Can I Paint Laminate Counters?

If you can't afford to replace your countertops, consider painting them.

When countertops become dull or just need updating, paint is an option. If you decide to paint laminate counters, there will be a fair amount of work involved but your efforts can translate into significant savings compared to countertop replacement.

The Process

Prior to painting countertops, clean and sand the surface thoroughly and use a wood filler to fill in any chips in the laminate. Apply a primer/sealer to the entire surface and allow it to dry completely. Apply two or more thin coats of paint to your countertops and, to add strength and hardness, apply three to four coats of clear floor urethane.

The Products

The best laminate countertop paint is an alkyd, or oil-based paint. Oil paint hardens better and more quickly than water-based acrylic paint and can be sanded and repainted successfully if necessary. Specially formulated paints used for resurfacing bathtubs and sinks are a more durable option, but these types of paints are considerably more expensive and color choices are limited.

Results

While painting countertops can improve the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom, the results are irreversible and painted countertops are generally not as durable as the original laminate surface. Sanding out scratches and nicks from everyday use and repainting periodically may be necessary.

References

• Ask the Builder: New Countertops With Paint
• The Washington Post: If You Can't Love Your Laminates, Paint 'Em

Resources

• Apartment Therapy: Paint For Laminate Counters?