Hi Annette, there are several kits on the market you can purchase to do just what you are wanting to do. I suggest first searching right here on Hometalk by entering "painting laminate" "painting countertops", or some such search words into the box on the home page. There are many posts with people showing the step-by-step process they've used successfully. Some just use acrylic paints to sponge on the faux look they want, then apply a clear food-safe sealer for lasting use. This is a great way to customize and get the exact stone look you want for your kitchen. Unique and satisfying to accomplish diy.
Thanks for your answer. Yes, I have seen those kits here on Hometalk, watched tutorials both here and on the companies' websites and read a billion reviews. Ultimately, I am going to go with the Epoxy method so the countertops look and act like stone. The product has primer and sealer all in one product, which is great for me bc I'm not a very experienced DIYer haha.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
When you buy your plastic laminate painting system that includes the bonding primer, you’ll want to buy two or more similar colors of the topcoat special paint.
The easiest pattern for a beginner, is to buy a faux marble/granite roller cover that looks like a sponge. It can be used over and over again for a decade, like I have used mine.
After you’ve prepped the top, then apply the primer, per the instructions. Let dry.
Then apply a solid base color. Let dry.
Without oversaturating the sponge roller, roll-on a second color making sure that you get a granite or stippled effect. You’ll have to hand stipple-in the inside corners next to the backsplash. Let it dry. You can hand fill in little “holiday” spots later or now.
If you want to learn how to do a rolled rag process called “ragging,” then I would practice on something else, not your finished product. Essentially it’s smudging the finish while it is still wet. That’s more marble like and less granite like.
If you don’t want to learn how to do that right now, then I would look at mixing a third color out of the two previous colors.
You can balance out the stippling with the intermediate color.
Or you could hand paint in veins like in marble but as mentioned, they will need to be smudged a bit to make them look real.
A common challenge is that if the two primary colors have too much contrast, it’s going to look unrealistic.
If this worries you, have made some sample colors (latex paint) that are $3 for 8 Oz. These are every day paint samples, not plastic laminate samples.
What one would do is practice rolling these onto a piece of white card stock or other hard surface paper.
Plop the giant sample card down on the counter and walk away from it and look at it from a distance, with your eyes squinting.
Wow! Thank you for taking the time to write back with such a detailed answer. I appreciate you insight and will def take your suggestions into the project!
Wash it very clean. Use a primer with a base color such as gray. Use a wadded bag or sponge or paper towel and "sponge paint" on 2 or 3 more colors. Finish with a NON YELLOWING polyurethane to protect it. I would practice on a piece of old laminate first (the home improvement stores may have a piece they discarded). Here is one example, but if you click on "explore projects" then "paint" then "indoors" then "counters" you can find many more types. I am getting ready to do a faux slate one in a year or two and this is how I will do mine. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/faux-marble-painted-countertops-13687018
Thanks to you and other hometalkers for all your advice, insight and instructions! Yes, I've been researching my brains out and have come to a decision on which product I will use: Stone Coat Countertops.
Thank you Nancy. That is good to know. I've been doing lots of research and the Giani got great reviews. Most of the reviews, however, comment right after they've done the project. So I couldn't learn how well it holds up after living with it for a while.
I answered before, but since you are wanting a very hard stone-like surface, I recommend "Rock-Solid" an epoxy type finish that is often used on concrete floors in garages or homes. My daughter & hubby did this in their home on the kitchen counters and it was a beautiful fill in until they had the budget for quartz. It comes in pearly white, grey and cherry red. They used the grey on the counters and they used the red in the garage, though it turned out to be an orangey color, likely due to the grey cement beneath. It is like a glossy glass finish and is beautiful in its own way. A modern/industrial look that is easy to clean and I believe food safe. The product is a Rustoleum product you can find at home improvement stores.
Wow thank you! Now I don't know which one to pick! Lol I really appreciate your help with this. Rustoleum is an awesome product, so I will definitely check it out.
I was wondering if you could help me with something -- I have an entirely oak kitchen. I know it's the rage now to paint or gel stain cabinets. I've been considering ...
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I'm one of those odd-bods who's not necessarily a fan of granite. ;-) Have you used Rustoleum's Countertop Paint? I like the look of one color countertops...somethi...
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Hi Annette, there are several kits on the market you can purchase to do just what you are wanting to do. I suggest first searching right here on Hometalk by entering "painting laminate" "painting countertops", or some such search words into the box on the home page. There are many posts with people showing the step-by-step process they've used successfully. Some just use acrylic paints to sponge on the faux look they want, then apply a clear food-safe sealer for lasting use. This is a great way to customize and get the exact stone look you want for your kitchen. Unique and satisfying to accomplish diy.
When you buy your plastic laminate painting system that includes the bonding primer, you’ll want to buy two or more similar colors of the topcoat special paint.
The easiest pattern for a beginner, is to buy a faux marble/granite roller cover that looks like a sponge. It can be used over and over again for a decade, like I have used mine.
After you’ve prepped the top, then apply the primer, per the instructions. Let dry.
Then apply a solid base color. Let dry.
Without oversaturating the sponge roller, roll-on a second color making sure that you get a granite or stippled effect. You’ll have to hand stipple-in the inside corners next to the backsplash. Let it dry. You can hand fill in little “holiday” spots later or now.
If you want to learn how to do a rolled rag process called “ragging,” then I would practice on something else, not your finished product. Essentially it’s smudging the finish while it is still wet. That’s more marble like and less granite like.
If you don’t want to learn how to do that right now, then I would look at mixing a third color out of the two previous colors.
You can balance out the stippling with the intermediate color.
Or you could hand paint in veins like in marble but as mentioned, they will need to be smudged a bit to make them look real.
A common challenge is that if the two primary colors have too much contrast, it’s going to look unrealistic.
If this worries you, have made some sample colors (latex paint) that are $3 for 8 Oz. These are every day paint samples, not plastic laminate samples.
What one would do is practice rolling these onto a piece of white card stock or other hard surface paper.
Plop the giant sample card down on the counter and walk away from it and look at it from a distance, with your eyes squinting.
Rustoleum, Daich, or Giani countertop paint kits.
Wash it very clean. Use a primer with a base color such as gray. Use a wadded bag or sponge or paper towel and "sponge paint" on 2 or 3 more colors. Finish with a NON YELLOWING polyurethane to protect it. I would practice on a piece of old laminate first (the home improvement stores may have a piece they discarded). Here is one example, but if you click on "explore projects" then "paint" then "indoors" then "counters" you can find many more types. I am getting ready to do a faux slate one in a year or two and this is how I will do mine. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/faux-marble-painted-countertops-13687018
Faux Marble Painted Countertops
We used Giani. It turned out great and is holding up well after 2 years.
I answered before, but since you are wanting a very hard stone-like surface, I recommend "Rock-Solid" an epoxy type finish that is often used on concrete floors in garages or homes. My daughter & hubby did this in their home on the kitchen counters and it was a beautiful fill in until they had the budget for quartz. It comes in pearly white, grey and cherry red. They used the grey on the counters and they used the red in the garage, though it turned out to be an orangey color, likely due to the grey cement beneath. It is like a glossy glass finish and is beautiful in its own way. A modern/industrial look that is easy to clean and I believe food safe. The product is a Rustoleum product you can find at home improvement stores.
Hi Janice,
Wow thank you! Now I don't know which one to pick! Lol I really appreciate your help with this. Rustoleum is an awesome product, so I will definitely check it out.