Are you bored with your current countertops and planning a switch but confused about what to go for? If yes, we are here to help you make a clear choice and maybe even save a lot of money by making the right decision. If your current countertops are damaged or look old, and you plan to change the whole thing, then let us tell you that the whole process will cost you a lot of money and resources. Apart from this, a new countertop will also require a lot of maintenance.
You probably already have a granite countertop and can switch to marble or go with granite again. Instead of switching, what if we told you that you could actually paint your existing granite countertop and make it look good again? It’s true; you can paint your granite countertop and make it look good again! In this article, we have curated a few ways how you can detail and paint the countertops in the best possible manner.
Let’s get started!
Why You Should Have Painted Countertops?
If your current countertop only looks old but is properly functional, then painting it is the best option. It can give your existing countertop a new look at a much cheaper price. There are plenty of reasons for your benefit to have your countertops painted; some of the prominent ones include the following.
- The process is mainly DIY and easy. Since you have so many color and finish options available, opting for paint might even be a better option. With proper preparation and the right materials, you can transform your countertops without the need for professional assistance.
- Another advantage of the same is that you can make your countertop match the theme of your walls so the whole place looks very uniform and well planned. You can also laminate the countertops to make them look like marble but at a much cheaper price.
- Painted countertops offer a wide range of design possibilities. You can choose from various colors, patterns, and finishes to complement your kitchen décor and create a personalized look which means that you have all the liberty to have as much customization as you like.
- Painting countertops is a relatively fast process compared to other remodeling options. In just a few days, you can complete the project and enjoy a fresh new look in your kitchen. You will have to follow all of the DIY steps carefully, and if you do, you will have a completely fresh kitchen look in no time.
- If you’re not ready for a long-term commitment or planning to renovate your kitchen in the near future, painting countertops provides a temporary solution. It allows you to update the appearance of your kitchen without the permanence of a full renovation. Also, this process is not too expensive, so experimenting with a new look will not cost you a lot of money, and you can figure out if it is really looking the way you want it to look.
- If your existing countertops have minor imperfections or damage, painting them can help hide those flaws. Cracks, stains, or outdated patterns can be easily hidden with a fresh coat of paint. Yet another way to hide the existing flaws of your existing countertop and have a fresh design altogether.
Steps Involved in Painting Granite Countertops
1. Equipment Required for Painting
First, let us make a note of the things that you will need to paint your granite countertops. Protective Eyeglasses and face mask, you need these so you can protect your eyes from any wear and tear flying into your eyes, and you need a face mask as there might be harmful fumes coming out of the various paints and chemicals used. Drop cloth is required so that you do not spoil your floor by spilling any paint or primer.
Apart from that, you will also need a few basic pieces of equipment, which include:
Once you have all of these things, you can move forward with the process. Get a paint kit specifically designed for your surface, or select a paint that is appropriate for the material of your countertops when you’re ready to paint them. Acrylic paints with a water base work nicely for laminate countertops. Granite and tile countertops that have been cleaned, abraded, and primed work well with epoxy coatings.
2. Cleaning the Countertop
No matter the countertop surface, you should prepare it to ensure better paint adhesion. Before using any form of primer, we advise you to properly clean the countertop (with more than just soap and water). Degreasing the countertops is essential, mainly near the stove or sink. Before painting, remove any existing grit, dirt, and oil.
To clean the countertop, use a dish detergent or kitchen cleanser. When using a laminate counter, make sure to fix any damage before sanding the surface to make it ready for a smooth finish. Granite can produce better results if the stone has been scratched before being painted. Remove any extra dust. Before using primer, make sure the surface is completely dry.
3. Applying the Primer
Use a paint roller to evenly apply a coat of priming to your counters before painting. To apply Primer correctly, read the labels on the products. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation and let it dry overnight. The primer is a layer to which the paint sticks, so it is important to evenly spread it and use the correct amount so the finish comes out well.
4. Apply the Paint
Apply two coats of paint with a roller on the countertop. Make sure to uniformly apply thicker paints (like epoxy) to prevent bubbles from appearing on the completed surface. Before applying a second coat, let the first coat completely dry. Also, be sure to follow the instructions on the paint bottle to allow for adequate drying time between applications. Wait a few days and allow the second application to fully dry.
Essential Points to Adhere to Before Painting Countertops
There are a few things to think about when you choose your paint at the hardware store. Before beginning, speak with the professionals because not every countertop can be painted (certain stone types are difficult to paint). Remember that until the paint and top coat are entirely dry, you won’t be able to use the kitchen or bathroom because this is a time-consuming project.
- This project will probably be completed more quickly by a professional, although doing so will increase the project’s cost. Consider the expense of hiring a professional if you are unsure about your DIY skills.
- It is important to understand that painted countertops may require special care and maintenance to preserve their appearance and durability. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could damage the paint. Clean spills properly, use cutting boards to protect the surface, and avoid placing hot pans directly on the painted countertops.
- However, we would still recommend doing the whole project by yourself. The finish will always come out looking great as long as you pick the right materials and follow all of the steps carefully. Yes, this might be a comparatively time taking process than completely changing the countertops, but it will be worth it considering the amount of money you will be saving.
- To tackle the time problem, we would recommend you make a plan before starting the whole painting process so you do not face any challenges if the project takes time.
Conclusion
So are you intrigued by the idea of painting your countertop? While the process may seem too lengthy and tedious, if done correctly, then will be very easy for you. All you have to do is follow the instructions above, and your countertop painting experience will be good to go. You will also be saving a lot of money if you choose to paint your countertops.
We recommend you have a plan, as you will not be able to use your new countertop before the top layer of paint dries off. The whole process will take 3-4 days depending on the amount of ventilation the room has. Painting the countertops brings out the best look of your kitchen and enhances the ambiance with multiple folds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Painting Always a Better Option than Getting New Countertops?
Painting will only be a better option if you want a more customized look on your countertop. Since you can actually do it yourself, you have full control over how the countertop can look. Painting the countertop also saves you the immediate expense of spending a lot of money as it is cheaper.
Can All the Countertops Be Painted?
Yes and No. You can apply paint on any surface, but what matters is if the final finish looks good or not. The stone used in countertops are very thick and come in a lot of different finishes, so we would recommend you ask a professional if it is feasible to paint on the type of countertop you have at your house.
Will the Paint Spoil the Countertop?
As the paint and primer have a lot of chemicals, your existing countertop will obviously not look and feel the same again; that is why we would recommend you only to paint a countertop only once and then eventually change it after a few years.
