
Laminate countertops are less expensive and easy to maintain. Moreover, you can always paint them in different colors and shades to give a fresh and modern look to your kitchen. This DecorDezine write-up gives you a brief idea about how to paint these countertops on your own.
The sealer you are going to apply on your countertops requires at least 2 to 3 weeks to cure. So, avoid scrubbing the surface during this period.
Laminate countertops are one of the simplest and cheapest options for kitchen countertops, as they are easy to clean and maintain. However, using them for several years make them appear a little dull and worn out.
But there is no need to worry, as these countertops can be easily painted to give a completely fresh and clean look to your kitchen, without the expense of buying new countertops. Painting a laminate countertop is quite easy and you can do it yourself at home.
Best Way to Paint Laminate Countertops
Things You Will Need
✧ Fine-grit sandpaper
✧ A soft brush or vacuum cleaner
✧ A dust pan
✧ A soft cloth
✧ Painter’s tape
✧ Primer and Paint
✧ Acrylic/oil-based polyurethane
✧ An angled paintbrush and a roller (if you are not using spray paints)
The Procedure
Before painting your laminate countertop, you must do a proper clean-up. For this, you will need warm water and a small amount of detergent powder. For removing sticky grease from the countertop, you can use a degreaser product as well. After cleaning, dry the countertop thoroughly with paper towels.
If there are holes and dents or chips on your countertop, then consider to use a wood filler or epoxy putty to fill them up. Be sure to remove the excess putty or filler, and then sand it with a sandpaper. Now tap off the area of the countertop which you are not going to include in your painting project.
The second step is to sand the countertop with a fine-grit sandpaper. Sanding etches the surface, and helps the paint and the primer adhere to the surface. Sanding should be done evenly, but lightly. Once it is done, remove the resulting dust and debris from the countertop by using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner. Now, use a damp cloth to clean the remaining dust, and let the countertop dry out completely.
The next step is to apply a primer. There are different types of primer, such as oil-based primer, acrylic primer, and spray-on primer. For choosing the right primer for your countertop, you can take the advice of an expert in this field. If you go for the oil-based primer, then you will need a medium-sized roller to get a smooth and even coverage. To apply the primer on the corners and edges of the countertop, you can use an angled paintbrush.
Usually, two coats of primer are sufficient. So, apply the first coat, and let it dry out entirely before applying the second coat. The primer usually requires almost 24 hours to dry out. The odor of some primers can be really strong. So, it is better to carry out the entire process in a well-ventilated room.
Once the primer dries out completely, you can apply the paint on your laminate countertop. For this, you can use an oil-based or a water-based paint. But, if you have chosen an oil-based primer, then you have to paint your countertop with an oil-based paint, and not with an acrylic paint. To paint your laminate countertop, choose a color that goes well with the color and patterns of your kitchen flooring and walls. It is usually sufficient to apply 2 or 3 coats of the paint, but allow the each coat to dry before applying the next coat.
Allow the paint to dry out completely before applying the sealer. You can use 3 to 4 coats of high gloss polyurethane, or a water-based sealer, which will give an attractive and long-lasting glaze to your countertop. But be sure to allow each coat to dry out completely before applying the next coat.
✧ To minimize your clean-up time after painting, use painter’s tape and newspapers to cover your floor, walls, and cabinets.
✧ Acrylic or latex paints are easier to apply than oil-based paints. However, oil-based paints bind better to a smooth surface like laminate, and help prevent the growth of mildew.
✧ If you use an oil-based primer and paint, then you should use oil-based polyurethane as a sealer. On the other hand, a glossy acrylic topcoat is preferred for acrylic primers and paints.
✧ Keep in mind that a painted countertop needs to be handled carefully, as it is no longer as tough as the original laminate.
✧ Be sure to keep hot pots and pans off the countertop. Place them on potholders or hand towels, in order to protect your painted countertop.
✧ Don’t cut anything on a painted countertop, as knives will cut into the finish. You can use cutting boards to cut vegetables and other food items.
✧ Keep your kitchen countertop clean and dry by not allowing water to stand on it for a long time. Be sure to clean up any kind of spills as soon as possible.
✧ Always use non-abrasive cleaners to clean your painted countertop.
✧ It is also not advisable to use scouring powder or other abrasive products on your laminate countertop, especially if you have used acrylic sealer on it. Such products should be avoided even after the sealer has cured.
✧ If you opt for a spray paint, then be sure to carry out the entire painting project in a well-ventilated place, and keep children and pets away from that area. It is better to wear a mask while painting, as spray paints contain some harmful chemicals.
It will take some time (2 to 3 weeks) before you can use your painted laminate countertops again. However, you will definitely not repent your decision, as the newly painted countertops will completely alter the look of your kitchen. Just remember to keep the countertops clean from dust and stains, so that they can retain their lustrous shine for a long time.