What can I do to my laminate countertop?

Question

It has some stains that I'm really tired of looking at. They've probably been burned in. The texture is messed up in places, too.

I'm thinking some kind of paint process. Cheap. Doesn't have to look perfect, just has to look better than it does. Can't afford to replace them, don't want to spend hours cutting new pieces of laminate to fit perfectly only to find out it doesn't, etc.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Some people have their laminate resurfaced. My sister-in-law did, and it looks great.
I took all of my cabinet top off and burned it, replaced it with plywood and tiled the top. That is lots of work, because the sink, has to come out...among other things. I like the finished result and I do not have to worry about water or laminate!

Answer 2

I am a real estate agent and agree with you. Tile w/grout is not the first choice. In an average home, new laminate works and looks great. The new granite looking laminates are beautiful, functional, long-lasting and popular. If on the other hand, this is a higher end home or you just want to spend alot of money, granite would be the choice. You could use matching or coordinating tile for a backsplash to tie it all together.

Answer 3

Home Depot: new post formed top $5 - $6 a foot. Do it right. Paint will look like crap in no time. You still have to remove the sink if you tile, and the cost is more than new formica counters. Get real, replace the counters. It'll be done in no time.

Answer 4

Why don't you get one of those two-part epoxy repaint kits that they sell for bathtubs? They cover well and make a good hard surface. They are about $20 for one that would do a tub with its shower enclosure so that size should do well for most counters.

Clean the counter top with a strong non-greasy cleaner like one that has TSP as it cleaning agent (so strong you need rubber gloves). That will get off grease etc. Then look it over for dents and fill them with auto Bondo and sand smooth. Then use a fine sanding block to take off any gloss on the old surface.

Then mask anything you don't want paint on and follow the epoxy directions.

Answer 5

Wash the countertop with some ammonia-based cleaner or some warm ammonia diluted with water. Get it as clean as possible, removing all dirt and grime. When the surface is dry, you may wish to put strips of low-tack painter's tape on any trim around the countertop.
The next step is to prime the countertop surface with a bonding primer, this will make sure the paint will stick to a non-porous surface. Some good bonding primers are XIM 400, Sherwin-Williams PrepRite®, or Zinssers Bin. Follow the primer manufacturers instructions; plan on allowing the primer to set for about 24 hours before painting. The odor can be strong, so consider opening windows and closing the room off from the rest of the house when using these products.
When the primer is dry, it's time to paint your selected new color paint to the existing laminate countertop. Nothing changes a kitchen's look quite so much as countertop finishes, so make sure you've matched swatches to your existing colors – appliances, walls, flooring and all. If you use your laminate countertops to prepare food directly on, use water based paint; the chemicals in oil based paints may leech into your food, which is not a good thing. Apply two to three thin layers of paint, letting them dry between each coating. If you like, and are feeling creative, you can stencil-paint some patterned borders on your laminate countertops new base paint as well at this point.
The final step is to seal the paint. Three coats of satin or high-gloss non-yellowing polyurethane will give you maximum durability. I prefer water-based sealer; it will not alter the appearance of your paint's colors when it dries. Allow the sealer to dry 24 hrs. You might have to order take-out dinners for a couple of days, but it will be worth it when you see your fabulous new painted laminate countertops in your kitchen.

Answer 6

Sand it lightly and apply binzer the you can either paint it a color or leave it white. I would use an enamel paint if you don't want to do the 2 step epoxy system. After it dries good and hard. Then I would aplly several coats of polyurethane. Allow plenty of drying time. Don't cut on the surface after finished.

Answer 7

Tile it! Granite tiles can be applied over the formica. A tile saw can be rented cheaply. Get a book on the subject from home depot and go for it.

If you are on a budget, get tiles from craigslist.org. I am a female without a lot of experience, but I tiled my entire bathroom in a few days, so I am sure you can do this project too.

Anna

Answer 8

I like the answer about the epoxy paint. It is a long drawn out process BUT if you do this make sure you extinguish any pilot lights in the house because this stuff can be flammable.

Answer 9

You can get laminate counters (pre cut) in a few colors/styles/sizes for $60 (If memory serves) at Home Depot. If you know someone that can install them for cheap or free.....voila new counters.

Answer 10

Paint is possible, but it would have to be something tough, and you'd have to roughen up the surface first; it would liikely take several coats. If you've ever worked with fiberglass, this is a possibility too.

Sticky paper sometimes works if you can get it in wide-enough lengths.

Answer 11

I saw a show where they painted one with epoxy paint and did a faux granite look by sponge painting it. It looked great.