How to Paint Laminate Kitchen Counters

Give a laminate kitchen counter an update with paint.

Laminate kitchen counters usually cost less than their stone counterparts, but these counters may become faded, stained or scratched over time. Another problem occurs when the counters are brightly colored and don't match the rest of your kitchen decor. If replacing the counters is out of your budget or you don't want to deal with the mess of a big renovation, consider painting your laminate counter to hide any blemishes and update your kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid dish soap
• Warm water
• Sponge
• 100-grit sandpaper
• Towel
• Water
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Lint free cloth
• Shellac based primer
• Paint roller
• Latex paint
• Paintbrush
• Oil-based polyurethane
• 320 grit wet/dry sandpaper
• Paste wax

Instructions

1. Mix approximately 1 tbsp. of liquid dish soap into 2 cups of warm water to create soapy water.

2. Clean the counter thoroughly with the soapy water and a sponge to remove all grease, food or other dirt from the surface.

3. Sand the laminate counter firmly with 100-grit sandpaper. You can use a small power sander, if desired.

4. Wipe the laminate counter with a clean towel to remove any dust from sanding.

5. Mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a small spray bottle.

6. Spray the vinegar and water mixture onto the laminate counter and wipe it away with a clean, lint free cloth. Continue to wipe the counter until it is completely dry.

7. Apply a shellac-based primer to the counter with a paint roller. You can have the primer tinted to your desired color when you purchase it.

8. Let the primer dry for at least six hours and apply a second coat of the paint.

9. Paint any designs or patterns onto the dry, primed surface with latex or water-based paints and a paintbrush.

10. Apply a coat of clear, oil-based polyurethane to the counter with a paint roller when the primer and any additional paints are completely dry. Let the polyurethane dry for the amount of time indicated on the package.

11. Apply another coat of polyurethane to the laminate counter and wait for it to dry.

12. Spray the dry laminate counter with water and sand the counter with 320-grit wet/dry sandpaper until the surface feels smooth to your hand.

13. Dry the counter, and repeat steps 11 and 12 to add a third coat of polyurethane to the laminate counter.

14. Rub paste wax onto the counter with a soft cloth approximately two weeks after you apply the last coat of polyurethane. The wax will help seal and protect the counter, extending the life of the paint job.

References

• "Paint Saves the Day"; Lucianna Samu; 2009