How can I redo a Formica counter top?

  5 answers
  • 17335038 17335038 on Jul 14, 2019

    Formica is one brand name for Laminate.

    While there are kits for painting laminate, keep in mind that the finish is meant to be a temporary decor change only.

    No diy 'redo' can compete with the durability of brand new laminate.

  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Jul 14, 2019

    I used ENVIROTEX resin. Totally ok around food and they use it on bar tops. I painted my kitchen countertops with stone spray and made it look granite like. Then poured envirotex resin on top of it. You might want to make a frame for the sides of the countertop because the edges are tricky to get a smooth finish. But whatever you do, cover the lower cabinets with plastic because when it gets poured, it will drip down off the sides. Follow the directions on the box and you will love the result. For a few years after we did it, people thought it was granite. Good Luck! Then you use a blow torch to get all the bubbles out. Follow the envirotex directions on the box. Google tutorials. It's a great product and our countertops have held up for years now. People ask me if it was real granite. I think we used 5-6 boxes of envirotex for our countertops. Totalling around $300. hope this helps. It definitely has extended our old pink laminate countertops for another 5-6 years before we can afford real granite or quartz. Good Luck!

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jul 14, 2019

    Hi Gayla,

    You don't need a kit to paint a countertop. I do suggest if you want to do a faux granite or marble look that you practice on a piece of wood or tile before you start. The faux granite look is easy. First clean the countertop well using TSP. Let it dry then use a good primer and let that dry too. Next do a coat of "back" paint. I used gray. After that dried, I used pieces of sponge to dab on colors - black, white, dark gray, light gray and gold. You can choose your own colors. Dab with each color, mixing them up (see the website below for more instructions.) Once you have the look you like, use 3-5 coats of sealer for the best protection.


    Check that sealer every year to see if it needs an extra coat. You will have to be careful with this countertop. Do not put anything hot on it without a thick mat because most sealers will not stand up to heat. Also be sure to always use a cutting board. If you take those steps, it should look good for a long time. Just know, though that this is considered a temporary fix and won't hold up as long as a new countertop will. The better you prep and take care of that countertop, the longer it will last. People have had theirs last for years. It will give you time though to save up for a countertop replacement. :) Wishing you the best.


    https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/kitchen/how-to-paint-laminate-kitchen-countertops

  • Heather harman Heather harman on Jul 20, 2019

    www.stonecoatcountertops - all you questions answered. Top EPOXY Specialists