Formica is a well known manufacturer of laminate countertops. Like all countertops, over time they can degrade, or after doing a partial or complete kitchen renovation the color no longer matches. Today, I will explain if it’s possible to paint over a Formica countertop, and if it’s a good idea.
As a general rule, you can paint over Formica countertops. Painting a Formica countertop can restore a countertop that has wear and tear without replacing it completely. It’s also cheaper to paint over a Formica countertop than to replace it.
The main reason to paint a Formica countertop rather than replace it, is it’s much more cost effective. But, painting it does require a bit of know-how to get the best finish. Below, I will cover how to paint a Formica countertop, and reasons for and against painting a Formica countertop.
Can You/Should You Paint over Formica Counters (How To)
A Formica countertop can have some wear and tear, or the same color or finish can get a bit boring to look at after a while and it’s time to change it. Countertops are unique because they get a significant amount of wear and tear, and therefore, they need to have a resistant finish. So, here’s whether it’s possible to paint a Formica countertop and if it’s a good idea.
In general, you can paint over a Formica countertop. It’s more cost effective than replacing the entire countertop. The general procedure is to lightly sand the surface, then apply a primer, paint, and then a glossy finish.
Before doing that any cracks or imperfections in the countertop should be addressed. The reason is they will show through after it has been painted. Further below are instructions for how to remove any imperfections in a Formica countertop before painting it.
Can You Paint over Formica Countertops?
A countertop is a heavily used part of the kitchen that does get a bit of wear and tear. The finish on a Formica countertop is designed to withstand this, but paint finishing is a bit different to the finish on a Formica countertop. So, here’s a rundown of whether you can paint over a Formica countertop.
As a general rule it’s possible to paint over a Formica countertop. It’s very simple to do and you can paint one very similar to how you would any other surface. The main difference is you need to sand the counter top first before applying the primer.
A good finish that looks almost identical to a Formica countertop finish is achieved by applying a gloss as the final coat. The main thing that needs to be done before painting a Formica countertop is to get the surface smooth and flat. There is no info on the official Formica website about whether you should or shouldn’t paint over a Formica countertop.
This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/16/2022.
However, Formica is virtually identical to other types of laminate countertops. Many people have successfully painted over their laminate and Formica countertops and are really happy with the results. As shown in various videos on Youtube.
The main thing to be aware of is to use the right type of paint so that the finish lasts for an incredibly long time. Below, I explain the best type of paint to use to paint a Formica countertop.
Should You Paint over Formica Countertops?
Another key consideration when it comes to painting a Formica countertop is whether it’s a good idea, or if it’s best to get a brand new countertop. Here’s if you should paint over a Formica countertop.
As a general rule, you should paint over a Formica countertop. But, this is only if you want to create a new look for your countertop, or it is slightly damaged. Painting over a Formica countertop is cheaper than removing and installing a brand new Formica countertop.
In general, if the sides of your laminate countertop are splitting and coming apart it’s best to replace your Formica countertop. And is a case where you should try to paint over it. Also, Formica countertops come in a range of finishes that look like real stone like marble.
These can not be achieved by painting, and it’s best to get a new Formica countertop. Before painting your Formica countertop you will need a range of different products. Here’s what they are:
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on July 16, 2022.
What Tools and Preparation Are Needed?
There are a few preparatory steps required before painting a Formica countertop. But, here’s a list of virtually everything you will need.
- 220 grit sandpaper
- A sanding block
- Painters tape
- A 9 inch (220 mm) paint roller
- 9 inch (220 mm) paint roller covers – to match your roller
- A paint tray
- Acrylic water based primer for glossy surfaces
- Acrylic water based primer for countertops
- High gloss water based top coat paint
- Mineral spirits
- A high quality trim brush
- Rubber gloves
There are also special paints designed for painting laminate countertops. You can get these if you prefer. Typically, it’s best to consult with the reps at your paint store about what the best paint is to use.
As there are always new products coming on to the market. To prepare a Formica countertop to be painted the area first needs to be perfectly smooth and flat. As any imperfections in the countertop will show through after it has been painted.
Any visible scours, scratches or burn marks should be repaired first. This means you can also require a few other items to repair your laminate countertop prior to painting it.
What Type of Paint to Use for a Formica Countertop?
There are countless types of paint that are used in a range of different applications. Some are more suited to painting surfaces in and around the home, whereas, others are created for a very specific purpose. Here’s what type of paint should be used to paint a Formica countertop.
In general, a water-based acrylic, primer, paint, and top coat should be used to paint a Formica countertop. They provide the hard surface a heavy use area like a countertop needs. However, there are specialist paints designed specifically for countertops as well.
At the end of the day, both will achieve virtually the same finish. Provided, you use a gloss paint as the final coat.
Interestingly, a gloss finish takes 12 days to completely dry. So, after you have painted it you will need to be careful when using your countertop for the first 12 days.
This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/16/2022.
How to Paint over Formica Countertops
Painting a Formica countertop does require a few key steps to make sure the finish comes out perfect. This is a summary of how to paint a Formica countertop.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on July 16, 2022.
In general, you can paint over a Formica countertop. It’s more cost effective than replacing the entire countertop. The general procedure is to lightly sand the surface, then apply a primer, paint, and then a glossy finish.
The steps involved in painting a Formica countertop are:
- Prepare the countertop to be painted
- Tape off the edges
- Apply the primer
- Apply the first coat of paint
- Apply the second coat of paint
- Apply the gloss finish
Preparing your Formica countertop to be painted requires removing any imperfections, shown in the video above. After that the surface needs to be sanded using 240 grit sandpaper. This allows the primer to adhere better to the countertop.
After sanding it, wipe the entire surface down with mineral spirits to remove any dust. Wait for the mineral spirits to dry and then run your hand over the entire surface to make sure it’s smooth and there isn’t any dust. Next tape off the areas using painters tape. This includes where the countertop meets the backsplash, around the sink, and anywhere else you don’t want the paint to go. When doing so, make sure the painters tape is completely stuck down.
If paint gets where it shouldn’t it’s a big job to remove it. Also, it’s a good idea to put newspaper or a plastic sheet on the floor and front of the cabinets in case some drips get on it. When applying any of the paint layers, do it all in one go, and don’t pause for more than a small amount of time to refill the roller tray with more paint.
If you allow the paint to dry in between it will create a visible line where you stopped painting. This is known as keeping a wet edge.
Paint as much as you can with a roller, and fill in any areas that it can’t reach using your trim brush. Paint in long even strokes from front to back. Apply one layer of primer and give it 6 hours to dry.
This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 07/16/2022.
Then apply the paint using the same guidelines above, allow it to dry for 4 hours or more. Then apply the second coat of paint. After that, apply a layer of the gloss.
Allow this to dry for 4 hours. Then apply the second layer of gloss. Before using your countertop, wait for 24 hours.
Overall, you can paint a Formica countertop. The cost of the materials, and the labor is cheaper than replacing the entire countertop. It’s reasonably easy to paint a Formica countertop, but it does require a few days to allow the layers of primer, paint, and gloss to dry in between coats.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on July 16, 2022.