How To Paint A Laminate Counter

Kitchen is the hub of any woman. While designing a kitchen, you cannot compromise on the complete look of the kitchen. Whether it is the countertops or the cabinets, everything should look best. However, the fact is no matter how much try to keep the countertop clean, it loses shine very soon. Even the best ones cannot hold for much of a time. You use it as a chopping board and usually the countertops are burdened with all the useful and not-so useful stuff that are used in the kitchen. There are many choices for countertops, while some prefer ceramic tiles or granite tiles, others like the laminated look for their kitchen countertops. If you are among those who prefer the sleek look of laminated countertops, you might as well lament for the look, which laminated countertops had, when they were newly installed. It is not always possible to change a countertop when it gets dirty and loses its color and shine, so for a laminated one the best option is, painting it, and giving it an entirely new and different look. Check out more about painting a laminated counter top here.

Painting A Laminate Counter

It is not a Herculean task to paint the laminated counter tops with proper instructions. Given here are the instructions on how you can paint your countertop even if it is laminated.

Things You’ll Need

Sandpaper--120-grit and 220-grit
Detergent
Denatured alcohol
Oil-based primer
Oil-based paint
Marine varnish or polyurethane
Masking tape or painter's tape
Paint pad, rollers, or brushes ( whichever you have)
Paint tray

How To Do

Clean the countertop using detergent. Take special attention of the crevices (if any) or the place where the sink meets the counter. Rinse it with clean water and let it dry properly.
Dip a cloth in the denatured alcohol and wipe the cleaned surface with it. This will help remove the greasy residue left if anything is there.
Tape off the surfaces around the counter like walls, cabinet, sink or any plumbing fixtures.
Now you can sand the whole of the area with 120 grit sand paper. Do not make any scratches on the surface. By sanding, you are roughening up the laminate so that the primer will have something to stick onto.
Using a roller or whatever is available, prime the entire area using the primer. Use a paintbrush to cut it along walls and fixtures. Let it dry completely.
Once dry, give a sanding with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any brush or roller marks. Use a damp cloth to remove any dust while sanding.
Now, you can give the first coat of paint onto it. You can apply several light coats rather than applying a thick coat. Paint it the same way as you applied the primer.
Let the paint dry completely.
Sand it using 220-grit sandpaper between coats. Wipe with damp cloth to remove dust.
Repeat the procedure as needed.
After the sanding, you can apply two coats of varnish on to it.
Avoid using the countertop at least for a week as sometimes the paint can bubble once it comes in contact with water.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Home & Living'