3 Go-To Bathroom Countertop Paint Colors You Can't Go Wrong With

If you haven't seen the trick to getting the look of new countertops without completely replacing them, you might want to delve into the trend of painting your bathroom counters for a fresh, upgraded finish. While brand-new materials and installation can cost a lot of money and require a lot of time (not to mention an unusable bathroom in the meantime), painting is cheaper and easier and still gives your space the feeling of a revamp. Once you've decided to paint, it's choosing the color that can be tricky. Do you go bright and bold, or do you stick with neutrals that can complement any aesthetic and design? It seems in this case that neutrals are the better choice, as they allow for more options when it comes to decorating. Black, white, and gray are three of the top colors to paint your countertops. By using neutrals, you ensure that no matter how you rearrange or redecorate, your bathroom will look stylish.

You can paint laminate countertops, as well as wood, concrete, and even ceramic with little issue. Some of the worst countertop materials to try and paint include granite, quartz, and solid surfaces that have resin, minerals, and pigment in them, so if you're working with these, it might be better to consider new materials rather than painting. It can take up to 14 days for a countertop paint job to completely cure, so keep this in mind when upgrading.

If you want a more dramatic, bold finish, black is definitely the option for your painted countertops. Chic and timeless, black counters convey a modern sensibility that can pair with a variety of aesthetics. You could lean into a mid-century modern vibe, or play with farmhouse chic, adding gold accents and fixtures along with matte black and white accessories. Throw in natural wood elements to really make the black pop. You can also just use black and white elements, because sometimes simple is best when decorating your home.

The best paints for your countertops include Rust-Oleum Countertop coating from Home Depot ($154), and you can find satin finishes that will give you a seamless surface which looks professionally done. This works with laminate and vinyl materials, so if you're painting over those, make sure to check that your specific brand will properly coat and adhere to your counters. Rust-Oleum also offers a semi-gloss, which will add that touch of shine if you prefer that finish. There are also coatings from brands like Daich, which can give the appearance of granite, and you can find this in black as well, so your counters will still resemble stone without the heavy price tag that comes with new granite countertops. 

White is a classic choice for your bathroom surfaces, so painting your existing counters in any variation of this color will help get a clean, pure vibe that matches any aesthetic you want. Like with black paint, you can opt for satin, semi gloss, or faux granite in white that has different "granule" colors throughout the paint. If you opt for white, your decor options are vast, as white is a true neutral. Add gold and brass fixtures or accents for a modern, sleek finish, or throw wood elements in for a farmhouse feel that could also lean into minimalism as well.

You can also add jewel tones or large, bright prints on the walls and around the room to give it an eclectic feel. With white, however, there can be such a thing as too much, and while monochromatic layouts can work, white can also feel too sterile, blue, and cold. Adding texture through rugs, shower curtains, towels, or even wall hangings will break up the white so that it's inviting and warmer. Neutral prints and patterns or embellishments will help with that, or use black fixtures and wood for a pop of modernity.

Gray falls under the neutral blanket, too, making it a great choice for something a little different but still easy to match the rest of your bathroom to. Some shades can lean into a darker, more moody aesthetic or be brightened up for a more vibrant design. Gray would work well with matte black fixtures, but you can also use silver or gold depending on your countertops. Decide if you want a solid gray finish or maybe a quartz style like Lowe's kits offer. 

A backsplash is a great way to elevate any bathroom. By incorporating similar colors here and with the counter, you will build on the clean finish of the newly painted surface with a complementary textured backdrop. If your bathroom can accommodate a backsplash, you could add white subway tiles or even a patterned tile like the Encaustic Amantus from Home Depot. 

Use wood accessories like soap dispensers or holders, bamboo elements, and other lighter, natural materials that balance out the industrial vibe gray can produce. Once you've finished painting your countertops, you can use a glossy resin or sealant to protect both the paint and your materials underneath. Paints that are best for the bathroom are waterproof, since this space will encounter a lot of moisture. But an extra layer of protection can be beneficial. Which top coat you opt for will vary, so make sure to research the best option and brand for your countertop materials.