I have really ugly 70's ish counter's in my kitchen it's yellow and really smooth. could i just use primer and paint it? if so what kind of paint and do i need to put any kind of sealant or something like that over it? also any suggestions as to what color? (i have muted gold walls, white cabnits, and tan stone looking tile floors) what color would look best to go with it?
2006-08-21 12:55:39 · 9 answers · asked by so_purrfect_24 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Melamine paint works well, I have suggested it to several people and have seen it hold up for almost 10 years (which at the time was still fine, but they replaced it anyway)
When you do it you have to make sure your surface is perfect before doing it and be sure to follow all the directions or you will have an undesirable result. Be prepared to put lots of work into it, however it is an inexpensive way to change the look.... even several times if you would like to update often.
You could of course save up and purchase a new counter top, which can be castly however if a nuetral tone was chosen, it could go with many decors....
Tough but great question.... Best of Luck =)
2006-08-22 08:51:35 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ goddessofraine ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Though I'm an artist and familiar with the performance of most paints, I've not heard of anyone painting a countertop; I'm assuming it's formica (laminate)- Paint technology has really progressed considerably in the past few years,so if I were going to try to paint a countertop, I'd probably try to sand it first to rough it up and give the paint something to stick to. Then of course a solvent of some type (such as laquer thinner ) should be used to clean up the sanding debris. Then the paint most likely to work would be an epoxy enamel in a matte finish or satin(as you prefer). This is the same paint that is used to paint old dingy bathtubs to make them look new. By the color scheme you've descibed, I'd probably go with a color similar to the floor, either a little lighter or a little darker depending on where you want to focus your impact. Start lighter ,because you can always go darker if it doesn't suit you. I'd probably advise you to go to a paint store like Sherwin Williams, and get their input on the paint-they're supposedly the experts on paint-they may be able to give you a little more solid advice! Good Luck!! And , by the way- might it not be easier to just replace the formica with a new color? I don't care what type of paint it is, no paint lasts forever,and your countertop will eventually start peeling in the areas that you use it the most.
2006-08-21 20:27:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can paint formica (laminate countertop) but it is hard to keep it smooth as you paint, plus you have to sand the original surface for the paint to adhere. There is a new product that is a hard coating for formica counters. I have seen it at home shows, and a friend of mine had all of her cabinets, plus bathroom vanities recoated. She loves it, cost about $900 to resurface and looks as good as a solid surface. Comes in a lot of colors as well. Should be able to check the yellow pages and find a dealer. Is a complicated coating process, probably patented, so you have an installer to put it on. Haven't found any online that DYI'rs can purchase yet. But at $900 for an installed job (she has a large kitch) it is a really good buy. Her estimate to put in granite was over $9,000.
2006-08-21 22:29:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll have to determine the material. Formica can't be painted over, and linoleum doesn't take paint well either. If it's a wood product, go over it with rough sandpaper and then fine sandpaper. For a countertop you'll want a paint that can take a lot of abuse, and even if you use exterior deck paint, it's still not going to look good in 3 months. Why not consider putting tiles on top of it instead?
2006-08-21 20:06:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet would be to cover that counter with a sheet of countertop material like formica. Paint will only peel and come up on you. Plus,if it's a kitchen countertop,it will be increasingly hard to keep it sanitary when the paint starts to peel.
2006-08-21 20:07:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't recommend it. From ones I've seen in the past the paint will just peel off and you can clean it good. Try using some wallpaper or other fabrics for color in your kitchen.
2006-08-21 20:07:09 · answer #6 · answered by Geri H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im not a pro but i certainly would not paint it!
Ask someone that would know before u paint it pls.
2006-08-21 22:56:59 · answer #7 · answered by Hilllbilly_gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen it done successfully with melamine paint. Talk to the people at your local Lowe's or home depot, they will be able to help you better.
2006-08-21 20:19:55 · answer #8 · answered by shierrabethel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are companies out there that specialize in re-finishing counter tops, tubs, etc. I would get them to do it or you may be disappointed.
2006-08-21 23:34:32 · answer #9 · answered by patient X 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋