An economical alternative to replacing laminate countertops is to paint over them. Your results will be surprisingly nice if you prepare the surface thoroughly and use a durable oil-based paint and primer. Materials: Trisodium phosphate
Sandpaper
Painter's tape
Oil-based primer/sealer
Oil-based paint in three colors: we used ivory as a base coat and accented with light gold and ivory
Sea sponge
Oil-based polyurethane
Paper toweling
Paintbrushes
Rubber gloves
Rags
Tack cloth
- Tape off the sink or remove it completely.
- Clean the existing laminate countertop well with a solution of trisodium phosphate. Protect your hands with rubber gloves.
- Sand the laminate to create a rough surface for the paint to cling to, and wipe clean with a tack cloth.
- Apply a coat of oil-based primer. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Apply a coat of ivory oil-based paint to the countertop.
- Sponge-paint complimentary accent colors on the countertop for a soft, mottled look. Pour a small amount of each accent paint onto a plastic plate. Dip the sea sponge into light-gold paint, dab off the excess on a paper towel, and lightly sponge paint onto the countertop (figure A). When the first coat is dry, dab on the lighter-colored accent paint (figure B).
- When the final coat has dried for 24 hours, seal the surface with a nonyellowing oil-based polyurethane.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Book of Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation
Time Life Books
Website: www.timelife.com
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