Can You Paint Over Laminate Countertops

Three old bedsheetsdropcloths later i was ready to begin.

Can you paint over laminate countertops.

Restore your laminate countertops and give your kitchen or bathroom a whole new look with this simple paint project. Expert advice from bob vila the most trusted name in home improvement home. After the finish coat is dry seal it with a couple of coats of clear acrylic. Laminate generally has a high gloss finish which makes it nearly impossible for paint to adhere to the countertops no matter what type of primer paint or sealant that you use.

Many recommend a water based acrylic primer paint and top coat. The result is a seamless surface that transforms the look of the kitchen. Like my precious floors. Let the first coat of primer dry and then apply a second.

It just removes the surface s slickness. The striations and colors will differ each time you use the product so it s best to tackle the whole kitchen at once so that you develop a relatively consistent pattern. Improperly applied paint will peel off of laminate and melamine creating a bigger mess than you started out with. Use a paint roller to apply the first layer of paint to the countertop.

In small circular motions sand the entire surface of the countertop including any edges with a fine to medium grit sandpaper. The first step to painting laminate countertops is roughing up the surface enough to allow the paint to adhere well. Not only that but the paint would not require priming if i were painting over laminate which i was and would stick to just about anything ittouches so it was important to protect anything i did not want to bond with the paint. We re using 100 grit sandpaper to do that.

Pour some of the freshly mixed paint into a paint tray then dip your roller into the tray to get paint on it. The key is to degloss and roughen the plastic surface of laminate and melamine and to use the right paint or coating products. Some paints call for apply for a primer coat before applying the paint. When the second coat of primer is dry paint over it with a couple of coats of latex satin or semi gloss enamel allowing each coat to dry before painting another.

Others can be used without primer. Changing the dated laminate without the expense of actually replacing the countertops was completely worth it. Simply roll the roller over the countertop to apply a thin layer of paint. You can simply paint over them.

If you want to make a big impact in your kitchen without a big investment consider priming and painting your laminate countertops. This doesn t remove the pattern or color of the laminate countertop.