Has anyone had any success painting laminate countertops? I have a very low budget and am trying to update my kitchen.
by
Patricia
+22
25 answers
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Lowes has glass squares 12" pieces of glass 1-1 1/2 each" mounted on webbing = 12" sq .to mount on walls but when I saw it ,-----> I said could use it on counter tops was on sale or reg, price 4.98 per.square. so like $ 40.00 for 8sq.feet of it .
J F
on Jun 15, 2011
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Patricia, I worked on a job last year where the owner hired "Miracle Method" to paint over all of the existing laminates in the kitchen and a couple of baths. It looked OK when they were done but I wonder about the long term durability. This "paint" job was very expensive. . I recently tiled a kitchen over the existing laminate....you just need to do the proper prep work. Parts and labor for new granite kitchen counters was under $1500
KMS Woodworks
on Jun 15, 2011
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Patricia, You can buy new laminate sheets that just glue down on top of the old laminate. It comes in a huge variety of colors. The only real difficulty is cutting it but they sell special "scissors" to cut it with. My cousin did this himself in one of his rental units and it turned out great. He has since learned a few things, but at the time, on a 1 - 10 scale, I would have rated his DIY skills somewhere around a -5. In the end it looked good though, he was sooooo proud. I had to make a special trip out there just to see it. Here's an example of the product from Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/pl_Laminate+Countertop+Sheets_4294781237_4294933768_
Dan's of Central Florida, Inc.
on Jun 15, 2011
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Hi Patricia, Oh the dreadful budget...if only it were unlimited...However, as a Real Estate Expert and having been in many homes that needed corrective maintencance on "Designed to Sell" I would not recommend painting over laminate countertops. It will probably look good initially but with a little ltime and normal wear and tear it will probably become problematic and start to peel. I would recommend getting new laminate countertops fitted for your kitchen...they sell them in the rear of every Home Depot;...you would need someone to install them. This always looks better than trying to save too much and ending up with a project that is worse off than what you originally started with. Would your present budget allow you to update your hardware, flooring and or possibly your backsplash to achieve some of the updated look you are seeking and when your budget permits at a later time address the countertops? I hope some of these suggestions are helpful, I think you might be able to work around the countertops for now and still achieve an updated look until you are able to fully address the countertops...remember they take up a lot of space in the kitchen so the eye is automatically drwarn to the countertops...so whatever you decide to do make them look good! Good luck with your project...please post pics of the project. TMW
TonyaM Williams
on Jun 15, 2011
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I totally agree w/Tonya, painting not the wat to go. You would have to sand the heck outta it to prep it. Cutting lami isn't hard if ya take yer time an get a GOOD lami router!!Prep the old for glue, take yer time an put a lotta stick, dowels down an lay yer lami on top. Pull the sticks out one at a time an route. oh, use vaseline on edges for router burn ok.
Ridic52
on Jun 16, 2011
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An DON'T use scissors to cut!! WILL crack it.
Ridic52
on Jun 16, 2011
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Rough up the surfaces with sand paper. Purchase stone tiles and cement them down. If you take your time you will be amazed on just how much better the tops will look. While I agree with TonyaM by purchasing post form tops from big box stores. Unless the person really knows how to fit them properly and assuming your walls are true, most are not, you may not be happy with result.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jun 16, 2011
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@KMS, that tile over laminate job is outstanding. The fitted saw cuts really make it one of a kind!
Amazing Improvements and Garages
on Jun 16, 2011
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I know everyone says "NO!" But, I've painted my laminate countertops and I'd do it again if I really didn't like them and could not do anything else. I started by cleaning the countertops well, scuff w/ sander, then clean again. Start with a good primer. I think I used Glidden because I had it and it said it stuck to glass. It's not fun to work with because it's a little gummy, but it worked. Then I used whatever paint I had, all latex. I picked a pattern I liked from a laminate sample. I used brown, black, white and green. First we sponged it on very lightly. You are trying not to have ridges. Start with one color and then build on. The color you want to be most dominate should be one of the last colors you use. We used a small paintbrush to form lines if wanted and a large dry paint brush to smudge the paint some more and flatten out any ridges. The top coat is very important. Use Benjamin Moore Stays Clear polurethane. It's a bit pricey, but it doesn't turn yellow and when you do get water spots, they dry out. I only bought a quart and didn't use it all, but I do have a small kitchen. We put about 5 coats of the poly on top. You really have to let it cure. I've had mine for two years and they've held up well. I've gotten a couple of chips in front of my sink where I lean, but I just touch up w/ some sponged on paint and poly over it. People can't believe I PAINTED my countertops. I used the same method on my tile backsplash I didn't like to. I didn't poly the backsplash because I don't work on them. Everyone said don't paint the tile to, but it worked. I say 'give it a try'. It doesn't cost much and if you really don't like it, move onto one of the other options.
Monica
on Jun 17, 2011
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The biggest issue with painting tops is not just the chipping issue, but health issue. As a microbial inspector I often find some real nasty stuff on counters. In fact homes that are being constructed to be ADA compliant require that the tops be light in color without any special patterns because as we age it becomes harder for us to see which also makes it more likely that the aging adult will not clean the top properly which will lead to bacteria development. Simply because the complex darker colors will hide spills and crumbs.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jun 17, 2011
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@amazing Thanks....I had to "sneak" up on some of these angle cuts...The part that was a real bugger was the island that was about 1/2" out of square. I had to back shave some of the bull noses to keep the grout line clean and true. A good challenge keeps me on my toes.
KMS Woodworks
on Jun 17, 2011
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@ KMS, seems this wasn't your only "rodeo".... !
Amazing Improvements and Garages
on Jun 17, 2011
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KMS, now thats what I am talking about! Nice job.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jun 18, 2011
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This kitchen remodel was under 2K for all of the granite, labor demo of the old bar and the new oak island face...it was a bit of work convincing the out of state owner to spring for it...this house was a rental ( now up for sale) and he had already dropped about 4 k for painting tons of windows+ doors plus nearly every stick of trim and refinishing 800 feet of hardwood flooring. I cut him a bit of a deal on the kitchen so at least he has a chance of getting an offer. You can see a bunch of before and after pics in this project http://www.hometalk.com/Kevin/project/2473
KMS Woodworks
on Jun 18, 2011
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Hey Patricia, what size area do you need to redo? Granite tiles are great, check out Granite stores that sell odd & ends. I did paint a laminate counter in a bathroom, used a Laquer Spray paint, although A Krylon for plastics might work well, just sand, tape and lightly spray...way cheap!
Patsy W
on Jun 19, 2011
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Patricia I have to put my 2 cents in here. I am with Monica.we had yellow countertops , I put up with them for a few years, then finally got my gumption, and painted them. You have to really clean the surface first, then prime at least 2x, then paint, a couple of coats, then poly 2 or 3 coats. they looked just fine , and worked fine, for a couple of years til i was able to get new countertops. My friend did her whole kitchen countertop in a black base, with sponging of other colors on top, then several coats of poly. she had hers for about 3 years, and they held up just fine. This buys you some time. She also did her bathroom, adn it has beent that way for years ow, maybe at least five! I know how budget goes! And I hated making a decision prematurely until i knew what i eventually wanted to do. A solid color won't look as good as sponging color on top of your base coat. Hides the strokes etc. Good luck, and let us know what you decide.
Bernice H
on Sep 28, 2011
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I painted over the brown/orange/gold plaid (yes, plaid) 1970's laminate countertops in our bathroom and it worked out really well. First, I cleaned them really well which meant scraping them with a 5-in-1 tool because the previous owners never cleaned and their was a thick layer of black gunk on the counter top. After that I scuff sanded it and cleaned with mineral spirits. Then I used Glidden Gripper primer. Then I used a sponge roller to paint on two coats of gloss Valspar paint in a nice neutral color. I didn't sponge any colors on because I don't care for that look. I didn't poly over the top but that is probably a good idea. I did this almost 3 years ago and it still looks great! My only complaint would be that it stayed tacky for a long time. Maybe the poly would have helped with that. I can't say for sure how it would affect resale value on our house but I can say they look much better painted than the 1970s plaid did.
Tracy P
on Oct 02, 2011
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Patricia, they will paint just fine but no paint will clean as well as the laminate. So, if your expectations are reasonable, you should be pleased if painting is what you want to do. Go to your local S-W paint store tell them what you are planning and ask for X-I-M primer and a counter top paint they recommend. If you use an oil-base product, it will look better and last longer but is more toxic and tricky to use. Of course you must sand and clean very well first. Best, Charles
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Oct 02, 2011
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Tracy...do you have pics of that plaid counter....that would be a first for me.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 03, 2011
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I resurface them with SkimStone tinted concrete. You mix, pour and spread, about three or four layers. First needs SkimStone Bonding Primer. It's a bit messy but if you're adventuresome it may be your best solution.
Nora
on Oct 11, 2011
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Nora...we are all waiting for the pics
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 11, 2011
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Ah, I posted them days ago! Look for my post about transforming my kitchen with paint and concrete :)
Nora
on Oct 11, 2011
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OH...now I remember....I think its time for some coffee to wake up my numb brain....frog tape winner
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 11, 2011
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Actually, my artist sister has transformed counter tops to look like stone. Some of them are years old and still look fabulous. They are amazing. All I can tell you is that she uses acrylic paints and water based polyurethane. She starts with the base color then the polyurethane. Next adds dots of a color, spritz it with water, dries then another coat of polyurethane. So on until she gets the stone effect. It does take someone with artist ability to understand the veining and different colors that are actually in the stones to copy this onto another surface.
Susan B
on Oct 13, 2011
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this sounds like a super treatment.. i would have done that if i had confidence!
Bernice H
on Oct 28, 2011
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