TikTok Shares What To Expect One Year After Painting Your Formica Countertops

Renovating when you're trying to save money is one of the most stressful processes, which is why people are turning to more cost-effective alternatives when it comes to upgrading their countertops. One of the best materials to paint for a countertop renovation is laminate, and because Formica falls under this umbrella, that means these surfaces should do well with a couple layers of color to disguise whatever it is you don't like about them. While paint adheres to and covers this material nicely, the biggest question might be: what's the lasting power of this inexpensive and relatively simple upgrade? After all, it's fine and dandy to slather a few coats of pigment on your counters, but will they hold up after you prep, place, cook on, eat off of, or even drop hot cookware on them or mistakenly slice them? TikTok has the insight, and it seems that with the right combination of paint and epoxy, your surfaces will withstand the daily wear and tear they are made for. 

According to @something.renewed on TikTok, a year after painting her countertops, they are still in great condition, with only a few minor chips and scuffs. These happen to even the sturdiest of materials and can't always be avoided. However, considering how much action your kitchen countertops get, these results are impressive and reassuring for those who want to paint rather than renovate. Since you can paint your laminate (and Formica) countertops and all signs seem to say they last, why not give it a try for a temporary (or long term) upgrade?

If you decide to paint your countertops, it's important to follow steps that will ensure the paint doesn't chip, warp, or become scratched over time. This is where the epoxy comes in, because it helps seal the pigment, as well as adding a gloss that makes your countertops look more traditional and less dull. Your surfaces have a lot of interactions with heat, heavy or sharp items, and even foods that carry bacteria throughout the day. Laminate itself is not porous, but most paints are. 

While epoxy isn't a fix all, it can help maintain the finish of your countertops after you paint. Use an epoxy-based paint to avoid damage and bacteria sinking in to your pigment, and then use an epoxy coat to seal everything in ... and out. One downside to painting and sealing your countertops is that you need to wait between a week and a month for them to cure. However, it's worth the wait, as your counters will last against daily use, and that makes the time well worth it.