Asked on Jan 03, 2018

Any ideas on best way (quick, cheap, easy) to redo counter tops?

J
by J
Any ideas on best way to redo counter tops? Was thinking of putting new formica directly on top of the current or painting... Awkward/small space, looking for something that will last... Would love any insight or tips if you've tried something out. Thanks and have a happy new year!
  19 answers
  • 27524803 27524803 on Jan 03, 2018

    Since this is a really small space.... granite might be an option... most of the granite places sell the cut offs and scrap pieces for a lot less..

    Butcher block could also be an option.

  • Ken Ken on Jan 03, 2018

    Either you want best or quick, or cheap, or easy, or will last. Pick one or two but you may not have them all. Is there something wrong with your countertop? What is the problem you are trying to solve?


    It looks like you have wood edging. How were you thinking of dealing with that where it interfaces with the laminate? If you adhere new laminate over the old the problems I foresee are 1) contact adhesive or almost anything else will not adhere to the top surface of Formica. That is what it was designed to do. 2) with that wood edging how will you trim the new laminate after installing? 3) What will you do to hide/protect the edge of the new laminate since it will be above the current surface?


    Painting is a bad idea from a durability perspective unless it is a show place and not for use.


    Since you would already have to remove the sink and whatever that insert is your best/cheapest/quickest/easiest/most durable solution would be to use the current countertop as a pattern to make a new countertop. Do it once and be done. Anything else will come back and haunt you year after year.

    • J J on Jan 03, 2018

      Thanks, Ken! Figured we can't have it all ;) It's not that the counter tops are in bad condition really, they're in good shape but they're old looking - stained with marks and scratches. Was hoping for an easy fix. Would prefer if they were no longer white so moving forward stains and such don't appear as easily.

  • Lara Fitzpatrick Lara Fitzpatrick on Jan 03, 2018

    Wilson Art's laminate are a superior choice. They have a line called "High Definition" which is very resistant to scratching compared to other leading manufacturers. Unfortunately, laminating over your existing will not last. replacing them will be your best option. If you can remove your existing tops you can use them for templating the new ones. From the pics you've shown you've got yourself a a galley and not a home kitchen :) Build your new tops with marine grade plywood instead of the substrates used in residential applications. Use contact cement to adhere the new laminate sheet, get your router out to clean up the edges. I am sure that Youtube will have some great videos to show you how to make "flat lay or flat work" counter tops. This is the best option for odd shapes and you can get creative with the edge. In the galley I remodeled, I made a taller lip for the edge to stop the items sliding off. Hope this helps!

    L

    • See 1 previous
    • Lara Fitzpatrick Lara Fitzpatrick on Jan 03, 2018

      Yes all the info on the net can be overwhelming for sure! I prefer the simple way and mine worked awesome! I just wish I had some pics to show you. Building tops is not rocket science by any means so try it! What's the worst that could happen? :)

      L

  • Barbara Barbara on Jan 03, 2018

    This area looks like it might be on a boat? Anyway, a very small area indeed. There is companies that do “granite overlays” right over existing counters. This can be less money and less mess.

    • J J on Jan 03, 2018

      Nice! Thanks, Barbara. Will have to look into that. Indeed, a galley on a boat rather than a "kitchen" countertop.

  • Barbara Barbara on Jan 03, 2018

    Good luck with your project. You could also check Pinterest for additional ideas.

  • Jks15257918 Jks15257918 on Jan 04, 2018

    Well I literally faux painted my bright yellow counter tops. Put down 2 coats of primer, let dry, and using a very porous sea sponge began adding the colors I wanted for a granite counter top effect. Sandex it smooth, wipped it dust free and sealed with polyurethane, it's been 2 years. Never regretted it and cost was about 25.00. Compliments galore. Used regular paint because I couldn't afford the kits they sell on line for same effect. Love it, my kitchen is stunning!!!

  • Lindsey Lindsey on Jan 04, 2018

    I added a faux marble countertop with a really neat product. You can check out all the details below:

    https://repurposeandupcycle.com/bathroom-update-for-under-100-including-diy-faux-marble-countertops/

  • KatAych KatAych on Jan 04, 2018

    We painted ours and it turned out great - we love it! We started with the Gianni kit, but honestly you could prime it and use any combination of acrylic paints - they key is the sealant. We used Envirotex Lite -- it self-levels to a good thickness and has a very shiny finish. We've had no issues with it at all!

  • Melissa Ramon Salinas Melissa Ramon Salinas on Jan 04, 2018

    what about putting tile down over the counter top. I would think you’d have to sand the laminate so the grout would adhere. Or laying sheets of metal. That’s pretty nice too. just a thought😉

  • Dora Mather Dora Mather on Jan 05, 2018

    I have seen people paint their counters with special counter paint. They have different color . They look great


  • Nettie Falk Nettie Falk on Jan 06, 2018

    How can I replace a round my countertops I don't want to replace my time with cops but around Edge there is holes in them how can I do that

  • Lauren Z Lauren Z on Jan 06, 2018

    I used a kit from Daich --- fantastic! It's been two years now and still looks great. Had one area I needed to redo but it was a simple fix. Here is my blog post about it. http://mywonderfullymade.blogspot.com/2016/06/diy-stone-countertops.html

  • Jks15257918 Jks15257918 on Jan 06, 2018

    hi , yes I have attached a picture. My old phone crashed and had all the B4 pictures. So I don't have them to show what an amazing transformation this wasI used a lot of red, bronze and browns with black veining.

  • Lpi32173697 Lpi32173697 on Jan 06, 2018

    The overpayment is expensive. Granite for that small area could come from remnants. It wouldn’t cost much to have it polished and you could install it yourself pretty easily as there aren’t any angles. It will last forever and be easy care.


  • Kim28748272 Kim28748272 on Jan 06, 2018

    i used Rust-Oleum countertop paint on my lamnite 6years ago n so easy cost $20 at my local home improvement store n they can mix any color u want goes on with foam roller drying time aprox 3days but self leveling n changed my whole kitchen n great product for not a lot of money


  • Kim28748272 Kim28748272 on Jan 08, 2018

    Here’s pics u asked for it holds up great

    • Sal1603 Sal1603 on Apr 28, 2018

      Did you finish the counter you painted with Rustolium with any type poly or ?

      Thanks

  • Kim28748272 Kim28748272 on Apr 30, 2018

    hi no u don’t put anything on top leave as is holds up great after years of cleaning still looks great good luck

  • Kim28748272 Kim28748272 on Apr 30, 2018

    No top coat needed just follow directions on can holds up great after years of cleaning good luck

  • Tae Tae on Apr 30, 2018

    Paint and seal kits or you tube painting countertops