Goodbye, Dated Countertops: A Smarter Way To Give Them A Cheap Refresh

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If your kitchen's feeling a little drab these days, it's possible to give the space a an easy refresh without spending a fortune or hiring a contractor. With a little time, elbow grease, and the right materials, you can make your kitchen countertops look brand new by painting them. It's a clever way to update a dated kitchen without renovating. Both laminate and tile countertops can be painted, and if you want a more upscale look and are feeling artistic, you can even paint your countertops to mimic real marble or use a kit designed to give them the look of granite.

While there's an easy way to know if your countertops need replacing, replacing them may not be in the budget. Luckily, there's an affordable fix. For under $150, simply pick up a counter painting kit and get to work. You can also use a water-based acrylic paint for laminate counters or, if your countertop is tile or granite, opt for an epoxy coating. However, most experts agree that painting granite and quartz countertops isn't a good idea, so be sure to research whether your countertop is suitable before getting started. 

Before you begin, you'll need protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask. If you're not using a kit, you'll also need a primer, a water-based acrylic paint, and a high-gloss acrylic topcoat, plus other painting basics like sandpaper, painter's tape, paint rollers, and a tray.

Refreshing your laminate countertops with paint just requires a few simple steps to help the finish last as long as possible. Start by deep cleaning the countertop with soap and water, followed by a degreaser to remove any grime that could keep the paint from adhering. Next, lightly sand the laminate to prepare the surface for paint. Remove any dust and make sure the countertop is completely dry before you start painting. Once you're ready, apply a coat of primer and let it dry overnight. 

Your countertop paint job will likely need two coats of paint. While you want to be generous with the amount of paint you use, you'll also want to make sure each coat goes on smoothly without air bubbles or bumps. Let the countertops dry thoroughly between coats, then allow the two coats of paint to dry for a few days before sealing. 

The last step of this project is to seal the countertops with an epoxy topcoat or a glossy resin. Two coats of this will add longevity to your countertops, helping your hard work last for years rather than months. The curing process may take up to two weeks, so you'll want to avoid using the countertops during that time. If you're looking for a way to refresh your kitchen without a full remodel, consider this affordable approach that will transform and revitalize countertops instantly.