Painting Countertops

How do I paint countertops?

By Debbie Rogers from Nova Scotia

Answers:

Painting Countertops

Water based Paint: First you'll need to totally clean the countertops with straight rubbing alcohol & paper towels, then prime them with a high adhesive primer like "Zinsser 123" or "Gripper". Use a soft foam roller (not a brush or a regular paint roller). Next paint with 2 coats of Latex or even better, use 100% acrylic paint (also sold at the paint store), then lastly apply 5-7 coats of water based varathane sealer.

Oil Based Paint: Clean counter with alcohol then use Melamine paint (1 or 2 coats) then finish with 2 or 3 coats of oil based varathane. Be sure to keep windows open while you're painting & for 3 or 4 days afterward until the smell goes away. Melamine paint is the best and you'll need no primer if you use it, it's made to paint over Melamine. Melamine is that shiny white or black laminate that's over particleboard in shelves & some furniture, so Melamine paint is very sticky paint. This way is much stronger, but smelly & a hassle. Melamine paint costs more, but you'll save money not having to prime.

The best design is one that's not all one color (like fake marbling) or splattering. This way flaws don't show as easily!

*Always use a cutting board because some paints can be toxic. (05/19/2009)

By Cyinda