Replacing a kitchen countertop is not a headache for homeowners nowadays; there are numerous options available in the market. But replacing a kitchen countertop might cost a lot of money to an individual, and hence not everyone prefers replacing the countertop.
So, is there an alternate option available when it comes to old laminate countertops?
Yes, there are certain cheap options available. The most effective option among them is painting laminate countertops whenever they start losing their shine and glam.
Interestingly, people nowadays prefer dark kitchen countertops. Black is among the most popular choices, especially for modern kitchens. The best thing is that laminate counters can also be transformed into black beauty by using high-quality paint.
Check out the best black kitchen countertop ideas in this Caesarstone guide.
But there are quite a number of questions that need to be addressed before homeowners decide whether or not they should consider painting. The first question that arises is what is a laminated countertop?
So, let’s discuss every question that could come to an individual’s mind about laminate countertops.
What Is A Laminated Countertop?
Laminated countertops consist of kraft paper or particleboard infused with plastic. If applied properly, a laminated countertop can replicate most of the materials, be it wood, natural stones etc., and that is why many individuals consider painting laminate countertops to look like granite, quartz, or marble.
However, the lamination might just copy the look of these materials but cannot mimic any feature of these materials. Neither can they mimic their durability or their heat-resistant or stain-resistant abilities.
How To Paint A Laminate Countertop?
There are several steps that an individual can follow and ensure that they successfully complete the painting of their laminated countertops and give their kitchen a fresh look and feel. These painted countertops are a perfect contrast with painted cabinets. But before getting started, an individual must arrange the proper materials.
Once all the materials have been arranged, an individual can get started with the painting by following the steps mentioned below:
Sand Countertop Surface
It is never a bad idea to sand a surface before painting it. An individual can use fine-grit sandpaper as this sandpaper removes any rough spots on the countertop. In order to get the job done much quicker, an individual can also use an electric sander. After an individual is done with sanding, a lint-free cotton rag dipped in mineral spirits should be used to eliminate the dust.
Preparation For Painting
Once the countertop is clean and sanded, ensure that anything that requires to be primed or painted is well protected. Here, paint tapes could be used to cover up surfaces that do not require painting. Larger surfaces like the walls, floors, cabinets etc., must be covered with plastic or any other protective covering.
Now, it is time to choose the colour of the paint, and an individual must ensure that the paint he chooses goes well with the style and colour of the kitchen.
Apply Primer
While priming and painting countertops, an individual must ensure to keep a “wet edge” to his paint application. Stopping this project in the middle may dry up the newly primed and painted areas. Instead, an even coat of primer should be applied, covering the entire countertop from back to front.
As an individual approaches an area around the sink or the edges, he should use a trim brush which can cover such surfaces. Once each corner of the countertop is covered with primer, an individual should let it dry for at least six hours.
Apply Paint
After choosing the right paint that perfectly suits the individual’s kitchen, he can start painting. But before starting the painting, an individual should ensure that the primer has fully dried up. In the application of paint, the process to be followed remains the same as the process followed during the application of primer.
As mentioned earlier, even while painting, an individual should ensure that the painted edge remains wet throughout the process. After fully covering the countertop with paint, let it dry up. Once the paint is dried up, double coat the surface.
Apply Final Coat
After the final coat of the paint has dried up, a final high gloss coat must be applied in order to give the countertop a shiny finish. A water-based acrylic top coat is recommended to be used as the final coat for painting laminate countertops.
Even in the top coat, an individual should ensure to at least double coat the surface in order to cover up the edges that have not been evenly coated. After the final application, an individual should wait at least 24 hours before using the countertop, but water based acrylic top takes up to 14 days to fully dry up. Hence, during this period, use the countertop very carefully.
DIY Painting Laminate Countertops: Is It Worth It?
Providing a straightforward answer to this question might not be possible as both pros and cons are involved in painting a laminate countertop.
Here are all the pros and cons which can help an individual decide to consider or not to consider painting laminate countertops:
Pros
- It is cheaper to paint a countertop compared to replacing it, and the money saved could be used to upgrade some other part of the kitchen.
- Painting a countertop takes much less time than replacing it.
- A wide variety of colours is available to choose from and could be repainted if an individual is not satisfied with the colour.
Cons
- The countertop may look like it but won’t have the features of granite or marble.
- Not every countertop is eligible to be painted.
- Paints won’t last as long as the original material.
Conclusion
Painting laminate countertops is worth it or not is questionable and is subjective to the priorities of an individual. If a house owner wants a cheap and easy temporary fix for his kitchen countertop, he can go with it, but it is not recommended if an individual wants a long-term solution.
For long-term solutions, it is recommended to get it replaced with a high-quality countertop.
