How To Give Your Bathroom Countertops A Durable Paint Job

Given that your bathroom is usually the place where you start and end each day, it should be a relaxing space where you can retreat. That's not exactly easy to do, though, if there are certain design elements that don't align with your aesthetic. One thing that can really date your bathroom and affect its overall style is your countertops. Whether it's busy beige granite or basic builder-grade laminate, outdated counters can make your bathroom feel drab or dingy, even when it's clean. Replacing them is always an option, but it can be costly. If it's not in your budget to purchase brand new countertops, don't despair — there's a DIY hack you can use to give them a fresh new look.

The solution? You can paint your bathroom countertops to give them a stylish upgrade. This happens to be not only a super cost-effective way to update your bathroom, but it also allows you to uniquely customize the look of your counters. Simply paint the surface in whatever color you'd like. And if you happen to change your mind a few years down the road and want to switch up the look, you can repaint them in a totally new hue. Though painting your countertops is a fairly easy process, it's not quite the same as painting a wall. If you want to give this DIY method a try, here are a few tips to make the process go smoothly and ensure that your painted countertops turn out beautifully.

The key to a lasting paint job that won't peel or scratch is to use a paint that's specially formulated to be waterproof. A few types would work, including Rust-Oleum Countertop Coating and Beyond Paint Countertops Paint. Other DIYers have also used Rust-Oleum Topside Paint with good results, which is a marine-grade coating.

Start by masking off any areas you don't want painted like the sink and faucet, and scrape off any old caulk. Clean the countertops thoroughly, and then sand them with a fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the dust, and then apply a coat of paint. For the smoothest finish, use a foam brush on the edges and backsplash and a high-density foam roller on the flat areas. Don't worry if it looks splotchy — this type of paint is self-leveling and looks better after subsequent coats. Allow it to dry fully (at least an hour), and follow it with a second and third coat, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Remove any tape, re-caulk around the sink and backsplash, and wait at least 5 days for the paint to cure before resuming regular use.

Craving an elevated look? There are special epoxy kits you could use to paint different finishes that look like marble or quartz. Another option is to apply a glittery clear topcoat over the paint, which creates a lovely iridescent effect. Whatever you choose, painting your countertops is an easy way to cut the cost of your bathroom remodel.