?
I am repainting my laminate countertops. They were painted about 6-7 years ago, now they have a few more dings and scratches.
My counter tops are painted Malaya Red, and I am using Helsman oil based satin polyurethane. When I apply the coat it is beautiful and even, but when it dries it looks like I missed spots.
How do I paint laminate countertops?
How do you paint countertops to look like marble? What do you use, and what do you do with it?
I have been reading the articles on faux painting kitchen laminate countertops. My question is this: my wife and I are on a tight budget and were considering paying someone to come out..
I am starting a project next week and I don't know what will be the best paint to get. I have salon stations that are laminate that I want to paint.
I always wanted to purchase granite countertops, but could never afford them.
What kind of paint do you use to paint over a old laminate bathroom vanity?
By Dana from Williamstown, NJ
I would like to know more about faux granite counter tops.
I want to change the look on my countertops from the restroom to the kitchen. Can I use a stone spray and what clear coat can I use to make it stay?
We recently updated our kitchen. Instead of replacing our old laminate countertop, I decided to try painting it, we were planning on replacing it anyway, so if I ruined it, no big deal.
I would like to change my laminate countertop. I have read the steps everyone has suggested, but wanted to know are these steps the same for original laminates that are non-white?
I would like to know how to paint kitchen counter tops.
How do I paint laminate countertops?
I see more than one person has used Stone Spray paint to refinish their counter tops.
I was wondering if the Gianni Kit for countertops has a strong odor. Do any of the applications have a strong odor?
I am looking for DIY kit for painting my laminated countertop to look like a marble countertop. Please help.
What kind of paint would I purchase if I were to paint my laminate counter tops?
How do I paint a laminate countertop?
How do I faux paint a counter top?
I would like information on painting laminate countertops.
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