Instructions for painting countertops – Forbes Advisor

• Work time: About 10 hours
• Total time: Three to five days
• Competence level: Beginner
• Project cost: $ 7 to $ 15 per square foot

It is commonly believed that painting is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to transform a home. But while most people automatically think of painting walls, paint can also be used to give countertops a makeover. By painting the countertops, rather than replacing them, you can save a lot of money while still getting a new look.

Painting countertops is a good option for countertops in your kitchen, bathroom, bar, or any other part of the house that is aesthetically outdated but still functional. While there are many different types of countertops, the best candidate countertop material for painting is laminate.

In addition to interior acrylic paint, you will also need sandpaper, degreaser, primer, drop cloth, painter’s tape, paint rollers, brushes, and countertop resin. . The process has several stages, which also requires adequate drying time between certain stages. However, the actual DIY skills are basic.

Kits designed to help you paint your countertops may offer more upscale design possibilities, such as a stone or granite look for painted countertops. With countertop paint kits available for under $ 200, the cost to make countertops look like faux granite is a fraction of the cost of replacing countertops with real granite. If you go for a solid paint countertop color, the cost will be even lower. This makes painting countertops a budget-friendly, entry-level DIY job.

Before you start

While painting countertops is a relatively easy DIY job, it’s a tough project to undo. Make absolutely sure you want to paint your countertops before you start. Once you get started, there really isn’t much going back.

To set yourself up for success when painting your countertops, take the time to thoroughly clean, repair and prepare the existing counter surface. Gather your tools and materials, then make sure the instructions are clear before continuing.

When to paint countertops

Assuming your counters are indoors, you can complete this project any time of the year. However, since the counters will be out of service for several days while the project is in progress, it may be ideal to paint the counters at a time of year when you can go without access to the space.

Advantages and disadvantages of painting countertops

Advantages

• An inexpensive way to transform countertops
• DIY project suitable for beginners

The inconvenients

• Hard to undo if you’re not happy with the results
• Relatively time consuming

Security considerations

Good ventilation is the biggest safety concern when painting countertops. If you are unable to ventilate the space while you are working, consider wearing a dust mask.

Tools

• Protective canvas
• Palm sander
• 150 grit sandpaper
• Paint roller
• Paint brushes
• Anti dust mask

Materials

• Degreaser cleaner
• Two-part epoxy putty
• Painter’s tape
• Paint roller covers
• Primer
• Interior acrylic paint
• Countertop resin

Instructions

1. Clean and repair

This time, before you start painting, you have the opportunity to thoroughly clean and repair the countertops. Start by using a degreasing cleaner all over the countertop. Follow up by applying a two-part epoxy putty to any chips or cracks in the countertops. Once the putty is dry, use 150 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.

2. Sand the surface

Using the hand sander on larger areas and 150 grit hand sandpaper to reach the edges and corners of the countertop, lightly sand the surface. The goal here is to help the paint stick to the counter. Avoid over-sanding, which can damage countertops. After sanding, dust off the worktops then wipe with a damp cloth. Allow the surface to dry.

3. Prepare the work area

Use painter’s tape around the edges of the counter so that only the area you want to paint is exposed. Put a drop cloth in place in the work area. Also consider taping drop cloth in place on the cabinets under the counters to protect the cabinets from any paint that may leak out.

4. Apply the primer

Using a paint roller on larger areas and a paintbrush to reach the edges and corners of the counter, apply a coat of primer. Following the drying time instructions for the primer, allow the first coat to dry completely. Apply a second coat of primer and repeat the drying time before continuing.

5. Paint the counters

Using a new paint roller cover over larger areas and a clean paintbrush to reach the edges and corners of the counter, apply a coat of your chosen interior acrylic paint. Following the paint drying time instructions, allow the first coat to dry completely. Apply a second coat of paint and repeat the drying time.

If the paint looks patchy or applied inconsistently in all sections, add a third coat of paint. This is more likely to be necessary if you are painting countertops a lighter color than before.

Allow the paint to dry completely before continuing. For best results, wait several days for the paint to harden, which will minimize the risk of future chips or damage.

6. Seal with countertop resin

Once the paint is dry and cured, help protect it by sealing the countertops with resin. The most specific instructions on how to apply the resin will come from the material manufacturer.

However, the general process of sealing with countertop resin is to pour the resin onto the countertop and then spread it evenly with a fresh paint roller. While the resin is still wet, clean the drops along the edges and pop the bubbles by blowing them out with a straw. Allow the resin to dry and harden according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Maintain

After you step back and appreciate your efforts, keep your painted countertops in good condition for years to come by cleaning the surface with soft rags and mild cleaners. If any paint remains from the project, save it in case you need to touch up any sections in the future.

When to call a pro

While the skills required to paint countertops are quite suitable for beginners, the job can be tedious. If you don’t have the time to finish the job yourself, you may be able to hire a professional painter for the job.