What's the best thing to do to a countertop that doesn’t cost a lot?

Rustoleum, Daich, or Giani countertop paint kits.

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paper%20bag%20counter

My friend recently used a countertop painting kit by Rust-Oleum.

Hi Brenda! There are so many ideas out there that it would really help if you could narrow down your list by considering your DIY skills and whether or not you're willing to learn something new. One of the ideas I just love involves using 2x12's from your local lumber store, but we can't do it at our house because neither of us is in great physical shape. I've also seen ideas involving tiles - this could be a great idea to hold you over until you can replace counters if you want to eventually. So could paint or epoxy. Here are some links you can check out:

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/painting-laminate-countertops-6075680

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/furniture/painted-countertops-from-laminate-to-granite-34306684

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/butcher-block-look-a-like-countertops-for-under-100-30032219

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/step-by-step-faux-granite-countertops-12486603

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/countertops/marble-countertop-hack-how-to-tile-over-laminate-countertop-16991298

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/kitchen-counters-on-a-deep-budget-638552

Hi Brenda! I can tell you how to paint your counter tops with Dixie Belle :)

It is super easy to paint with Dixie Belle.

Step one: Clean with White Lightning

Step two: Apply two coats of Slick Stick

Step three: Paint one to two coats of Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint

Step four: Use Gator Hide for a water-repellent finish

No sanding required!

Here's a great blog about painting counter tops https://www.leahnoelldesignco.com/counter-top-update/

If you ever need help or have any questions you can feel free to call us at 813-909-1962 during business hours. We have a full staff here eager to help you!

We have an awesome group on FB that gives you all kinds of help if you are interested. click here to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsWhoLikeDixieBellePaint/

We did ours with a concrete skim coat: https://alifeunfolding.com/how-to-diy-a-concrete-bar-top-in-a-weekend/