Quick reply: Sure, you possibly can paint counter tops! In the event you’re uninterested in seeing counters which can be trying somewhat worse for put on however don’t wish to break the financial institution on changing them, portray your counter tops would possibly simply be the reply!
There’s little doubt about it: portray your counter tops may also help revive their look instantly. However is it actually attainable? Are you able to paint over floor supplies like Formica, laminate, or ceramic tiles? Are there sure forms of counter tops that must be prevented in terms of portray?
We’ll dive into all of those questions and take a look at how lengthy painted counter tops will final earlier than needing touch-ups, in addition to upkeep ideas for holding them in prime form for years to come back.
On this article:
Greatest and Worst Counter tops for Portray
In the event you’re planning on portray your counter tops, it pays to perform a little research beforehand. Sure floor sorts will take to color (and look nice), whereas others are virtually unattainable to work with. Right here’s what it’s essential to know:
Formica, laminate and ceramic tile: These counter tops can all be painted efficiently with the fitting provides and preparation. Simply bear in mind to make use of a particular primer designed for shiny surfaces like these, so your paint is ready to adhere correctly.
Granite, marble, and stainless-steel: All of those countertop supplies shouldn’t be painted, as attempting to take action will possible trigger extra hurt than good. That stated, a fake end that simulates the look of every materials continues to be a viable possibility value trying into.
How you can Paint Laminate Counter tops
So, now that it’s attainable to color over sure forms of counter tops, does this imply you can begin portray yours? Solely with the fitting provides, a little bit of decision, and a free weekend.
Portray counter tops is a budget-friendly, simple kitchen makeover tactic value exploring. Right here’s what you’ll want:
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- 9-inch paint curler
- 9-inch foam curler cowl
- Primer for shiny surfaces
- Water-based acrylic paint for counter tops
- Excessive-gloss acrylic topcoat paint or a countertop paint package
- Mineral spirits (for cleansing up)
- Latex or nitrile gloves
- Excessive-quality trim brush
Listed here are the step-by-step directions for efficiently portray your laminate counters:
1. Sand the countertop floor with 220-grit sandpaper, then take away any mud left on the counters with a lint-free cotton material and mineral spirits.
2. Cowl something that gained’t be painted with painter’s tape and plastic or newsprint to guard towards splatters and spills.
3. Apply a good coat of primer over all the floor in mild strokes — ensure that to maintain a “moist edge” in order that your strokes all overlap by a minimum of an inch with out drying earlier than you attain them! Enable six hours for the primer to dry utterly.
4. Paint utilizing mild coats in the identical method as you probably did with the primer. Holding a “moist edge” is vital right here, as nicely. Paint round any tough spots like sinks or backsplash areas utilizing a trim brush. Let this layer dry totally for 4 hours earlier than making use of the second coat of paint.
5. High off your newly painted surfaces with a water-based high-gloss acrylic topcoat for additional shine and safety. Wait 4 hours between the primary coat and the second, then permit 14 days for the paint to completely treatment earlier than utilizing it.
With these 5 easy steps, you’ve now efficiently painted your counter tops. Little question you may have one stunning kitchen or lavatory that’s prepared to indicate off!
Prep Work Is Key for Lengthy-Lasting Outcomes
It doesn’t matter what sort of floor materials you’re working with, getting ready it correctly earlier than starting the portray course of is completely important.
Begin by giving it a radical cleansing with a light cleanser, after which be sure you take away any caulk or glued-on backsplashes. In the event you’re working with a shiny floor, use sandpaper, ideally 220-grit, to tough up the feel earlier than priming.
Suggestions for the Paint Job Course of
At first, be sure to’re working in a well-ventilated space so that you just don’t inhale chemical fumes from the method. You also needs to cowl close by areas with drop cloths to keep away from any main messes.
When it comes time for the precise portray, apply your paint utilizing mild coats over every part as an alternative of 1 thick coat, as this may guarantee correct adhesion. And as soon as your entire paint has dried, it’s at all times finest follow to seal it off with an oil-based polyurethane end.
Take into account that it should take a number of hours for the paint or end to be dry sufficient to the touch with out leaving fingerprints behind.
Lifespan and Upkeep Suggestions
The lifespan of your newly painted countertop is in the end depending on how nicely you handle it. Despite the fact that the paint job will assist defend the highest layer from each day put on and tear, it’s nonetheless vital to be cautious when slicing gadgets straight on its floor or putting sizzling dishes down on it.
At all times use a slicing board and trivets/coasters to protect its look. If achieved proper, you possibly can often count on a flippantly used lavatory or kitchen counter to last as long as two years earlier than needing a touch-up coat of paint.
6 Advantages of Portray Counter tops
Portray your individual counter tops can yield some nice advantages for a small funding of money and time. Fairly than breaking the financial institution on putting in new kitchen counter tops, this tactic can ship fabulous outcomes at a fraction of the associated fee. Listed here are some further benefits to portray your counter tops:
1. It’s Customizable
Do you like the concept of cool, black counter tops however don’t wish to lay our a fortune on actual marble or stone? No downside. You possibly can simply paint your present surfaces any colour you select to customise their look utterly.
Bonus factors for those who use a high-gloss end to perk up the feel. This tactic offers you the prospect to get artistic and make your kitchen look distinctive. From blues to greys, sorbets, and whites — you actually can’t go unsuitable.
2. It Can Immediately Replace Your Kitchen
In case your previous counter tops are trying less-than-inviting, portray them is a straightforward answer that may make a huge effect. No prep work is required, and no removing or demolition is required. With only one coat of paint, you possibly can immediately take issues up a notch, relying on the colour selection.
In just a few hours’ time, you possibly can take an outdated kitchen and make it utterly fashionable with this straightforward methodology.
3. It Can Increase the Worth of Your House
In the event you plan on promoting your own home within the close to future, this concept is unquestionably value contemplating, as portray your counter tops can enhance their worth if achieved correctly. It gained’t flip the house right into a gourmand kitchen, however painted counters will give it that rather more attraction when patrons come calling.
Whether or not you select to do all counter tops or only one, relying on what sort of fabric you’re working with, this could be a nice answer for anybody trying to make their kitchen look its finest for potential patrons.
4. It Is Extra Resistant To Stain Than Different Sorts Of Counter tops
Painted counter tops are sometimes extra immune to staining than their uncoated counterparts. Particularly with a lift from sealants or prime coats, you possibly can relaxation assured realizing minor spills gained’t keep put for too lengthy. This could actually assist maintain your kitchen feeling and looking pretty much as good as new for years to come back.
5. You Don’t Have To Break the Financial institution
Let’s face it: changing your counter tops or doing a full kitchen rework comes with a hefty price ticket, and that’s one thing few of us have time (or funds) for.
By portray your counters, it can save you loads of money in the long term and likewise take on a regular basis it’s essential to perceive what supplies and merchandise are best suited for getting this job achieved proper. It’s a lot much less intimidating than beginning an entire rework from scratch!
6. Painted Counter tops Are Low-Upkeep
Fact is, portray your kitchen counters would require some mild upkeep to maintain them at all times trying contemporary. This contains giving them an excellent wipe-down every single day with a sponge, water, and delicate detergent to take away meals particles or splashes. However, as a result of painted counter tops have higher stain resistance, you gained’t have to clean as laborious or so long as with naked counters.
Additionally, changing the paint isn’t mandatory until you are feeling it seems too worn, which generally gained’t occur for a minimum of two years, relying on countertop utilization.
FAQ About Portray Counter tops
Sure, portray kitchen cupboards is one other nice and cost-effective technique to spruce up your kitchen with out making a serious overhaul. Simply be sure to use the fitting sort of paint for optimum sturdiness.
Take into account that if the cupboards are chipped or badly stained, you’ll be higher off changing them as an alternative of simply portray over the prevailing materials. The price of new kitchen cupboards is value it in the long term.
While you correctly end and paint over a clean floor materials like laminate or ceramic tile, painted counter tops with a sturdy end are identified to be much less liable to scratches than different forms of surfaces.
Sustaining painted counter tops isn’t too difficult. A each day wipe-down with a light cleaner is often all it’s essential to do to assist maintain them trying as stunning as ever. You also needs to use slicing boards and trivets when utilizing sizzling gadgets to stop any harm from occurring.
Within the uncommon occasion that you could contact up minor spots, simply use 250-grit sandpaper and a brush to do away with slight blemishes earlier than making use of a brand new coat of paint or topcoat end.
Not often. In truth, portray your kitchen cupboards can add worth to your own home in sure circumstances, so long as you do an excellent job and use high quality supplies. Simply needless to say this challenge requires some information and preparation for those who’re hoping to make the most important impression attainable.
No, it’s not advisable to color a marble countertop, as portray this kind of materials can result in discoloration and harm. Plus, it’s an attractive pure materials that must be allowed to shine via with out modifications.
The easiest way to revitalize the look of your marble surfaces is to get them commonly sealed annually. This may assist maintain out stains and acidic supplies, that are the standard culprits of discoloration.
Remaining Ideas
Portray counter tops might be a good way to make your kitchen look new once more with out committing to a full dwelling enchancment challenge. Earlier than deciding if this DIY challenge is best for you, take into consideration the kind of floor materials you’re working with and what colour possibility would finest suit your present decor.
In the event you’re actually up for the problem, portray your counter tops is an inexpensive and simple technique to deliver life and colour into any kitchen or lavatory. With the correct quantity of prep and upkeep, your counter tops will even have a considerably prolonged lifespan.
And, in fact, for those who don’t really feel like taking up a paint job your self, you possibly can at all times rent a neighborhood contractor to make sure high-quality work.
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Adrian Nita
Adrian is a former marine navigation officer turned author with greater than 3 years of expertise within the subject. He loves writing about something and the whole lot however makes a speciality of protecting good expertise and gardening. When he isn’t writing, Adrian enjoys spending time together with his household and pals or mountain climbing within the nice outdoor.