How to Paint Laminate Counter Tops
Outdated laminated counter tops can date your kitchen, especially if they're in a particularly outrageous hue. Painting laminated counters is a cost-effective way to change the look of your kitchen without having to embark on an entire re-do. Coordinate the color with your walls, cabinets and appliances to make the counters complement their surroundings. Choosing a bright color may meet your needs in the short term, but if you're planning to keep the counters in place for years to come, think of an everlasting color that you won't get sick of. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Bucket
- Soap
- Water
- Cloth
- Xylol
- Sandpaper (150 and 220 grit)
- Primer (brush-on or spray)
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Acrylic
Instructions
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1
Fill a bucket with warm water. Add dish soap or another mild cleanser until sudsy. Dip a soft cloth into the water and wring out. Wipe down the counter tops with the cloth until clean. Rinse the cloth with plain water and wipe the counters one final time to remove soapy residue. Another option is to use a solvent such as xylol to remove grease and dirt from the counters. Follow the instructions on the label.
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Sand the laminate with 150-grit sandpaper. Work methodically from one end of the counter to the other so you don't miss any spots. Wipe off dust with a cloth dampened with water.
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3
Apply spray-on or brush-on primer to the entire surface. Use 100 percent acrylic primer so the paint adheres to the laminate. Read the label first and make sure it is made for use on glossy surfaces.
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Use long even strokes when applying brush-on primer. Apply a thin coat and let it dry. Apply a second coat. Allow it to dry to the touch. When using spray-on primer, work from one end of the counter to the other, depressing the button evenly over the entire counter.
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Let the primer cure for two to three days. Sand it gently with 220-grit paper.
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Apply one coat of latex satin or semi-gloss enamel paint over the primer. Work in the same direction with each brush stroke. Don't make the coat too thick or it will make an uneven surface. Let the coat dry.
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Paint the counter a second time, using the same method as the first coat. Let it dry.
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Use clear acrylic to seal the laminate counter top. This is especially important because of the moisture and heat present in a kitchen environment. Choose acrylic that is shiny because it will be the easiest to clean. Apply two coats, letting it dry between coats. Once the final coat is complete, take care when using the counters because it takes acrylic two to three weeks to cure completely. Avoid scrubbing or scouring it.
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Tips & Warnings
A roller may give a more even appearance than a paint brush.
The final coat, once dry, will give you the exact idea of what the paint looks like. Sometimes paint color looks different than it does on the color swatch. If you don't like it, sand if off and start again.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
