Kitchen Facelift

How to Paint Laminate Kitchen Countertops (page 2 of 3)

Do you want to remodel your kitchen, but can't afford natural stone countertops? Consider using paint to get the high-end look of granite.

By Karin BeuerleinMore in Kitchen

All About…

Step 2: Dab and Blot

After the primer dries for eight hours, you’re ready to apply mineral colors with a sponge. Practice first on a sheet of construction paper to get a feel for making random patterns — you don’t want to make stripes or streaks, just flowing waves of color. This layer needs to dry for at least four hours.

Courtesy of Giani

Step 3: Topcoat

After a light sanding, you’ll apply topcoat as the final step, which will also need four hours to dry. Wait a few more hours before putting anything heavy on the surface, such as a toaster or a microwave. Use your countertop gently and keep it dry for about two weeks to allow it to cure completely.

Courtesy of Giani

Rust-Oleum Kit

Rust-Oleum also makes a countertop redo kit, Countertop Transformations, for a textured surface that mimics the feel of stone. The process uses decorative chips rather than paint and is designed to adhere to laminate countertops, although it will also work on hardwood and metal trim. Kits are sold in the $200 range.

Charcoal

The colored chips are available in several neutral finishes: Pebbled Ivory, Desert Sand, Java Stone, Onyx and Charcoal (shown). The chips are applied to an adhesive base coat, then sanded and covered with clear topcoat. Rust-Oleum’s reminder: If you’re not wild about your kitchen sink, now is an excellent time to replace it.