How to Paint Formica Counter Tops

Makeover your Formica counter tops with paint.

If you have stained or damaged Formica counter tops and the cost of replacement is beyond your current budget, you might be relieved to find out that you can disguise your grungy looking counter tops with a fresh coat of paint. While the painting process is not difficult, it is extremely important to properly prepare the Formica surface and choose the right kinds of paint. Otherwise, the slick surface of your counter tops will repel the paint and cause it to peel away shortly after painting.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool pad
• White vinegar
• Water
• Damp cloth
• Clean towel
• High-adhesion primer
• Paint roller
• Flat latex paint
• Foam paintbrush
• Extra fine sanding sponge
• Clear oil-based polyurethane

Instructions

1. Scrub your Formica counter tops with a steel wool pad and a mixture composed of equal amounts of white vinegar and water. The steel wool should scratch your counter tops as you clean them and these tiny scratches will help the paint adhere to the slick surface.

2. Wipe the Formica counter tops with a damp cloth to remove all of the cleaning solution and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.

3. Apply a high adhesion primer to the counter tops with a paint roller. Alcohol-based and oil-based primers work well but you can use a water-based primer if the label specifically states that it will adhere to a glossy surface.

4. Apply a coat of flat latex paint in your desired color to the counter tops when the primer is dry. Use a paint roller or a foam paintbrush to reduce the appearance of brush strokes on your counter tops.

5. Sand the painted counter tops with a wet extra fine sanding sponge when the paint dries. Keep sanding until the paint feels smooth when you run your hand over it. Dry the counter tops when you finish sanding.

6. Roll on one coat of clear oil-based polyurethane with a paint roller. This clear layer will add shine to your counter tops and prevent the painted surface from chipping or flaking.

7. Sand the dry counter tops just like you did in step five.

8. Repeat steps six and seven twice to apply a total of three layers of clear polyurethane to your Formica counter tops.

Tips & Warnings

• Use no-scratch scrubbing pads to clean your painted Formica counter tops as necessary. This will prevent unsightly scratches or gouges in the polyurethane finish.

References

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