DIY Kitchen Counter Painting

Refinish laminate counters with melamine paint.

Laminate countertops can become scratched, stained, and worn over time, and replacing them can be expensive. Painting your kitchen counters is a cheaper alternative. Laminate countertops should be painted with melamine paint, which is designed for use on laminate. Painting laminate countertops is typically a temporary solution for ugly or outdated countertops. However, gentle use of the countertops may allow them to last for many years.

Things You'll Need

• 100-grit sandpaper
• Small electric sander
• Gloves
• Rags
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Foam paint roller
• Melamine paint

Instructions

1. Sand the laminate countertops with a small electric sander loaded with 100-grit sandpaper. Work evenly across the surface to remove the glossy finish.

2. Put on gloves. Wipe the laminate countertop with a rag and trisodium phosphate to remove sanding dust, dirt, and grease. The TSP also helps remove any glossy finish remaining.

3. Paint the countertops with melamine paint, using a high-density foam roller. Apply three thin coats. Allow each coat of melamine paint to dry before applying another coat.

4. Give the countertop six days to fully cure before use.

References

• HGTV: How to Paint Just About Anything