Painting counter tops

Today’s color dilemma…

I have a countertop in my bathroom that is covered with ugly contact paper. I cannot afford a new counter right now. Is there a paint I could use to cover it with? –Elizabeth

Kate suggests…

It is possible to paint over a laminate counter top and while it isn’t the ideal solution it can be done. I painted over a hideous countertop because it was going to be awhile before I was able to remodel a bathroom and it was a cost effective way to eliminate the problem.

Just understand before you get into it that it is a multi-step process that requires patience to produce a nice end product and the surface will not be as durable as the original one so you need to take extra care to keep it looking nice.

So if there is laminate underneath the contact paper forge ahead but first you’ll have to remove the it since I would not recommend painting over the contact paper.

I don’t have much experience with removing contact paper but have listed a couple of links under resources that I think you will find helpful in tackling that step. Hopefully you can get it off without too much of a headache.

Once the contact paper is completely removed. Here are the steps for painting:

1. Start by thoroughly cleaning the counter.
2. Once it has dried wipe it down with denatured alcohol.
3. Then sand the entire surface to give it a bit of tooth to hold the paint. I would recommend using 120 grit sandpaper but don’t sand it with so much pressure that you leave deep scratches. You are just trying to return to rough it up a bit.
4. If the surface is chipped you will need to fill them in with filler. I use the Minwax two-part product but whatever one you use make sure it is the toughest, most durable one they make that can be sanded smooth but will hold up. When you do this make sure you have plenty of time because you will need to fill, let dry for fifteen to 20 minutes and then sand. If you allow it to dry much longer it will be almost impossible for to do by hand (as I have learned through experience…oops!)
5. Next prime the surface with an oil-based sealer that is tinted to match your top coat.
6. Finally, paint the surface with an oil-based paints. Keep in mind you are going for ’smooth’ so applying two light coats (rather than one heavier one) using a small roller with a short nap will give you the best results.  UPDATE: I haven’t tried this but reader Jen R recommends a super-dense, white foam roller that will leave an ultra smooth finish.. smoother than a short napped roller or a soft bristle brush and almost as smooth as spraying.  Sounds like a good suggestion and I will try thing myself next time.

I have seen instructions for using latex paint but I haven’t ever used that because my research didn’t give me confidence it would hold up as well or give me as good a finished look but it is another option you could look into.

Resources:

• Instructions for removing contact paper from essortment.com
• More help with removing contact paper from refinishfurniture.com