Step By Step Process Of Painting Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are made up of layers of plastic and bounded with Kraft paper, particleboard. The laminate countertops can be fixed in kitchens and bathrooms. The best thing about the laminate Or Formica countertops is that it is not too heavy, inexpensive and can easily be installed without the help of any professional. The life of the laminate countertop is longer if the user takes good care of it. The laminate countertop has a smooth surface and can get scratched easily or gets stained. So don't use the countertop as a cutting board and also avoid keeping hot items on it. You can easily change the appearance of your kitchen by priming as well as painting your existing laminate counters. Go through the below-mentioned steps carefully & achieve the desired result of your work:
Materials Needed
- 220-Grit Sandpaper & Painter's Tape
- 9-Inch Paint Roller & 9-Inch Foam Roller Cover
- Paint Tray & Primer For Glossy Surfaces
- Water-Based Acrylic Paint
- High-Gloss Acrylic Topcoat Paint
- Mineral Spirits & Latex Or Nitrile Gloves
- High-Quality Trim Brush
- Orbital Sander (Optional)
Step 1: Choose Your Supplies
It is highly recommended to use a water-based acrylic primer, paint, as well as a topcoat. Acrylic paint dries in order to provide the hard surface that is necessary when it comes to heavy-use areas like countertops, while water-based acrylic paint gets restored with water and is low on odors. It is important to have proper ventilation in your kitchen while painting irrespective of the type of paint you are using. So, you need to keep the window open or simply turn on a fan. For a dark countertop, ask your paint supplier to mix a tint to your primer well. For smooth surfaces like countertops, a foam roller cover is highly suggested if you are looking for a smooth finish.
Step 2: Sanding
The best option is to sand any surface, including the countertop before you start painting it. With the help of 200 to 220 fine-grit sandpaper, get rid of any imperfections on your countertop as well as backsplash. An electric sander will be very helpful in performing the job much faster. Use a sanding block in order to reach the edges of the counter. As soon as the entire area is sanded, put a little amount of mineral spirits onto a lint-free cotton rag and then get rid of the dust using this rag. Let the mineral spirits dry before running your hands over the surface in order to make sure it’s smooth as well clean. Any dust left on the counter will be rough to the touch as soon as it's painted over.
Step 3: Prep For Painting
After you have sanded as well as cleaned the countertop, cover those areas that you are not going to prime and paint. With the help of the painter’s tape, cover the sink and walls in order to protect them from paint drops. Your tape needs to fully stick to the surface so that there is no chance of paint slipping underneath. You can also protect your walls, floors, or cabinets by covering them using plastic or newsprint.
Step 4: Apply Primer
When you are going to prime and paint the countertops, keep a “wet edge” to your paint application. It is important not to stop priming & painting your countertop in the middle and let the area just painted or primed to dry. Overlay or cover your newest roller strokes an inch or so over the preceding strokes. Put or spread an even coat of primer, protecting the entire surface using full roller strokes from front to back. Use a trim brush for the area around the sink or the small backsplash surface, in order to cover the surface as your wet paint edge encounters it. Proceed from one edge of the counter to the other, protecting the entire area with primer as you move further. Give your primer nearly 6 hours to dry fully.
Step 5: Apply Paint
Now, it is time to apply the paint to your countertop exactly in the same manner as you applied the primer. Keep a wet edge as you proceed from one side to the other side of the counter. Make sure not to allow the painted edge to dry before you roll on the next bit of paint, and cover your paint rolls by about an inch. Give the paint nearly 4 hours to dry before applying a second coat using the same technique.
Step 6: Apply Top Coat
As soon as the final coat of paint has dried completely, spread a final high-gloss topcoat in order to give the counter a bit of shine as well as protection. You can use a water-based acrylic topcoat that is meant to be used on countertops. Roll on the topcoat exactly in the same way as above, keeping a wet edge. As soon as the entire surface is coated and has dried for at least 4 hours, apply a second coat. Two applications of topcoat should be adequate in order to create a beautiful as well as a protected countertop surface. Wait nearly 24 hours after the final topcoat application before you can again use your countertops. The full cure time for a water-based acrylic topcoat is near about 14 days. So, you need to use your countertops smoothly during this period.