Be sure to start at the back and work your way forward, so youre not leaning over the paint when its wet. Instead, use a plate or a cutting board to. Other than that, it looks the same now as it did in the photos from 6+ months ago. Good painting tapes include green tape, blue tape, and masking tape. DIYer Libbie of A Life Unfolding whos refinished both kitchen counters and a bar top (pictured above) this way recommends mixing up small batches so your concrete doesnt dry out between steps. Better safe than sorry on this one. Hi Teri. I love the look that you were just able to achieve with $30! Painting Specialist. Brushes arent the best choice for painting over Formica; theyre likely to leave stroke marks. Formica Countertops - Should I replace or refinish? (Although you can and should set yourself up for additional success by cleaning your countertops intensely beforehand and letting them dry fully before getting to work.). Thank you! Cover the entire surface of the counter with a thin layer of primer. Avoid abrasive scrubs, steel wool, or stiff scrubbing brushes. After you've added the primer, use a roller to apply a thin coat of paint. Let me know if you end up giving it a try, Debbie. Blogger Anika of Anikas DIY Life has resurfaced her countertops with contact paper in several rental units shes lived in over the years and says she was initially worried about how long theyd last. I'd recommend starting at the back and working your way forward, so you're not leaning over the paint when it's wet. Bonding primer tends to be thick, so for the smoothest application, a foam roller is best. Step 2: Next, tape off any areas that you dont want the countertop coating to stick to and make sure to cover the floors with something as well, just in case. However, the end result is far from the factory finish you will receive from a Miracle Method refinishing professional. It is a different consistency (that is unfortunately not as easy to apply as regular paint), is much more durable (and cleanable) when finished, and has a VERY strong smell when painting. By using our site, you agree to our. Protect your eyes, skin, and lungs from airborne laminate dust with goggles, gloves, and a dust mask. I have found one polyurethane that is clear, but water-based, and not as durable. References Dont neglect corners, divots, and edges, and dont skip this step or skimp on the processits tedious, but its crucial to achieving a professional-looking result. Step 4: Then grab a paint roller and cover the remainder of the counter (top and then sides / edges) with a thin layer of countertop coating, again working your way from the back to the front. Thanks for sharing the idea. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturers directions. Start by sanding the entire countertop and backsplash / lip areas to rough the surface up a little and help the paint stick permanently. This video proved it wasn't! If you don't give the paint time to cure, it could smudge, get dented or marked, or not adhere properly to the surface. Repeat the process as many times as you need to get your desired thickness, sanding lightly between each thin coat. This is usually about three hours. i love this decor, great photos Formica countertops make great work surfaces because they are non-porous and easy to clean. This option can be a great solution for renters, since the paper is removable on move-out but its still a good idea to run it by your landlord before installing. Then unhinge doors and pull out drawers altogether. And today, Im sharing how you can do it too: how to resurface your laminate countertops for less than 50 dollars! Yes, it will. Polyurethane has a yellow hue to it because I think it is mainly meant for wood. With 48 linear feet of countertops, youll definitely need more than one can of countertop paint BUT it will be WAY cheaper than the alternative. Can you Please share the actual product(s) that you used to paint the counters? This article received 15 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. To ensure proper adhesion, it is important that the surface is properly cleaned and prepped following the instructions. . I did not add a poly coat to mine, but I just read some recent reviews and it seems that a couple people who had those issues were able to fix it with a poly coat or two. "Yes"Formica countertops can be painted and over time people have used latex paints, epoxies, and even cans of enamel spray paint. Miracle Method uses coatings specifically created to restore and refinish Formica, Wilsonart and other laminate countertops. I really liked the outcome of it. -Brittni. We had asked numerous, "This is exactly what I have been looking for! Other useful tools for this process are a smoothing tool and pin for erasing bubbles, plus a utility knife for trimming, all of which will make your contact paper countertops more durable long-term. If you want to paint your counters white like mine, you can order it onlineanddo not have to go to a home improvement store (though it is available there too). If youre feeling creative, you can take a page out of DIY blogger Sarah Powells book, and employ a sea sponge technique with various shades of gray acrylic paint under a layer of epoxy. Blog:http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/, Hi Country Nana. It is important to note, however, that an oil-based paint may be better in the kitchen, because it's easier to clean. Finally, I can get rid of ugly countertop with a really nice one. If you are painting a light color over very dark Formica, however, you might need to apply a third coat of paint for full coverage. And thatshow to resurface laminate countertops for under $50. The Ultimate First Time Homeowner's Guide. While replacing countertops may not be in your budget, if you're looking to do some remodelling in your kitchen or bathroom, you can actually paint your Formica counters to give them a brand new look. Using regular paint to resurface your counter is NOT a long-lasting option. Let me know if you have any tricks or tips for the process, if I missed anything. Dry the surface with a dry cloth, and then allow the counter to sit for at least 30 minutes to air dry completely. So, wait the full 3 days if you can, before using the counters as normal. Dont assume you simply have to accept that yourspace is firmly tethered to the 1970s by its avocado green or harvest gold Formica counters or cabinets, however. Butcher block Formica is given an updated look. % of people told us that this article helped them. So, wait the full 3 days if you can, before using the counters as normal. This particular countertop coating that I used () is made for laminate, vinyl tiles, wood surfaces, and metal. Follow with a clean, water-soaked rag to remove any last traces of grease, and then wipe the laminate dry with a clean towel or rag. Then, I added a painters plastic underneath the counter to protect the cabinets below, along with an old sheet on the floor. You can store items in cupboards, pantries, on the kitchen table, or in the basement or garage. Use the brush to get into cracks and to manoeuvre around edges. What do you think of the finished countertops?Have you ever tried painting countertops before? Its hard to say for sure, but I have noticed some minor staining from food prep over time with these counters. Once it has fully dried, apply a second coat. But 10 months after installing it in her kids bathroom, she said it was still very well sealed, and looked identical to the day shed stuck it down, even after multiple spills and wipe-downs with cleaning sprays. However, since we have 48 linear feet of countertops it is going to us cost a FORTUNE to replace our worn out laminate with granite countertops!! Sure, those countertop coatings can be tinted to 16 different colors. Once you have your paint, apply 2 coats of a primer, which will help the paint adhere to the countertops. Then, wipe away any debris and clean the surface with a mild soap and water. Then, youll be good to paint over the entire surface (once the putty or kit material is completely dry and cured). Kitchen countertops are quickly getting weary, but at times very expensive to be replaces. For tips on getting your countertops ready to be painted, keep reading! This article has been viewed 709,449 times. Do not store items on the floor around where you'll be working. I painted the counters about two months ago now (as of 9/6/17) and theyve held up really well, with the exception of a tiny 1/2 inch area near the lip that chipped off. You dont want to use a bristle brush because this coating doesnt seem to be self-leveling, so youd likely see the brushstrokes when it dried if you were to use a bristle brush. You will definitely need to apply more than one coat for this project, if you are going from a dark countertop to a light color like I did. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 709,449 times. Remove any protective painters tape once the paint is tacky but not quite dry. Can I cover the top with sheets or towels while curing the paint? Click on Find a Location or call our toll free locator number, 1-888-271-7690, and get a free estimate from your local Miracle Method franchise. I decided not to get any tinting put in at all because I wanted the counters to be white (which is the color of the countertop coating without any tint added). We have a huge kitchen and would love to replace our countertops!! Now that youve completed the steps for how to paint Formica, youve given your kitchen or bathroom a whole new lookand you didnt have to spend a bundle to do it. Dont cut directly on your painted countertop. Apply two coats of sealant, allowing time to dry completely between the two passes. (Note that in the bar top pictured here, she applies concrete to a plywood base thats placed on top of her existing counters to help give it a thicker, more substantial profilebut this is not necessary.) Vacuum or use a clean rag to remove all traces of sanding dust so that you can inspect for imperfections. But you'll have to wait for each coat to completely dry to the touch before applying another coat. When used on bare metal or wood, however, it is recommended that you first use a primer before the countertop coating. This is absolutely brilliant. Do you have any suggestions for filling chips and/or cracks in the old laminate before painting? Hope that helps! Can you paint a Formica back-splash with latex wall paint? Not only can you completely transform your countertop for less than $50, but you can make those tired surfaces feel fresh and new again, without a costly remodel.. Two-part epoxy paints that are water-based. I listed all of the products I used under the materials list (after the second photo in the post) and linked to the ones that you can purchase online. This could be anywhere from hours to days, but dont get impatientsealing paint that isnt properly cured is likely to end in bubbled or imperfect results as the underlying moisture tries to evaporate. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It took me 6 thin coats (thats a lot of coats) to go from a black countertop to a solid white one. As long as you prep patiently and properlystarting with a bonding primer to aid paint in adhering to the slick, nonporous surface of the Formicayou can achieve professional results. Not only can you completely transform your countertop for less than $50, but you can make those tired surfaces feel fresh and new again, without a costly remodel. Last Updated: September 16, 2021 Only Miracle Method offers Natural Accents, which are the latest stone-like finishes, available in dozens of designer colors. Each Miracle Method franchise is independently owned and operated. But that was my fault for being impatient. Let the paint dry for several hours and then add a second and third coat if necessary. I have researched this topic so many times but have never found any article that showed results like yours and listed the actual products used. Step 3: Then its time to paint. James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. Theyre holding up really well. Its thicker and more durable than regular paint, which will quickly flake off if you try it on your counters, but also has a much stronger smell, notes Brittni Mehlhoff of Paper & Stitch Blog. But naturally, not any old can you find moldering under your sink is going to do the trick. If that process sounds like too much work, however, you can always break out a can of Marble Effect Spray ($9), like TikTok user Brittany did in her home, shown above. Fit a roller with a clean roller brush and roll it in the primer. Please keep in mind that this product is recommended for use on laminate, vinyl tiles, metal, or wood surfaces. Even though the primer may dry quickly, it needs time to cure completely. During this time, dont scrub the surfacejust wipe with a damp sponge if necessary. If youre painting Formica cabinets, remove handles or knobs from doors and drawer fronts. Sometimes you dont have to overthink it: A complete laminate counter upgrade can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. Whether changing the color of your laminate countertops is a temporary or permanent solution, youll learn everything you need to know to get it right the first time. UPDATE 4/26/20: If you have any trouble with your counters drying fully after those three days or you seem to have immediate chipping (I didnt have issues with either of those things), you may want to add a polyurethane coating on top. Again, vacuum the Formica counter or cabinet doors to remove sanding dust. Your counters are gorgeous! Aim for long, overlapping strokes, and expect to apply multiple coats, letting it dry completely in between each one. If you want to change the look of your kitchen without spending a lot of money, resurfacing your laminate countertops with the technique Im sharing today, is a great option. -Brittni. This information was very helpful. Maybe youve been putting off doing anything about them because youre a renter, or you own but dont have the budget right now to tear everything out and put in all new countertops. Its really a pretty easy project, even though the coating itself is a little bit of a pain to work with because of the stickiness (before it dries) and the strong, strong smell. At the same time, tape off anything near the Formica that you dont want to get paint on. Then, use 120- or 150-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to scuff the glossy surface. Michelle Ullman, Bob Vila, 120- or 150-grit sandpaper or a sanding block, The 8 Painting Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best Paint Colors for Low-Light Rooms. I love how it turned out. Guess what? and Im glad to hear they are holding up. I wish my ugly counters looked as good as your before counters mine are the ugly brown fake granite. To protect your knives and keep them sharper for longer, use wood cutting boards instead of plastic, bamboo, or glass. Let the paint cure for the full duration recommended by the manufacturer. Congratulations! Use oil-based polyurethane over oil-based paint or clear acrylic sealer over acrylic paint. Wait for the surface to completely dry before moving onto the next step. Wait about three hours for the paint to dry, then repeat. Use a wrench to unscrew the nuts attaching the faucet to the water supply. Rustoleum has a refinishing product that looks close to granite. Let the putty dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer, and then lightly sand it until it blends in with the rest of the surface. Step 1:After you surface is completely clean (use a non-abrasive cleaner), start by sanding the entire countertop and backsplash / lip areas to rough the surface up a little and help the paint stick permanently. I would not use it on a countertop. Could it be from a chemical reaction between the latex paint and the sealer we used? With a paint roller, prime the Formica with a coat of bonding primer intended for glossy surfaces. Totally worth a shot. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. (Because Formica is non-porous and slick, paint wont adhere properly without firstroughing it up a little.) Seal your painted counter or cabinets with a clear semi- or high-gloss protective finish. Your job is complete! Hey, Once all the coats are on and you're happy with the finish, remove the painter's tape and let the counters cure for at least 72 hours before using. The important things are to clean the surface, sand, apply a primer, and use the right paint. Then wait for it to dry to the touch again before adding another coat. When using over bare metal or wood the use of a primer is highly recommended. At the very least, white counters would brighten things up a bit if your current ones are brown. Start with the backsplash lip and paint a thin layer, as shown in the photo below, working your way to the crevices and then painting about an inch or two on to the counter as well to make it easier for the next step. Step 6: Once all the coats are on and youre happy with the finish, remove the painters tape and let the counters cure for at least 72 hours before using. ", DIY suppliers, but couldn't get a satisfactory answer. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. I learned this the hard way, painting it over 2 beautifully painted end tables. Loosen the sink from the counter with a screwdriver if necessary, and remove the sink. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Don't forget corners, edges, and crevices. Full disclosure: this project is both dusty and intensive, so make sure you set aside enough time before diving in. I used painter's tape around the fridge, the sink, the backsplash, and underneath the countertops. If removing the sink isn't an option, cover the basin and sides of the sink with plastic, and tape the plastic in place. It is used most often on kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. There is one spot where I put something down before it had fully cured and a little piece of paint came off. The material is decorative on one side in patterns like granite, wood grain, or faux tiles and adhesive on the other, and the application process is as simple as measuring, peeling, and sticking. I recently resurfaced the kitchen counters in my studio, addedleather drawer pulls, and whipped up a DIY backsplash. Mine are the ugly green from the 90s. At that point, you can either leave it as is, or add a coat of polyurethane to defend against chipping. Use the brush to paint around edges, in cracks, and in hard-to-reach areas. But thankfully, you have options that dont involve a pricey renovation. Like Libbie, youll use a trowel to apply a thin but consistent layer of the concrete over every inch of your sanded laminate, and then let that dry. This normal wear and tear, or just out-of-date colors, will eventually require a change in your Formica countertops. Youll know youve added enough thin coats when you can no longer see the previous counter color at all and the new counter coating looks solid and even. Its actually made from many layers of paper, which are soaked in resin, dried, and then sealed in clear melamine. Even though the paint is sealed, overly vigorous scrubbing could still lift or strip the paint. Awesome! Disconnect the sink from the water supply and drain pipes. Wanted to know what all Is involved in painting it to. One pro tip: If you do remove the doors and drawers, make sure to mark each with their location on the back or inside so each will be easy to replace them in their correct spot when youre finished. Miracle Methods MM-4 bonding agent is applied to ensure adhesion, then several layers of high tech acrylic enamel are applied to provide a smooth, durable finish that will last for many years. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Thanks for the tip! The spray is easy to work with and gives a uniform finish, way better than rolling on! Remove the pipe, unscrew the nuts holding the faucet in place, and remove the faucet. Theres another way to deal with outdated or ugly laminate, as long as its in reasonably good condition: paint. You can apply latex to Formica. Before considering a change to granite or other solid surface countertop, consider the advantages of refinishing. Hold it about a foot away from the surface you want marbleized, then depress the button to release a shockingly accurate looking webbing of fibers that perfectly mimic marbles organic fracturing. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? But if youre feeling really fancy, you dont have to stop there its not too much harder to replicate a surface like marble or granite on the cheap. I did the entire resurfacing project by myself and changed my ugly black laminate counters to a clean, modern white. If youre looking for the most temporary and renter-friendly of methods, contact paper is an excellent place to start. Because of the strong smell, you want to make sure you use a respirator and do your best to let air circulate while the coating is drying open windows and doors as well. But if youre going from a light counter to a darker one, it will take less coats thanmine. Clean the Formica with a degreasing-cleaner-soaked sponge, working from top to bottom. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Stir your paint, and apply a thin, even coat to your Formica using a clean foam roller or pad. Rub the entire surface with the sandpaper or sponge. ", So I'll just say I am impressed and love all the info. Just complete all the steps above for a fresh base layer, and then you have some options. An affordable way to give your kitchen a clean new look. I have 2 boys under 5 and sometimes I find myself scrubbing blueberry stains or pen marks off my counter. Hi Stephanie. So, be sure to wait the full 72 hours if you can. We painted our old harvest gold formica countertops white followed by a polyurethane sealer, and three days later they are yellow. The result looks almost identical to marble, and she says it was still holding up well two full years later. Wow, you just blew my mind. I would not suggest it. Extra durable oil-based paints may make a better pick for countertops that see lots of wear and tear, but, generally speaking, water-based paints are more popular because they dry faster and give off less noxious VOCs in that time. , Wow, what a difference this change of colour makes! unlocking this expert answer. -Brittni. To remove the tape, gently pull it toward yourself at a 45-degree angle. Bag Hag: 10 Bags Im Drooling Over for Fall, Behind the Scenes: A Few Days in Roundtop, TX, Counter Culture: How to Resurface Laminate Countertops for Under $50, A Budget-Friendly DIY Backsplash Idea + Studio Kitchen Progress (with Before and Afters), Before and After: Modern DIY Seating and Storage Studio Makeover, In Your Dreams: A Clever DIY Headboard Idea that Will Only Take One Hour to Complete, How to Make a DIY Console Table (Its Easy), A (DIY) Hanging Wall Organizer Pretty Enough to Take Pictures Of (But Still Functions Like a Champ), Where to Buy Art: My Favorite Sources for Artwork, paint brush (one that wont leave brush marks like foam). BUT if youre willing to put in the elbow grease, its definitely worth the investment. Ill have to check with our landlords if its ok for us to paint our counters I really love this, thanks so much for sharing! You will definitely need to apply more than one coat for this project. And my tutorial for leather drawer pulls as well. Get free, no-commitment estimates from pro painters near you. Its a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking for a simple solution to their ugly laminate countertop woes. There's a spray paint you can use to mimic a granite look which is available at larger hardware stores. It happened BEFORE the coating was fully dry (I think early on day two) when I sat something on it for an hour or so and then picked it back up, along with the paint. Unfortunately, any laminate countertop surface can be cut by sharp knifes, accidentally scorched by hot pans, or chipped. Refinishing will almost always save you 30% to 50% over replacement and will save you the time and mess associated with replacement.