How to Cover a Laminated Counter Top
Giving your laminated counter top a new lease on life is not a difficult project and does not require a workshop full of specialized tools. If you have the skills to paint a wall, refreshing counter tops is a project you can successfully accomplish. Counter tops that are in good condition and only have minor imperfections, such as gouges or burn marks, can be given a new look to totally transform your kitchen for less money than purchasing a new one. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Gloves
- Sandpaper
- Sander
- Putty
- Tack rag
- Mineral spirits
- Masking tape
- Primer
- Paint roller
- Paintbrushes
- Paint
- Urethane
Instructions
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1
Remove all items from the counter top. Scrub the surface with a good quality cleaner, such as Tri-Sodium Phosphate. Wear gloves when using strong cleaners. Use a scrub brush to clean the counter tops, paying special attention to edges and other areas where cooking grease tends to accumulate. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
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2
Fill any gouges or cuts on the counter top with putty. Sand the putty smooth after drying. Roughen the surface of the counter top using medium-grit sandpaper to give it enough roughness for primer and paint to adhere. Use a palm sander on the flat areas to make the work go faster.
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3
Clean all sanding dust off the counter top with a tack rag or a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Use caution when using mineral spirits as it is flammable. Mask off the sink, walls and cabinets to avoid paint spatter.
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Apply a smooth coat of primer to the counter top; use a good quality paint roller and brushes. A primer that is oil-based or acrylic will give a stronger base than a latex-based primer. Use the paintbrush to prime areas inaccessible to the roller. Sand any rough areas that become evident after the primer has dried. Sanded areas will require recoating with the primer.
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5
Apply two to three coats of finish paint (oil-based or acrylic), allowing the recommended drying time between coats.
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Apply two to three coats of water-based polyurethane to seal and protect your counter top. Water-based polyurethanes dry very clear and do not yellow over time as an oil base will. The longer the counter top hardens and cures before using, the longer the finish will last.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the best quality paint rollers and paint brushes to achieve a mirror-smooth finish.
Use cutting boards and hot pads to protect refinished counters.
Some primers and paints have strong fumes so use plenty of ventilation.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Beautiful and new kitchen furniture on modern kitchen image by terex from Fotolia.com
