The Best Way To Prep Laminate Countertops Before Painting

If you are considering putting your home on the market and want to maximize its value, experts may recommend that you replace laminate countertops in your kitchen before selling the house. Laminate countertops are inexpensive and easy to install, which makes them a popular choice. However, they don't have the durability found with granite and quartz countertops, which are more popular with potential home-buyers.

If you don't have the cash on hand for quartz or granite countertops, which average $70 to $80 per square foot for installation, you should consider the far cheaper option of upgrading your laminate countertops without replacing them. One of the most popular options is to paint the countertops. Painting them is easier to do as a DIY project than other upgrade methods; you can paint them a solid color that's more interesting than the laminate finish — and that hides blemishes.

However, before you slap a coat of paint on the layered plastic that makes up the laminate countertop, you need to take some preparation steps. If you fail to prepare, the paint may not adhere to the surface properly. You may notice the paint peeling and scratching easily after a few months if it doesn't adhere correctly. Learn more about the best way to prepare your laminate countertop before you begin painting it.

Nearly anyone can paint a laminate countertop, even if you don't have a lot of experience with DIY projects. However, it's important to use the right technique for preparing the surface. Being in a hurry could give you poor results.

You should thoroughly clean the laminate countertop before you attempt to paint it. Over time, oil and grease buildup is common with a kitchen countertop, due to splatters while cooking on the nearby stovetop. Oily spills can also collect on the laminate. Grease buildup may turn the laminate a yellowish color. Removing any greasy or oily layers is critical for proper paint adhesion. The best way to remove oily and greasy grime from a laminate countertop is by using a degreaser cleaner.

Finally, you should scuff the laminate material with sandpaper due to its semi-gloss coating. Scuffing this finish gives the paint something to "grip" as you apply it. Using coarse sandpaper can improve the adhesion of the paint (coarse sandpaper has a grit rating of 40 to 80). After using the sandpaper, you should use a damp cloth to pick up any dust you generate from sanding. You may want to go over it more than once to ensure a clean surface. Allow the damp surface to dry before attempting to paint it.

Before applying the desired final paint color to the laminate countertop, you should perform a few more prep steps. Remove all appliances, dishes, and other items near the laminate countertop surface, just in case you splatter paint. Cover nearby floors, walls, and countertops with plastic sheets. Use painter's tape to protect items you cannot cover or move.

After preparing the surface, you should apply primer paint across the primary surface area. You can apply the primer with a roller, though you may want to switch to a small paintbrush to reach into the corners, and to feather the paint on the edges. Using a water-based acrylic primer usually generates the best results with laminate. Because this type of primer dries hard, it should stand up to the rough treatment that countertops experience in a kitchen. You should have a fan in the area to aid in ventilation. Consider opening windows in the kitchen to help with airflow, too. Even water-based paint will generate some fumes that require ventilation to use safely. 

Allow the primer to completely dry. Follow the instructions on the paint for the time required to dry, which is usually four to eight hours. However, some primers need 24 hours to dry. Wipe down the counter again to remove dust and apply a second coat of primer. After it dries, you're ready to apply your final paint color to the laminate countertops!