How do I replace old formica?
I have incredibly old formica and cant afford to replace it. What can I do to it? Can I paint it or what?
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There are kits for that sold at Home Depot. Step by step instructions are in the kit.
Hi Traci, we had really ugly counters that we used a Giani paint ki t on, like Kelli mentioned. See here: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/diy-paint-your-ugly-counter-top-to-look-like-granite-for-100-34583100
It turned out great and we were so happy to change the look of the whole kitchen for such a small amount of money!
DIY Paint Your Ugly Counter Top to Look Like Granite For $100!
So it is old, but it's so old that it's back in style again! If it's not damaged, I'd consider keeping it as it. Maybe paint the cabinets instead? If it is stained and you need to paint the counter, then yes, you can... with the right stuff. Here is a kit available.
Lots of ideas here.
https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20laminate%20countertop
Diane at In My own Style has a great tutorial on how to paint countertops.
https://inmyownstyle.com/kitchen-counter-transformation.html
Here is another option.
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/3-gorgeous-kitchen-updates-to-try-right-now-39025281
Gorgeous Kitchen Updates To Try Right Now
If you are adventurous you can get sheets of Formica in just about any pattern color you want. Use rubber cement to bond the new to the old.
”this old house” might still have the how to on the internet.
If your countertop was made in place, square edges including the back splash. You can sand all Formica with 80 grit sandpaper, tack rag all dust from the surface and cut n reglue new Formica over the top of the old. You only need to buy the formica, a few sheets of sandpaper and contact cement.
You will have to remove your sink and any countertop range, if you have it. If you have gas stove or refridge, do shut the fuel off as pilot lights can ignite the fumes from the glue. Two coats of contact cement to each surface, let dry between coats, and it glues down while dry. Use 1/4 inch dowels so you can position the new Formica as once glue touches the glue, it's glued.
You can definitely use the Giani kits to paint them - the result is great! Or, we poured our own concrete countertops. It was a lot of work, but not super expensive for a high end look!
Definitely painting it is an option. There are also counter film kits you can buy that are a heavy duty contact paper. If you top the contact paper with a coat of poly, then it lasts longer.