How To Refinish Kitchen Counter Tops

New granite or stone counter tops are costly and can take weeks to order, but you can create the same look at home for thousands less. It is fast and easy to refinish existing counter tops at home. PaperIllusion® prepasted vinyl wallpaper is the perfect solution, available in a wide selection of colors and stone patterns to enhance any décor. Choose colors to tie in the colors in the flooring and backsplash for a custom designer look. If the kitchen is dark consider a lighter shade. If the kitchen is bright a dark color will really pop.

Things You'll Need

• PaperIllusion® wallpaper (prepasted)
• Butcher block or Formica counter top
• Sandpaper
• Sander
• Large bowl
• Warm water
• Terry-cloth towel/washcloth
• Large, soft sponge
• Wood or Formica primer
• Wallpaper primer
• Wallpaper smoothing tool
• Paint brush or lo nap roller
• De-greasing cleaner (TSP)
• Poly-acrylic topcoat (matte or high gloss)
• Respirator for organic fumes
• Single edge razor blades or wallpaper cutting tool

Instructions

Preparation

1. Clean the counter top thoroughly removing all grease. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

2. Lightly sand the counter top to give it just enough tooth for the paper to adhere properly. Wipe off all dust with a towel or sponge.

3. Roll wood or Formica primer on evenly and let dry completely.

4. Tear the paper in random, large,stone shaped pieces. Leave some with one straight side for edges of counter top. Begin with large pieces and tear smaller pieces as needed.

Application

1. Fill large bowl with warm water. Dip shapes of PaperIllusion® into water, one piece at a time, and place on the counter top starting at the back edge. Carefully smooth into place removing most air bubbles. (Very small bubbles can remain and will flatten as the paper dries. (Do not squeeze out all the glue or the piece will not stick.)

2. Wipe off excess glue and water with a damp sponge followed by a soft towel. (Rinse the sponge frequently.) Continue the process until the counter is covered. Make sure the pieces slightly overlap and are placed randomly to create a natural look.

3. Inspect entire counter to be sure it is completely covered and meets your expectations before proceeding. Make any corrections while the paper is still wet and easy to reposition.

4. Let paper dry overnight or until no moisture remains. If conditions are humid, use a hair dryer to remove excess moisture once the counter feels dry. Apply the first coat of poly-acrylic to prevent absorption of moisture from the air.

5. Trim any ragged or uneven edges with a single edge razor blade or a wallpaper cutting tool. Discard the trimmings.

Finishing

1. Blow or dust dry counter top to remove any dust particles or stray objects. (Repeat this process between coats.)

2. Apply an even coat of the poly-acrylic using a low nap roller or a brush. Let dry.

3. Repeat 3 more times to increase the durability of the finish. Be sure to follow instructions on the topcoat label to see how long to wait between coats. (This varies by brand.) If you wait too long the next layer will not adhere properly.

4. Let finished counter top dry at least 24 hours before placing anything on it or getting it wet.

Tips & Warnings

• Poly-urethane finishes yellow over time. Use poly-acrylic instead.

• Gloss poly-acrylic simulates the look of highly polished granite or marble.

• Measure the counter top and calculate the square yards you will be covering. One roll of PaperIllusion® wallpaper covers 56 square feet. One roll will probably cover 53 square feet since the pieces overlap..

• If you need more than one roll of PaperIllusion® wallpaper choose rolls that are as closely matched in color as possible. There are no dye lot or run numbers to guide you. Examine them carefully to prevent noticeable color changes in the middle of the project.

• Tear shapes out from backside to right side of wallpaper so white edges from the backing do not show. Experiment with a small piece to see how this works.

• Open all windows to ensure adequate ventilation when applying the varnish. Wear a respirator designed to filter organic fumes.

• Extinguish all pilot lights or sources of flames before varnishing.

• Counter top must be 100 percent dry before varnishing.

• Do not rush layers. Follow proper drying times. Adjust drying times based on variations in humidity.

• Do not put hot pots or dishes on the finished counter top.

• Wipe up spills immediately.

References

• Berlin Wallpaper:Paper Illusion
• Paper It Fun:Application Tips
• Paper It Fun:Dye Lot Issues

Resources

• More Wallpaper Illusions