If you thought your laminate counter wasn't the perfect candidate for painting, think again. Learn how to revitalize your bathroom or kitchen countertops and give your tired laminate a makeover with a fresh coat of paint.
Keep in mind: Proper preparation is essential to ensure a successful painting project, so take your time so you can prevent peeling or disappointment. Painting laminate is different than a solid surface countertop or ceramic tile surface, so let's go through the steps in detail.
Benefits of Painting Laminate Countertops
- Budget-friendly
- Offers homeowners the chance to test a variety of colors
- Opportunity to refresh outdated or damaged surfaces
- Increase your home's value
- Skip the costs of a new countertop installation
- Experiment with a new finish (satin finish vs. glossy surfaces, for example)
- Eco-friendly alternative—less waste
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- TSP-PF cleaning powder or its liquid substitute solution (this works better than window cleaner or liquid dish soap)
- rubber gloves
- green scrubbies
- cotton cloth
- palm sander
- 150-grit sandpaper to 220-grit sandpaper
- N-95 mask
- tack cloths
- high-density foam roller
- paint trays
- paint brush
- paint stirrers
- high-quality bonding primer
- urethane alkyd enamel-based paint, or epoxy
- high-quality polyurethane sealer
1. Deep Clean the Surface
- Cleaning the laminate surface is the first, and possibly most important part of the process. Create a cleaning mixture using TSP-PF powder and warm water. Stir until dissolved.
- Wear rubber gloves; the cleaning solution is powerful and can irritate your skin.
- Use some elbow grease. Using an abrasive cleaner (like a green scrubber), rub the cleaning solution along the entire countertop surface, including any backsplash edge and the front lip of the countertop. Work in the corners and edges with an old toothbrush, if necessary. You can also use a damp cloth to scrub away grease, stubborn stains, and food residue so the surface is as clean as possible.
- Wipe the entire surface clean with the clean cotton cloth. Let it dry completely.
- You may also use this as a time to protect your kitchen cabinets with cloth or plastic drop cloths. Use painters tape along the edges of cabinets to protect against paint.
2. Scuff the Laminate With Sandpaper
- Primer adheres better to a textured surface. Laminate counters have that smooth, semi-gloss or matte finish, and you'll need to rough things up on the entire surface for best results.
- Sand all surfaces using 150-220 grit sandpaper. Wearing a dust mask and using an orbital sander or palm sander (or another light-duty electric sander) makes this chore easy, but you may also want to use a sanding block to get into edges and tight corners. Start by using the medium-grit sandpaper (150-180), and then switch to the fine-grit sandpaper (220). The combination will break the glossy finish and improve primer adhesion while leaving you with a smooth surface on your kitchen counters for your first layer of topcoat.
3. Thoroughly Remove Dust
- Use a clean soft cloth to wipe down the excess dust. Sanding kicks up a small amount of fine dust. All traces of dust needs to be removed so it doesn't interfere with the bond of the primer.
- Then, do a second pass over the laminate with a tack cloth. These cloths are sticky, and they'll pick up every last piece of dust, lint, or residue from the prepped countertops—if you're thorough and patient. And no, it will not leave a sticky film on the surface. Once the surface is clean and dust-free, you'll be ready for sanding.
4. Prime the Surface
- The type of primer matters. Using a high-quality bonding primer is helpful when sanding a non-porous surface, like a laminate countertop. (P.S. there's a high-quality primer-and-paint-in-one product that has caught our eye, but we'd still advise prepping the surface.)
- Use a paintbrush to cut in along the edges and corners of the countertop.
- Then, use a high-density 6" paint roller to apply a thin, even coat, covering edges and corners.
- Let it dry completely.
5. Painting Like a Pro
- Choose a durable paint. The trick to achieving a durable paint job is to use epoxy or enamel paint formulated for laminate countertops for superior chip and scratch resistance. Other paint products lack durability.
- Thin the paint out. Slightly thin the paint (10-20% water or mineral spirits) for better flow, smooth finish, and to prevent drips.
- Patiently complete the painting process. Using a high-density foam paint roller, apply three coats of paint, letting each dry completely for 12-24 hours before applying the next coat. Cure time is a real thing, especially with epoxy coatings! Two coats of paint should provide good coverage, but depending on the color of the paint and the application, three is usually necessary. Apply even pressure to prevent roller strokes.
- Let the final coat cure for a full 24 hours before applying a sealant.
6. Seal the Countertop Surface
- Apply a high-quality sealer formulated for countertops to support a durable finish and provide extra protection against scratches, stains, and moisture. Use a high-density foam roller and a paintbrush for application.
- You likely only need one coat of this, so be thoughtful and careful as you apply it. You don't want drips, roller marks, or streaks!
- Allow the sealer to cure completely for 24 hours before using the countertops. How do you like the finished product?
FAQ
Do countertop paint kits work?
Countertop kits have their perks, namely in that they're cost-effective and present it as a doable DIY project, but painting countertops still requires a fair amount of prep, patience, and attention to detail. Using a countertop refinishing kit it may be an easy way to achieve a budget kitchen makeover, but don't be fooled into thinking it's a one-day project.
Is a painted countertop heat-resistant?
No. Your underlying laminate isn't heat resistant, nor are the paint and sealants you applied over the top. If you happen to be painting a granite countertop that is heat resistant, keep in mind that the heat can damage the paint and primer layers.
Can you use acrylic paints or craft paints?
No, for a few reasons:
- Lack of durability. Acrylic and craft paints are not designed for the wear and tear of countertops, especially in heavy-use areas, like kitchens. They're more susceptible to scratches, chips, stains, and heat damage compared to specialized countertop paints.
- Poor adhesion. These paints might not adhere well to non-porous laminate surfaces, leading to peeling and flaking over time. The type of countertop has a lot to do with why we recommend an epoxy coating or enamel paint.
- Not water-resistant. Most acrylic and craft paints aren't waterproof and won't last long in an area with excess water. Bathroom countertops and kitchen countertops are prone to excessive water contact.
