How to Paint Formica Tops
Formica is a durable plastic laminate that is commonly used in the construction of counter tops for kitchens. Formica is manufactured in many different colors and patters, which gives consumers many different style options. Additionally, it can be long-lasting if you take care of it. If your Formica becomes stained or scratched, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to replace it. Instead, you can paint the Formica yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Adhesion-promoting primer
- Ammonia or vinegar
- Bucket
- Dish soap
- Electric sander
- Newspaper or plastic sheeting
- Paintbrush or roller
- Polyurethane coating
- Sandpaper
- Sponges
- Tape
- Towel
- Water
- White vinegar
Instructions
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1
Remove everything from the counters, and tape plastic sheeting or newspaper over the immediately surrounding areas, including the cabinets, walls, and floor, to avoid splatters.
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2
Mix together one part regular ammonia or white vinegar and one part water in the bucket and sponge it onto all of the Formica to clear off grease and food. Rinse off the cleaning solution with clean water and let the surface dry. Do it again.
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3
Rough up the surface of the counter with the sandpaper so that the paint can grab on better, which will look nicer and last longer. Clean off the resulting grit with a damp cloth.
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4
Prime the sanded surface by using the roller to paint, or a can to spray on an undercoat made to promote adhesion to the old Formica and the next layer of paint, which protects the whole counter. Leave it for four hours to dry.
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5
Sand the counter again, but lightly this time, and wipe it with a clean, damp rag to remove the new dust. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 if you’d like an another layer.
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6
Paint the counter in the color that you’ve chosen, making even strokes with the roller. Allow the paint to dry for several hours, depending on the weather. Repeat if you want.
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7
Roll on the polyurethane topcoat, rolling slowly to reduce the chance of air bubbles. Repeat as often as you want to increase the protection and the shiny effect. It can also be re-applied after several months as long as the counter is completely dry and totally clean.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut food on cutting boards and not on your scratch-able counter top.
Clean often with a gentle cleansing product.
Immediately clean up any spilled material while you’re working as these products are meant to stick to surfaces.
