If you have a laminate, ceramic, solid- surface, stone, or wood countertop in need of rejuvenation, you may be surprised to know that you can paint it to make it look nicer.Painting the countertop is a budget-friendly and surprisingly easy alternative to replace high-end countertops.All you have to do is clean your countertop, apply primer and 2 coats of paint, and then seal it with resin to finish.
Step 1: Use a cleaning solution to clean your countertop.
Kitchen countertops can have years of build up if they are near the stove.All dirt, oil, and grease can be removed with a kitchen cleaner.Before you start the painting process, make sure the countertop is completely dry.A combination of dish detergent and water can be used to clean your countertop.If your countertop is made of granite or laminate, don't use ammonia-based cleaning solution.If you want to make sure your countertop is ready to paint, you can sand it before you clean it.It won't take more than an hour to dry your countertop.
Step 2: If you don't want the areas painted with painter's tape, cover them.
Place the painter's tape on any trim, walls, or cabinets around your countertops that might have paint dripped on them or be accidentally brushed by your paint roller.Expending the effort on this preparation will save you a lot of time and headaches after you redo the countertops.You will want to tape off the kitchen sink and the back of the house if you are painting kitchen countertops.
Step 3: Drop cloths can be used to protect your floors.
Drop cloths are important when painting your countertops because of the risk of accidentally dripping or spilling paint on the floor.If you walk on the drop cloths, be sure to tape them down with painter's tape.If you have old bedsheets that you don't want anymore, you can use them as drop cloths.
Step 4: Make sure the room is wellventilated.
Open the windows in the room and turn on the fans.Primers and paints can have a strong odor that can linger in your house for days.If you have a box fan, place it in a window to suck the fumes out of the room as you paint.Wear a respirator for maximum safety.
Step 5: 2 coats of primer should be applied to the countertop.
When you apply your actual paint, you should prepare the countertop with a good quality bonding primer.Apply a second coat after the primer has dried for 24 hours.Before moving on to the next step, let the second coat dry for 24 hours.To make sure you get a smooth application, use a foam roller to apply the bonding primer.It will take around 24 hours to dry most primers.If the manufacturer's instructions state a different length of time for you to allow the primer to dry, follow these instructions instead.
Step 6: You can mix your paint with a painting stick.
You need to mix the paint in order to get the consistency you want.You should mix your paint before applying it.Not all paints can be used on each type of countertop.You have to read the label on the paint to make sure it works.Talk to an employee at a paint store or home improvement store to find out which type of paint is right for you.
Step 7: The first layer of paint should be applied using a paint roller.
Pour some of the freshly mixed paint into a paint tray, then dip your roller into the tray to get paint on it.To apply a thin layer of paint, roll the roller over the countertop.If you apply the paint too thickly, there is no need to apply a second coat.
Step 8: Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat.
It will probably take at least 8 hours for the first coat to dry, but to play it safe, wait a full 24 hours before applying the second coat.The same way you painted the first layer, use the roller brush to paint the second layer.If you are using a paint kit that is specifically meant to look like stone or granite, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the second layer of coat, since it may be more complicated.
Step 9: If you want to finish the job, you need to seal the paint.
If you mix it according to the instructions, you can use a paint roller to spread it across the countertop.The new countertop will be protected from chipping or scratching after you apply the resin.You can buy it at any painting supplies store.You should keep an eye out for bubbles that pop up in your resin.If you see bubbles, use your roller to remove them.If they are already hardened, you have to use a blowtorch to cause the bubbles to pop.