How to Paint Laminated Countertops

If you absolutely hate your laminated countertops and currently cannot afford to replace them, you can paint them. However, this solution is at best a cosmetic one. Laminated surfaces are designed to avoid anything adhering to them. Eventually your painted surface will peel, especially in a high-traffic heavy-use situation. However, if you can live with a short-term fix, painting your laminate can bring a dramatic change to your kitchen or bathroom.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Liquid sandpaper
• Primer
• Acrylic paint
• Acrylic topcoat

1. Clean your laminate. Your laminate must be spotless and have no oils on its surface before you begin the process.

2. Apply liquid sandpaper to your countertops. Liquid sandpaper will etch the surface of your laminate, allowing it to become more porous and accept paint. After putting on your gloves, apply liquid sandpaper to the entire laminate surface with a rag. Wipe it on the surface generously. Follow the manufacturer's directions regarding toxicity and ventilation.

3. Prime your laminate. Within 30 minutes of applying liquid sandpaper to your countertop, paint the surface with an acrylic primer. Primer will provide the best surface for your paint to adhere to. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours.

4. Paint your surface. Apply two coats of the acrylic paint of your choice, allowing 24 hours of drying time between each coat.

5. Seal your countertop. For maximum durability, seal your countertop with an acrylic top coat.

Tips & Warnings

• If your counters show wear, you can always repeat this process.
• Every step of this process requires proper ventilation. Read all manufacturer's warnings before proceeding.

Resources

• Buy Liquid Sandpaper
• Learn About Painting