Check out these tips.
Well, I did it! I started with an upstairs bath that no one would have to see if it turned out really ugly, but I am just tickled. I couldn't have done it without you guys. Thanks for all the advice. For those still contemplating it, get the torch! I let someone talk me out of it, big mistake. I nearly hyperventilated trying to get the bubbles out, finally resorted to my hairdryer, then decided to give up, let it dry and sand them out before the next coat.
I used an epoxy paint from Home Depot on the sink. It's hard to work with, but worth the end result. A couple tips:
Before and after photo:
I want to say that this site is awesome! I don't know how to get more than one pic on at a time so I will do this in parts so you can see it all. I did 2 bathroom vanities and my kitchen.
I waited a week before I sat anything on them but I don't think I would have had to. It says on the can that "normal walking" can be done after 3 days. Remember, you can put water based stuff over oil but you cannot put oil based over water. You will get bad results if you do.
The pics I have don't really show how pretty they actually are. They shine beautifully and I am using them like I would normal counters. My friends love them and want me to do theirs!
Let me begin by saying that all these posts were the most helpful information I found or my project. I've lived in my house for 13 years with country blue countertops that I've hated since day one.
Well I finally got done with my project thanks to all your post on this page. I was so leery of doing this but it came out awesome.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Can you use the counter tops that are painted the same way as the original Formica top? Or are there restrictions?
By Maria Strickland from Miramar, FL
It all depends. I have sold paint for 10 years and have yet to find a "paint" that is great for counter top durability. Scratches tend to show very easily on a smooth painted surface, so your counters will need to be painted quite often to maintain their appearance.
One product I have found that works great, is a granite counter top paint. The variation in color hides scratches and blemishes in the counter.
I got mine at http://www.granitepaint.com
Let me know if you have any other questions, I would be glad to help.
If you do end up just painting the counters, make sure you use an enamel finish, either satin or gloss in sheen.
The easy answer is that paint simply is not as durable as laminate. That is why people have laminate counters. Some of the suggestions from others may be a better alternative to just painting the laminate.
Can anyone tell me how to not get brush strokes in my poly coat when painting laminate counter tops?
Sharen
When I painted my laminate cupboard doors I was advised to buy a small sized roller specifically designed for enamel/gloss paints, it did a great job and brush strokes were not a concern. An added bonus was that the job was done much more quickly.
I've found using a foam painting brush eliminates streaking. Give it try. Jan, UK
I painted my laminate countertops. I sanded and primed. I painted with acrylic paint sponged to look like marble. It looked great. I painted with Minwax spar urethane clear gloss.
There is one problem - the marblizing colors are coming off. What am I doing wrong? I am letting it dry completely between coats. Please help.
You might have used the wrong sealer. Some recommendations are EnviroTex Lite or Super Glaze.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
I am looking for DIY kit for painting my laminated countertop to look like a marble countertop. Please help.
By Regina James from Lawrenceville, GA
I just finished a Giani countertop in my bathroom and there was virtually no smell. Even the poly coat at the end was very low fume. My bathroom didn't have a window, so I just ran the vent fan and it was fine. Get the kit, you'll love it. (10/14/2010)
By Susan
This was my first attempt at Giani Granite in our small guest bath. The Giani was simple and easy. The bowl treatment is giving me some issues. I still think it looks great and am working on getting the Envirotex part just right. I wanted to start with a small project before I did our kitchen and I am ordering two more kits for that project. The Giani was super easy and fun and I am completely "not" craft/artsy at all! You can do it! (10/14/2010)
By Susan
My "before" picture. Our kids called this "the scary bathroom"! (10/14/2010)
By Susan
I was wondering if the Gianni Kit for countertops has a strong odor. Do any of the applications have a strong odor?
By Reggie from Baltimore, MD
Yes, they all (meaning any countertop paints) have a strong odor. It's important to do them with adequate ventilation. I recently have redone my countertops with the Rustoleum countertop paint and it was very strong. My other suggestion, from experience it when you paint the counter tops, be very careful with canned goods. If they fall out of the cabinet, it will chip your finish and you will have to do touch up in those spots! Here are before pictures and then the next post of an after. (10/29/2010)
By Amy
How safe is it to apply?
GIANI granite countertop surfaces are safe, water-based polymers and minerals that require the same basic precautions as most water-based coatings.
1) How much does it smell?
GIANI water-based minerals emit less odor than ordinary latex house paint.
2) Does it contain any lead?
No, GIANI does not contain any lead.
As a public service, all paint manufacturers have placed notices on their cans to warn consumers if they are removing old house paint to make sure the old house paint does not contain lead.
3) Is it safe for food?
Yes, once GIANI fully cures, in approximately two weeks, it's safe for incidental food contact.
Note, as with all countertop surfaces, all cutting and chopping food preparation should be done on a cutting board. And if food or liquids are spilled on GIANI, its polymers lock them out for easy removal.
(11/03/2010)
I would like to know how to paint kitchen counter tops.
