How to Update a Kitchen Countertop

Update a kitchen counter with paint.

The process of updating a laminate kitchen counter top involves applying a paint and sealer over the surface. The process of painting the laminate is simple if it has no cracks or broken pieces. Updating a counter top with painting is low in cost and allows you to choose colors that match the furnishings. Start the painting project when you have time to let the surface dry between paint applications.

Things You'll Need

• Clean towel
• Dish soap
• Paper towels
• Painter's tape
• Painter drop cloths
• 150-grit sandpaper
• Cloth
• Paintbrushes
• Flash bond primer for glass
• Satin enamel paint
• Sponge or crumpled paper
• Clear acrylic paint

Instructions

1. Clean all residue and dirt from the kitchen counter surface. Begin with a clean towel and dish soap. Rinse the surface with water to remove all soap. Wipe the counter surface with clean paper towels, and let it dry.

2. Protect surfaces that won't be painted. Apply removable painter's tape to all counter edges that meet a wall or appliance. Lay painter drop cloths around the counter to catch paint drips and spills.

3. Sand the kitchen counter surface with 150-grit sandpaper. Avoid using an electric sander because it may remove too much of the surface or create grooves.

4. Wipe the counter with a damp cloth to remove dust from sandpapering. Then let the counter air dry.

5. Paint the kitchen counter surface with two coats of a flash bond primer that is for use on glass. Use smooth strokes to create a smooth coat of paint. Let the first coat of primer dry for four to six hours. Apply a second coat of primer, and let it air dry for another four to six hours.

6. Apply a coat of satin enamel paint in the desired color on top of the primer. Use smooth strokes to create a smooth surface. Let the enamel paint dry for two days.

7. Add a marble texture to the kitchen counter surface in colors that coordinate with the kitchen furnishing. Dab one color of satin enamel paint onto the surface with a sponge or piece of crumpled paper. Let the paint dry for 24 hours. Add a second, contrasting paint color with a sponge or piece of crumpled paper. Let that coat of paint dry for 24 hours.

8. Seal the painted kitchen counter with a clear acrylic paint. Use smooth strokes to create a smooth surface. Let the counter dry for three days before placing appliances or other items on the new surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the two marble contrasting paints and application technique on a piece of wood or cardboard. That will prevent repainting the counter if the colors do not look good together.

• Avoid scrubbing the counter with an abrasive cleanser or cleaning pad to prevent scratching the acrylic surface.

References

• "St. Louis Post-Dispatch;" Granite Paint Seals the Deal; Karen Deer; 2010
• Ask the Builder: New Counter Tops with Paint; Tim Carter
• CBS News: Counter Top Makeover in a Paint Can; Aug. 13, 2009