Remodelaholic | Painted Formica Countertop

Painted Formica Countertop

My UGLY formica counter tops have been simply SCREAMING for an Ambush Makeover!  However since I couldn’t take them on a aircraft to the In the present day Present so Kathie Lee and Hoda might work their magic, in the end, the accountability fell to me!  Yikes!

I eliminated the purple, inexperienced and plaid wallpaper – really it wasn’t as dangerous as you may suppose.  The border was blue and purple and inexperienced hydrangeas so it actually was fairly pretty.  I used to be on a inexperienced and black and white damask kick so I figured – why not?

As soon as I acquired the partitions and ceiling painted, the counter tops caught out like a sore thumb.   I didn’t need to get new formica and I definitely couldn’t afford a brand new granite countertop- what’s a lady to do when confronted with a conundrum of epic proportions?  GOOGLE!

Here’s what I used to be confronted with:  Not utterly horrible I’m completely considering Nate Berkus would simply be dropped at tears.

BEFORE! YUCKY!

So, I started researching (I at all times analysis) and picked out a “granite” coloration I feel I want to attempt.  Alas, I used to be prepared!   As if by magic – right here is the outcome!  Drumroll please….  CrAzY, proper?  Sure – it’s that incredible and unbelievable! 

AFTER! YAY!

Okay, so you may see the earlier than and after photos, however what in regards to the dreaded “in-between”?? LOL The price was about $115 for all of the counter tops and I nonetheless have one field left for the backsplashes.

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HOW TO PAINT FORMICA COUNTERTOPS DIY

Supplies:

1. Prepare Your Space

Firstly, I removed the wood backsplash and washed down the countertops so they were very clean.  It is a good idea to use a rubbing alcohol or ammonia to remove any grease and all buildup on your countertops.

Now is the time to to cover and protect your cabinets, sink, stove edges etc.  Using Painters tape, tape off all edges, and cover all surfaces around countertops to protect the cabinets from drips overspray etc.

2. Prep the Countertops

Depending on the state of your old countertops you may need to fill any holes or scratches that you find.  After the filler is dry now is the time to sand your counters, to help the paint adhere.  Be sure to use proper masks.  After sanding wipe your surface thoroughly to make sure you don’t have any dust or dirt that will interfere with adhesion of paint.

Caulk any cracks if you have removed the backsplash (so epoxy doesn’t leak behind or into the back of your cabinets)

3. Prime

Then I simply used a small sponge roller and painted on a white bonding primer which I made gray by mixing in black paint.  Here is a picture of the gray primer just rolled on.

4. Base Coat of Paint

Next add your base coat paint.  (If you want paint kits, check out this post), this will be the main background color.  I simply bought a quart of Rustoleum flat black paint and used my paint roller for the first coat and it was wonderful.  If you need to add a second coat, do that now before adding the texture.

TIP: I made a mistake initially on this step;  I covered the cabinets and everything in sight courtesy of the Chicago Tribune!  I then had the brainiac idea that I would use stone texture spray paint! NEGATORY! It was awful. It worked for others but not for me. So I had to sand that off and begin again.  Don’t try it!  Spray painting in the kitchen… BAD IDEA!

5. Add Texturizing Paint for a Granite Look

For a granite look you need to add texture (we have a marble painted countertop version here) this adds a realistic granite look and some bling!

So, I purchased a can of metallic silver paint and a sea sponge and simply had some fun. I sponged on the silver and then sponged on the black over it and repeated this process until I had a granite look with a little bit of pop!

To help add shine, I took the Martha Stewart black glitter and sprinkled it everywhere while the paint was still a little tacky.

How awesome did this look – I was really getting excited that this just might work! Fingers crossed!

Just sponging on silver metallic paint – its almost impossible to mess up!

6 Adding the Topcoat Epoxy

Then came the final step which had me a little nervous. The final poly coat. I researched this quite extensively to make sure these chemicals could be around food and anything breathing. I am very conscious about chemicals, volatile organic compounds (vocs) and such due to my cancers.

Everything I read about Envirotek was fantastic. No issues and no dangers. So, I purchased just a few containers at HOBBY LOBBY with my 40{018b9c9b9c1c7e71cb8e57a72038db3301d139261c2eb899b405c68c906137d4} off coupon and was able to go!

Envirotek and Martha Stewart Black Onyx Glitter – it’s like sugar mud!

You should definitely learn the producer’s directions earlier than beginning so you could have a transparent understanding of what you could to.

You should definitely examine in your cupboard coverings and protections.  I put plastic over the cupboards and cardboard on the ground. I blended the 2 bottles and poured it on. Use disposable buckets and sponge brushes – you’ll throw the whole lot away – even your garments as a result of it’s so sticky.

It was really kinda enjoyable to maneuver it round after which merely let it dry. I had my blowtorch able to burst the little bubbles that may type and I solely needed to apply it to just a few. It was attractive and I knew it was nonetheless moist however I had no thought it look nearly the identical when it could remedy utterly dry and arduous as a rock and so sturdy!!

I couldn’t think about so little effort and cash might make SUCH a distinction! I WISH I had hundreds for actual granite however I don’t! So this completely works for me! I adore it and I nonetheless should do my backsplashes however I do know it might probably solely get higher!

At all times cowl cupboards – particularly WHITE cupboards!

Lastly completed at 3 o’clock within the morning. Takes about 24 hours to dry and about 3 days to utterly set and remedy.

Listed here are two extra units of BEFORE n AFTER photos. That is the smaller counter which is the one with which I began as a result of I assumed it could be simpler to experiment on being contained. (Truly, this space isn’t readily seen, so if it was a practice wreck, it wouldn’t have been AS noticeable!) 🙂

I do know there are two lacking handles – I’m nonetheless engaged on the {hardware} though I like these so much!

I switched out the tap and {hardware} for vibrant chrome and painted the wooden trim to match the cupboard.

Strive it! Do it! You gained’t remorse it! And you can be so happy with your self when it seems spectacular and other people suppose it’s actual granite kitchen counter! That’s the better part! 🙂

It’s like several kitchen counter tops and must be cared for. You can not put scorching pots on it and it might probably scratch however you merely have to make use of reducing boards and trivets such as you would with actual granite to guard it from stains, and so on. If the scratches are deep you may at all times cowl them with one other coat. Good luck!

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