How to Faux Finish Counter Tops
If you have outdated laminate counter tops in a color that was popular 20 years ago, you may want to consider giving the counter tops a makeover with a faux finish instead of embarking on an expensive and messy replacement project. You can paint your counter tops with a faux finish yourself for a relatively low price and in a reasonable amount of time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 3 to 4 colors of paint
- Ammonia
- Green pad scrubbers
- Sandpaper
- Oil-based primer
- Paint roller and tray
- Paintbrush
- Rags
- Gloss, food safe polyurethane
Instructions
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1
Choose your oil-based paint colors for a granite looking counter top. Choose one base color and two or three secondary colors. Choose a pale gray for the background (1 quart) and then dark brown, dark gray and white for the secondary colors (1 pint of each), for example.
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2
Scrub the surface of your counter top very well using the ammonia and a green pad scrubber. Remove all traces of debris and caulk that may be along the edges of the counter top.
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3
Sand the entire surface of the counter top lightly to help the paint adhere to the old laminate.
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4
Prime the surface of the counter using an oil-based primer to give your paint the best adhesion. Roll the primer on for best results. Allow the primer to dry for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the weather.
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5
Roll on the base color of paint and allow it to dry completely.
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6
Blot on your main secondary color, which is the color you want to stand out the most, using a paintbrush or a rag. Be careful not to blot on too much paint and completely cover up the base coat. Allow the paint to dry.
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7
Use the same process as in Step 6 to add your other secondary colors. Allow drying time between each coat.
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8
Brush on clear food safe polyurethane to give your counter tops a shiny look. Use three coats of the polyurethane, sanding lightly between coats.
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9
Allow the polyurethane to cure for 2 to 3 days before using the counter or setting items back on top of it.
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Tips & Warnings
Work in a well-ventilated area as the ammonia and sometimes the paint fumes can be strong.
Plan to paint your counters when the weather is not too hot and humid. Humidity makes the paint take longer to dry.
You can use acrylic paints to makeover your counter, but oil-based paints look nicer and will hold up better.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit healthy snack image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
