How Can I Refinish My Kitchen Countertops?

Homeowners dream of a major kitchen renovation incorporating new appliances, cabinets and counter tops. In reality, the simpler dream of an update to certain aspects of the kitchen might be more reasonable. You can update your kitchen counter tops for an affordable price by refinishing the laminate surface. This process is a simple do-it-yourself project requiring about two days, plenty of patience and a few nights out for dinner as your wait for your new counter tops to dry.

Things You'll Need

• Denatured alcohol Detergent cleanser 120-grit sandpaper 220-grit sandpaper Palm sander Masking tape Paint brushes and rollers Wood filler to repair chips in laminate Epoxy primer EP-Acrylic paint Rags

Instructions

How Can I Refinish My Kitchen Countertops?

1. Clean the counter-top surface with mild detergent and dry the surface completely. Then clean the counter top with denatured alcohol to remove any traces of grease or residue that might inhibit the bonding of the paint.

2. Prepare for sanding and paint application by taping off any walls, corners, sink, faucets and other fixtures. Sand the area completely, but gently, to rough up the surface of the countertop. Sanding the counter surface gives the paint something to adhere to. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any dust and dry completely.

3. Use a paint roller to smooth on two layers of primer, making sure each layer dries completely between applications. Make sure to include two full coats for corners and edges, too.

4. Lightly sand the dry, primer surface to encourage adherence of the final coats of paint. Remove any dust with a damp cloth and completely dry the surface.

5. Apply several light coats of paint to the counter surface, allowing each layer to dry completely before additional applications. Sand lightly with 220-grit sand paper between coats for better paint adhesion. Wipe off any dust compeltely.

6. Allow the paint to dry for two days before placing anything on the kitchen counter top. Some polyurethane or marine varnishes can be used to seal the counter surface. In some cases, the varnish may turn yellow over time.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that your painted surface is not as durable as the original counter-top surface. Avoid banging objects on the counters to prevent chipping and gouges. Use a cutting board to avoid damaging the painted surface. Never place hot pots, pans or dishes on your painted counter-top surface. Keep excessive amounts of water from building up on the counter surface, since water might seep under the paint.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish