How to Paint Laminate on a Formica Countertop

Formica, like all laminates, goes on in a hard plastic sheet. Once it becomes old and worn, you can replace it, applying new laminate over the surface, or you can paint it. The slickness and glossiness of laminate makes painting it tricky. You will want to dull the surface with sandpaper and then use a good sealing primer to help the paint stick to the laminate. Topping it with polyurethane gloss (used on floors) will help seal it.

Things You'll Need

• Pad sander
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Primer-sealant
• Brushes
• Paint
• Polyurethane
• 200-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Use your pad sander buff and dull the surface of the countertop. You don't have to sand off the surface. Dull the shine and then wipe off the dust.

2. Brush paint over the countertop with primer-sealer. Start at the back and brush it on in a thin, consistent layer, in the direction of the length of the countertop. Let it dry completely according to the instructions on the can (usually 2 or 3 hours).

3. Lay the first layer of paint over the countertop in the same fashion, in a very thin, even coat. Let it dry and then apply a second coat, and if you prefer, a third coat. Let the final coat dry overnight.

4. Brush on your first coat of polyurethane in the same manner as the paint. After it dries, buff it with your 220-grit sandpaper to dull the shine. Wipe away the dust.

5. Apply a second coat of polyurethane. Let it dry. Buff it, wipe away the dust and apply a third layer. Let the countertop cure for two days before using it.

Tips & Warnings

• Ventilate the room when using paints and polyurethanes.

References

• LivingWithLindsay.com: How to Paint Laminate Furniture.