How to update laminate kitchen countertop? Cheap, do-it-yourself project ideas please.?

Question

I'm redecorating a kitchen on a tight budget. The countertops are laminated in a brown butcher block pattern, which HAS to go. New countertop is out. How can I CHEAPLY update? Can countertop be painted? Tiled over? What other options are there? Thanks for info / links!

Answer 1

Okay this is really easy but VERY tricky. You can go buy new laminate in whatever you like and laminate right over the old.

However you may want to try to go to a do it yourself class at Lowes or a like store to see how it is done since you use a contact cement that is rolled on the old countertop and the new laminate and allowed to dry then placed on the counters.

BUT the trick is placing dowel between the two pieces of laminate and , starting from the center, pull the dowels out and connect the two together once they touch though you CAN NOT get them apart.

Then to clean up the edges you have to use a special tool on a router which can usually be rented from your home improvement store.

Answer 2

I hated my laminate countertops so I went to Home depot and bought two cans of Black spray paint that was made to be used on plastic. I taped off everything around my counters that I didn't want paint on and sprayed on the first coat. It looked great! I let that dry and put on a second coat and then I had what looked like a new laminate countertop. I put three or four coats of water resistant satan polyurathane on that and let it dry. I was very happy whith my job and used the counters until I could afford my new quartz countertops. I estimate that I spent about $20.00 to get my new black countertops. You do have to be a little careful about cleaning up spills and water from your countertop. I am not a big cook so didn't use the countertops as hard as a real cook would. Hope this helps and good luck with your project.

Answer 3

I agree with your wife on this one, Tiled counter tops are not desirable at all. Cleaning the grout is such a hassle. Can I suggest concrete counter tops? I discovered these AFTER we put laminate in the house we built last year, I would much prefer to have concrete over the laminate, it's much more durable and it's easier to clean than tile! I think this would add a lot of value to the house you are putting on the market, it's something home buyers are looking for these days, it's not granite but it's much better than laminate! Good luck to you in your project!

Answer 4

There is a paint product {I know Home Depot has it}, that will prime laminate, vinyl flooring, PVC , etc. So 2 coats of that, then any color of paint that you like, then 2 coats of finish. I painted a bunch of PVC and it turned out great. A m going to do my bathroom vi nyl floor next. You can also tile over the laminate if you rough it up first then apply a good mastic. Be sure to seal the grout joints to prevent staining. Good Luck!

Answer 5

My sister did just what you described---had her laminate countertops tiled over, and they look sensational. She had hers professionally done, but I'd suggest taking a class at Home Depot and trying it yourself. I'd recommend unglazed tile; the shiny kind would show a lot of water spots, I think. And be sure to use the newer epoxy grout that resists staining. Good luck!
PS: I'd recommend a neutral color too; if you choose a trendy color, I guarantee that you'll get tired of it one day.

Answer 6

Yes, you can tile right over the laminate, my mother just had hers professionally tiled, over laminate. If you decide to tile, make sure you take a sample of the trim piece (the tile that goes on the front part of the countertop) home, lay it on the countertop and see if you can pull out your drawers and dishwasher without hitting the tile. I had this problem when I tiled my kitchen countertop and had to lay down more plywood to add height in order to open my dishwasher.

Answer 7

I painted mine 5 years ago... worked great. got the info off the Internet. basically.....sand, wipe,kilz,paint base color, sponge three or so other colors, mine looks like granite, then clear coat. Only thing to watch for is standing water. It will bubble the paint. Nail polish remover bubbles it too. I can't remember if it was latex or oil based paint. Have fun.

Answer 8

you would be best off going to the d i y shop and getting new work tops if you dont mind joins in it you should be able to get off cuts. other wise you could you fablon sticky back paper stuff but it may not last long.have you thought of asking your council to put you a new kitchen in.

Answer 9

try