Painting Countertops – What is the Best Method?

Looking for the best method for Painting Countertops?

If your countertops are in desperate need of a refresh, then you may have considered painted countertops as an alternative to a costly renovation. But is it a good idea to paint your own countertops? And will they last for the long run? The good news is that you don’t have to be a pro to get fabulous-looking countertops quickly and easily.

Painting Countertops is a straightforward process. Simply clean and prep your counters, apply a primer, paint your countertops your desired color, and then seal with a food-safe countertop resin. In this complete step-by-step guide, you’ll learn the best way to paint your countertops and have them look like new for years to come.

How to Paint Your Countertops: Step-by-Step

1. 1. Gather Your Materials.
   2. Clean Your Kitchen Countertops Thoroughly. 
   3. Sand the Counter Surface. 
   4. Prep the Work Area. 
   5. Apply the Primer. 
   6. Paint the Kitchen Countertops. 
   7. Seal with a Countertop Resin Topcoat. 
   8. Maintain Your Countertops.

STEP ONE – Gather Your Materials.

First, get your supplies in order for Painting Laminate Countertops.

While painting your laminate countertops is a relatively straightforward process, it can be a messy and time-consuming chore if you don’t have the right materials or countertop paint from the start. We know you’re itching to get painting, but take a moment or two to ensure you’ve got all the supplies you’ll need. Here’s a list to get you started: 

• • De-greasing Countertop Cleaner
  • 220-grit sandpaper
  • Paint rollers in small and medium sizes
  • Small paint brushes in a few different sizes
  • Paint tray
  • Drop cloth
  • Glossy surface primer
  • A good Countertop Painting Kit
  • High-gloss countertop resin
  • Vinegar (for cleanup)
  • Latex gloves
  • Electric sander (optional)

STEP TWO – Clean Your Countertops Thoroughly.

Remove any dust, dirt, grease, or grime from your countertop surfaces.

One of the most important steps in the process is getting your counters perfectly clean , with no surface stains, grime, or defects that could affect the quality of your paint job.

Use a surface cleaner designed for kitchen surfaces that will remove oils and grease to be sure your countertops get squeaky-clean. After you’re sure that you’ve thoroughly cleaned your countertops, a quick rub-down with a mixture of water and vinegar will ensure there’s nothing left on the surface. 

When you’re sure the countertops are clean, inspect them for any nicks and chips that could lead to an uneven surface in your paint job. Fill the cracks with wood filler or epoxy resin if needed. 

Once you’re ready to paint, be sure to go over the surface of the countertops again with a dust cloth to make sure you don’t trap any dust in the paint and primer. 

STEP THREE – Sand the Counter Surface.

Buff away any scratches, and prep the counters for painting. 

Next, you want to make sure that you completely sand down the countertops. Not only will sanding your countertops help even out the surface, it will also create a porous surface so that the primer will stick to it better. This is a crucial step that shouldn’t be overlooked, so make sure you do a thorough job.  If you have laminate countertops this is especially important.

Choose a very fine grit for your sandpaper (we recommend 220-grit), since it will scuff up the surface without scratching it up too badly. You can use a sanding block and sand the countertops by hand, or you can use an orbital sander, if you like. Either way, be sure to hit every inch of the countertop surface, including corners and any trim. 

After you’ve sanded the countertops down, be sure to vacuum up any dust that could get trapped in the paint or primer. Be sure to use a mask during this step so you’re not breathing in any of these particles. 

STEP FOUR – When Painting Countertops you must Prep your Work Area.

Set yourself up for success.

Before you get started painting your countertops, you want to make sure that you keep the rest of your area as protected as possible. Lay out a drop cloth on any areas where you don’t want to paint. If you don’t have a fabric or plastic drop cloth, consider newsprint or plastic sheets.

Once the main area is covered, use painter’s tape to block off any edges, like on your walls, or near the stove top, and ceramic tile. Make sure that you get any and all edges that you don’t want paint getting onto. Also, double check that the painter’s tape is secured, so there’s no leakage underneath the tape. 

STEP FIVE – Apply the Primer.

Ensure the paint job goes right from the start. 

This may seem like a step that you could skip, but don’t! Primer is a crucial step in the counter painting process because it helps your paint adhere to the countertop surface better. It also helps your chosen color pop with fewer coats. Primer also acts as a sealer on the sanded and porous countertop, to keep your paint from getting soaked in. 

Using a paint roller, apply the primer evenly across the entire countertop. For corners, trim, and hard-to-reach areas, use a small paint brush instead. Just be sure that you don’t add so much to your brush that the paint drips or pools. 

Allow the primer to completely dry, and then add one more coat. Be sure to wait even longer after the second coat is applied to be sure that both coats are completely dry. 

STEP SIX – Paint the Countertops.

Transform your countertops with just a few strokes of a brush and Roller. 

Once you’re sure the counter is properly prepped, it’s time to move on to the next step. Take a fresh paint roller and add your chosen acrylic paint. Roll the paint onto the countertop evenly, making sure to overlap strokes by an inch or so. For corners and edges, use a small paintbrush and apply in a thin, even layer. Follow the recommended dry time on the indoor acrylic paint that you’ve chosen. 

Once the top layer has dried, add your second coat. If the paint coverage still looks patchy or uneven, wait for the second layer to dry and apply a third coat. Never paint over wet paint. After the paint is evenly and thoroughly applied, allow it to cure completely before sealing it. This may take up to a few days, so be patient. 

STEP SEVEN – Seal with a Countertop Resin Topcoat.

Seal and protect your countertops for the long run. 

Sealing your countertop with resin may seem a bit intimidating at first, but it’s not as difficult as it looks. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, make sure you read the specific application instructions for your resin thoroughly. Every brand will be slightly different, so follow the instructions to a T to make sure the resin goes on smoothly and dries well.

The most common method of application is to pour out the resin in small sections of your counter, and then smooth out the resin with a small paint roller. Make sure not to pour out more than you can handle at any one time — you can always add more, but you can’t easily remove the resin once you’ve poured it. Use a blow dryer or heat gun to pop any air bubbles that form.

Wait at least four hours to allow the resin to dry before adding a second coat (you should only need two coats to properly seal the countertop). Repeat the rolling process and make sure there are no bubbles. Wait a full 12 hours before using your countertop, but keep in mind that it may take a full two weeks for the resin to cure completely, so be careful during this period.

STEP EIGHT – Maintain Your Countertops.

Keep your countertops looking like new for years to come.

Now that your countertop is painted, you want to keep it looking good for years to come. So it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to maintain the look and integrity of the resin surface. 

Keeping the countertops clean will go a long way towards preventing stains and scratches, so be sure to clean the counters at least once a day with an all-purpose cleaner. Don’t use brushes or scrapers that could damage the countertop. Instead, go for a wash rag soaked in hot, soapy water. 

Also, protect your countertops from damage with a few simple habits. Use cutting boards and hot pads to protect your countertops from scratches and heat. You may also want to consider adding small felt pads to the bottoms of your appliances, so they don’t cause wear and tear over time.   

Final Thoughts

Hopefully after reading this article, you’ve got a better idea of how to paint your countertops so that they look good as new. With the right materials and a bit of patience, anyone can transform their countertops, regardless of their home improvement experience.

You never know, you may wish to go the full hog and Paint all of your Kitchen Cabinets as well. If so you might like another guide we did on how to paint your cabinets without sanding, it goes through the whole process from start to finish.

Make sure you’ve gathered the proper materials, take your time to prep the counters thoroughly, pay attention to detail, and double-check the instructions.

A little extra consideration will make a huge difference in the overall result. It’s always better to be thorough and to take your time than to rush and end up with subpar results. Trust the process and your skills!

FAQ’s – 

What kind of paint should you use for painted countertops?

An indoor acrylic based paint will last a long time and provides a hard, durable surface for painted countertops. You can also use a water-based acrylic paint if you’re more worried about cleanup, though it may not last as well. I would definitely recommend not using a craft paint at all to paint kitchen countertops. When countertop painting, you get what you pay for when it comes to a quality paint.

Can you paint Laminate Countertops?

Absolutely — Yes you can paint laminate countertops as long as you follow the process outlined above, you should have no problem painting your laminate countertop. Just be sure to properly and thoroughly sand and prime the countertop for best results.  Choosing a quality countertop painting kit will be the key in achieving a quality painted surface.

Do painted countertops chip?

The danger with painted countertops is that if they’re not allowed to dry properly during the painting process, they may be vulnerable to moisture and the paint could chip over time. But if you thoroughly sand, prime, and seal the painted countertops, and allow each coat to completely cure, you shouldn’t notice any chipping. 

Can I paint over wood Countertops?

Absolutely – Yes you can paint your wood countertops. The right countertop painting kit will guide you in the process for all different surfaces. You will need to be aware that they are porous.

Is it a good Idea to paint Kitchen Countertops?

Painting your kitchen countertops can save you thousand of dollars if you were to replace your countertops with laminate counters, or worse, stone counter tops. A painted counter, if done correctly will last a very long time and is a very cost effective way to enhance your existing kitchen countertops.