How can I chalk paint over formica?

Hi there Robyn,

Try using Contact sticky back plastic in wood finish. or sticky back tile cov or use ESP (Easy surface primer) and then undercoat and topcoat in a satin finish, if you wish to paint.

Robyn

In my opinion you can paint over just about any surface if you prep it correctly. I have painted over formica after cleaning and sanding the surface. It may take several coats of paint, but be patient. It will cover it. I would think chalk paint would work, I just have never used it. As far as embellishing the doors - that's not a problem. Cut out decorative molding that can be glued and nailed to the surface of the doors. I did this on several old hollow core doors and was very pleased with the end results. Just paint over the entire door/surface once the trim has been installed. You might want to consider new hardware as well. Makes a world of difference. I would also suggest a polyurethane coat over the entire surface of your vanity since it's in a high use area. I have attached a photo of a door I added trim to. Vanity doors would be no different.

Hi! Thanks so much for the suggestions so far - these I do know!

@snance - are you sure I can glue on trims even though the doors have a curve to them? What type of glue would you recommend and how would I keep the trim in place while the glue dries on formica? I am figuring that painter's tape or masking tape would work for this - correct? If I use nails, do I run a risk of the OLD formica cracking???

Sweet Snance!

Your responses are so detailed - and accurate! I should have explained to you that I'm not at all a novice DIYer! I DIYed my apartments as a teen in college. I gut renovated - with my now-ex - a turn-of-the-century Coachman's Cottage in Buffalo, NY. to the point where we tripled our money and could then move to the 'burbs.

In that home, we turned the section of the dining room walls below the chair rail into faux marble. I actually went out to a farm that I visited hosting one of my kids' birthday parties and hunted up a goose for the feathers used to paint the veins lol! Actually, the goose hunted me - he attacked me when I approached their home - Guard Goose!!! Traffic was honking (along with the goose) and people were laughing as Guard Goose chased me across 2 yards, with me pulling my butt in under me as he was trying to bite it! I learned then that geese are quite protective.

In my previous home to this one I painted formica countertops faux granite. This was back about 15 years ago - long before any kits! They held up great and even all the realtors when I sold the house, thought it was granite.

You are absolutely correct that proper prep work is essential and the key to great success. 😎

Regarding the glue - I never meant I planned to hold trim on with masking tape lol!

The 357 Construction Glue - would you also use it for various appications outdoors in the elements and up 100* heat w/ direct sun? I'm in southeast FLaDuh.

☀🥀😓

You are correct that my vanity doors have a curve along the side that is the edge when opened. I won't bother replacing them as the entire vanity in both bathrooms is circa 1984. Clamshell molded sink as part of the vanity top - dings, etc. I have no issue in cost for a little molding, nor for door/drawer pulls (there aren't any - just a routed out section that doesn't even have a finish on it!) blech! 😣

What's your opinion on the sink/vanity? Would you paint it and if so, how/with what? Again, I know all the basics - I'm asking your design opinion if I should bother? Also what would you use as the sink is molded as one piece with the entire top. I could mask the sink off and just paint the other flat portion that is 60" wide so it would make a significant difference. I just can't believe that a painted bathroom sink that is extremely heavily used would hold up.

It all needs replacing BUT it's already been like 9 years lol! The insides (chip plywood/wood) is falling apart with old surfacing that had gotten flooded at some point so paint is all old, stained, cracked & bubbled. I'd rather just get some plywood cut by Homey Depot and stick it over that part of the crap.

Thank you so very much for all your hard work typing to me! I really appreciate your excellent advice and encouragement! 😉😇 👩‍❤️‍👩 👭

We did this in our living room years ago, turned out gorgeous! We ordered fabric from the company that made our sofa.

Audrey, I'm confused! What did you do in the l.r.? Did you chalk paint over formica?????