Kitchen counters suggestions needed

Question

I have old counters and back splash from like the 60s. You know...the white Formica with the gold flower things? I'm on a very tight budget. Any cheap but lasting suggestions on covering or painting solutions??? Hellllp!!

AmyLee · Answer

Ohhh there are so many great options out there for you.  With regards to your countertops if you wanted a higher end look (Champaigne taste on a beer budget) then you could get granite tiles.  These look fabulous and if you match the grout to the tile then you cannot even notice the grout.  Granite tiles are very reasonable.  If you are on even a tighter budget you could get counter paint (I.e. rust oleum Countertop Restoration Kit) from your local home improvement store such as Home Depot.  This kit makes it look like granite.  The countertop paint is specifically made for that purpose and is a do-it-yourself project but I have seen some amazing results!
Now on to the backsplash!  You could purchase some inexpensive lethal ceiling tiles, use the same granit tiles if you went that route.  Another option is to paint it with chalkboard paint.  Breadboard can be natural or painted any color and that too looks pretty good as a backsplash.  There are also self adhesive tiles and they are so easy to install and look pretty darn good!  Hope this helps!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Rust-o-leum has a kitchen countertop restoration kit available in many colors that is not that expensive should you want to diy.

Heather (New House New Home) · Answer

I agree with Janet above - paint the countertop with the Rust-o-leum product. My sister did this and it lasted about five years. For the backsplash, I'm going to suggest a paintable wallpaper (anagalyptic?). I used it in a rental apartment and it looked great. Just check with the store to see what you need to put on the formica to make the wallpaper stick - probably a coat of high adhesive primer.

Brenda P · Answer

I would try to paint the countertops to make them look like granite. As for the back splash, how about some inexpensive tile? Porcelain is reasonably priced and very easy to install. I used porcelain tile not only over my existing countertop but also as a back splash. Here's a link to a painting tutorial. Would love to see after photos! https://lifeoflaurenlou.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/finally-the-kitchen-countertop-post/

Teresa · Answer

When I bought my house it too had Formica countertops (white with boomerangs). I used acrylic paint (3 shades) and sponge painted then sealed with polyurethane. I bought faux tin tiles for the backsplash and glued them on.

Momma Z · Answer

Giant also has a paint kit for countertops.

Momma Z · Answer

Gianii also sells a paint kit for countertops.

CK · Answer

I've been looking at this product. It's a countertop heavy weight film. It comes in various colors and looks like granite, marble, etc. NOT just plain old Contact paper. Read about its specs. There are also You Tube How-to videos to help you install it properly. Here's one link I saved for the product. http://www.amazon.com/Emperador-Granite-Counter-Cover-Stick/dp/B00F4ZFU5Q/ref=pd_sbs_201_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=51jVVlvzcKL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR116%2C160_&refRID=0RVG7CQH8CTAER22979H (I did use repositionable Contact paper on a kitchen counter in my former home. It held up very well. Lots less expensive than the one I've put the link on for.)

KatAych · Answer

I just painted mine this past weekend!!! Mine were green and white swirly patterned...NOT attractive!!! I started with the Giani Chocolate Granite Kit, but you can actually used watered-down acrylics - I used their colors, but I threw in some of my own as I wanted more of a chocolate travertine finish. What look are you going for?

Mary Ann · Answer

beautiful KatAych

Teresa · Answer

I am going to try the rustolium product that is for counters to make them look like granite it the counter is in good shape and you don't mind the shape of the counter I would try looking at this video It convinced me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnONl72We0g

Susan · Answer

You all had a lot of great ideas! As soon as I figure it out I will definitely share. I should take better pics of the actual space as well. Thanks!!

Henri001 · Answer

I wish I had seen the film idea before I committed to having ours replaced! We are having our formica countertops replaced with concrete, new sink & faucet and new plank-look tile flooring...these ideas sound sooo much more wallet friendly than our route is going to be! You will have to post pictures of what route you go!!

Christine · Answer

I'm going through same thing, and am gonna try concrete countertops!

Barb Orthmann · Answer

gianni granite- paint product that looks like granite when your done- comes out great!

Therese C · Answer

A little known..but good to know...idea is that now that it is illegal in most states to throw away unused paint, check with your local landfill. They have places they can tell you about where paint is taken to be re-distributed or properly destroyed. The one in our area is great! I was able to pick up 11 cans of paint, mineral spirits, primer, and some cleaning chemicals for FREE! Wow what a rainbow of colors they had! I have done many counter tops to look like marble, granite, and even under the sea themes. All the paint was free and I only bought the sealer! Start there and let your imagination go! If you don't like the color, repaint! It was free anyway! Good luck!

Lisa House · Answer

You can purchase plywood that has been sanded already. Paint or stain then protect. I went with stain and poly. Just make sure whatever you use to protect it is self leveling so you don't end up with brush marks.

Kitchen counters suggestions needed

Suggested Project Book

Here's Why You Should Be Buying Extra Rolls of Plastic Wrap

Other

More

Kitchen counters suggestions needed

Suggested Project Book