When your current kitchen countertops are in fairly good shape, but you want them to have a fresh new look, you should consider repainting rather than replacing them with new ones to get the new color to match your kitchen theme.
Start by thoroughly sanding the countertop surface with 220-grit sandpaper, then clean the dust with a damp cloth with mineral spirits. Let it dry for 2 hours and rub your hand on the surface to ensure it’s all clean. Next, cover all the areas you don’t want to paint with painter’s tape and plastic. Start applying a coat of primer and make sure you cover all areas. Let it dry for 6 hours before you start applying the paint color of your choice – wait another 4 hours – and start applying a final high gloss topcoat to give your counter shine and protection. After applying the first coat on the entire surface, let it dry for 4 hours and apply a second coat to create a magnificent look and protected surface. Allow 24 hours after the final topcoat before using your countertops. Enjoy!
Items You Need for Laminate Countertop Painting Laminate Countertop Sanding
Items You Need for Your Project Sand the Countertop Lightly
Laminate Countertop Cleaning with Mineral Spirits Priming Laminate Countertops
Clean All Surfaces with Mineral Spirits Cover with Painter’s Tape and Apply Primer
Priming the Edges Laminate Countertops Painting Laminate Countertops
Apply Primer to Cover All Edges Paint All Surfaces After Priming
Transform an old kitchen countertop without removing it. We will show you how to make a big impact without a big investment. Here are the materials and tools you will need:
220 Grit Sandpaper
Sanding Block
Painter’s Tape
9” Paint Roller
9” Foam Roller Cover
Paint Tray
Primer for Glossy Surfaces
Water-Based Acrylic Paint for Countertops
High Gloss Acrylic Topcoat Paint
Mineral Spirits for Cleaning up Latex or Nitrile Gloves
High-Quality Trim Brush
You can prime and paint your Laminate countertops and quickly transform the kitchen’s aesthetics.
Your local paint store will be able to supply you with the best type of paint to use for this type of project.
Type of Primer and Paint You Will Need
Many recommend a water-based acrylic primer, paint, and topcoat as they provide the hard surface you need for heavy use areas like countertops.
Why Should You Use Water-Based Paint?
Water-based acrylic paint cleans up easily with water. It’s a good idea to sand any surface before you paint. Use extra fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots on your counter and backsplash. An electric sander will make this job go much quicker.
Prepping Your Countertop
Once the entire area is smooth, pour some mineral spirits onto a lint-free cotton rag and wipe the countertop thoroughly. Make sure the entire area is totally smooth and free from dust. Allow the mineral spirits to dry and run your bare hands over the surface to make sure that it is indeed smooth and clean.
Cover All Areas You Won’t be Painting
Now that the countertop is prepped for painting, you will want to protect everything you’re not going to prime and paint. Use painter’s tape and plastic or paper to protect the sink and walls.
Ensure that your tape has fully adhered to the surface, and there’s no chance of paint sliding under. It’s important to protect your walls, floors, or cabinets by covering them with plastic or paper. Once your surface is fully prepared, turn on the kitchen fan or open a window.
Painting Your Laminate Countertop
A smooth laminate countertop requires an acrylic primer intended for glossy surfaces. Make sure that your primer and paint are well mixed.
It’s a good idea to have more roller covers than you think you will need. Purchase more than enough, and you can return to the store whatever you don’t use. For smooth surfaces like countertops, we recommend a foam roller cover. This step guarantees that the paint goes on smoothly. While priming and painting countertops, it is important to keep a wet edge for your paint application.
Keep Painting Until You Finish
Do not stop this project in the middle and allow the area you just painted or primed to dry as this creates a line between coats. Overlap your newest roller stroke’s an inch or so over the previous strokes as this will help in feathering the paint. Apply an even coat of primer covering the entire surface with full roller strokes from the front to back.
Why Do You Need to Keep a Wet Edge?
Keeping a wet edge is very important to the final look of your painted countertop. As you approach the area around the sink or the small backsplash surface, be ready to use a quality trim brush to cover the surface as your wet paint edge encounters it.
Move from one edge of the countertop to the other, covering the entire area with primer as you go.
What is Normal Drying Time?
Allow your primer to dry for at least six hours. Applying the paint is the same process as the primer. Keep a wet edge of paint as you move from one side of the counter to the other. Do not allow the edge you just painted to dry before rolling on the next coat of paint. Overlap your paint rolls for about an inch and allow your paint to dry for at least four hours.
What is the Final Step Painting Your Countertop?
Then apply a second coat using the same technique. Once the final coat of paint has dried, you will want to apply a final high gloss topcoat to give your counter a bit of shine and protection. Use a water-based acrylic topcoat destined for use on countertops. Roll on the topcoat using the previous technique, keeping a wet edge.
Once you coat the entire surface and has dried for four hours, you should apply a second coat. Two applications of topcoat should be sufficient to create a splendid and protected countertop surface.
What is the Full Curing Time for the Paint to Dry Completely?
Wait 24 hours after the final topcoat application before using your countertops. The full cure time for a water-based acrylic topcoat is approximately 14 days. Use your countertops gently to make sure you don’t scratch them.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ve completely transformed your countertops without even breaking a sweat or overcharging your pocketbook.
Even if we didn’t change anything else – not the gold speckled laminate countertops, not the appliances from the 80s, nothing – painting the cabinets alone makes it feel like an entirely new kitchen.