How to Repair or Paint Laminate

Your countertop can ruin or complete the look of your kitchen.

Laminate is created by uniting two materials together. Most laminates found in a home are high-pressure decorative laminates with a plastic coating. Repairing or painting laminate without the proper preparation will yield less-than-desired results. Often, the paint will flake and the surface will look patched together. Allowing adequate time and using proper techniques, an old countertop or other laminate surface can be transformed into a modern-looking countertop at a fraction of the cost of replacing it.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Water
• Ammonia
• Sponge
• Epoxy-based paint designed for laminate
• Painter's tape
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Foam paint roller
• Putty knife
• Laminate paste

Instructions

Painting Laminate

1. 

   Laminate can be found in many kitchens.

   Wash countertops or cabinets with soap and water. Remove all traces of dirt and debris.

2. 

   Wear gloves when cleaning with ammonia.

   Open windows if possible. Use a solution of one quarter ammonia and three quarters warm water, and wipe down the surface to be painted, using a sponge. Allow to dry completely.

3. 

   Use painter's tape to protect adjoining surfaces.

   Tape around the surface to be painted. Epoxy-based paint is very hard to remove once it adheres to a surface.

4. 

   A foam roller give the smoothest surface.

   Apply a thin coat of epoxy-based paint with a smooth foam roller. Allow it to dry for four hours. If you notice any bubbling, smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.

5. Apply a second thin coat of epoxy-based laminate paint. Allow it to dry for 24 hours before using the surface.

Repairing Laminate

1. Wash the scratched surface area with ammonia and water. Dry thoroughly.

2. Apply a thin layer of laminate paste with a putty knife.

3. Even out the paste with the putty knife, and allow it to dry for 24 hours.

4. Paint the laminate, as advised in Section 1.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your workspace well ventilated.

• Primer is not needed with laminate-specific epoxy paint.

• Laminate scratches can be concealed by applying car wax to the surface.

• Laminate paste is available at most hardware stores.

• Do not sand the surface before painting.

References

• Paint Laminate Countertops
• Rustoleum Laminte Paint Instructions
• Repair Laminate Countertops