The dreaded lab look!!!!

Sandy Reed
by Sandy Reed

My kitchen looks like a lab, the laminated counter top is black and matte, no luster. I'm on a budget but needs to add some shine or color to it that will withstand pots and pans! Help!!!!

  4 answers
  • Anna Anna on Oct 18, 2018

    I redid my counter tops with Giani countertop paint. It's super easy and it cost me under $100. I did a brown and gold faux granite by myself in a weekend (lots of drying time between layers). I love it and my neighbors couldn't believe I did it myself!

  • You can buy a counter top paint kit that come in an array of colors and textures.

  • H. Allender H. Allender on Oct 18, 2018

    Hi Sandy!


    There are a number of counter top refinishing kits that are on the market. Depending on your budget and the amount of work you want to put into the project, you should be able to find a kit that will work either at your local hardware store or even on amazon.


    I've heard, but not used, a lot of good things about the rust-oleum brand refinishing kit called Countertop Transformations, and I trust their brand name since I use their paint line a lot. There's also a lot on the internet for Giani Granite, a counter top painting product, and another consideration is an epoxy finish which brings a lot of luster to counter tops; Ultra Clear Epoxy is a well-respected brand. For more info on these, you can go to https://www.thespruce.com/the-five-best-diy-countertop-refinishing-kits-3955792


    Best of luck to you!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Oct 19, 2018

    You did not say what colour your cabinets were. One of the fastest, easiest, and cleanest ways of adding colour to a kitchen is to change the cabinet knobs and handles with bright coloured ones.