Painted Formica Countertop
Well I came upon this group of people at ThriftyFun dot com who had PAINTED their laminate countertop to look like granite. Yes, I said painted! I was VERY apprehensive about painted countertops and undertaking such a drastic measure; however, as I looked at the leprechaun green color complete with honey pine trim and shiny brass knobs which only added to their “splendor”, I thought how much worse can it be?!?
Ok, so you can see the before and after pictures, but what about the dreaded “in-between”?? LOL The cost was about $115 for all the countertops and I still have one box left for the backsplashes.
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HOW TO PAINT FORMICA COUNTERTOPS DIY
Supplies:
- Painters tape
- Paint foam roller and paint tray- this is my favorite kind for a smooth finish
- Drop cloths (I also used newspaper too)
- Filler for any holes or scrapes
- 150-grit Sandpaper
- Proper ventilation mask
- Bonding primer putty
- Base Coat Paint (I tried black spray paint- but don’t!!)
- Texture paint (silver)
- Natural Sea Sponge
- Glitter for shine
- Epoxy topcoat (sealer)
- Heat gun/ blowtorch
1. Prepare Your Space
Firstly, I removed the wood backsplash and washed down the countertops so they were very clean. It is a good idea to use a rubbing alcohol or ammonia to remove any grease and all buildup on your countertops.
Now is the time to to cover and protect your cabinets, sink, stove edges etc. Using Painters tape, tape off all edges, and cover all surfaces around countertops to protect the cabinets from drips overspray etc.
2. Prep the Countertops
Depending on the state of your old countertops you may need to fill any holes or scratches that you find. After the filler is dry now is the time to sand your counters, to help the paint adhere. Be sure to use proper masks. After sanding wipe your surface thoroughly to make sure you don’t have any dust or dirt that will interfere with adhesion of paint.
Caulk any cracks if you have removed the backsplash (so epoxy doesn’t leak behind or into the back of your cabinets)
3. Prime
Then I simply used a small sponge roller and painted on a white bonding primer which I made gray by mixing in black paint. Here is a picture of the gray primer just rolled on.
4. Base Coat of Paint
Next add your base coat paint. (If you want paint kits, check out this post), this will be the main background color. I simply bought a quart of Rustoleum flat black paint and used my paint roller for the first coat and it was wonderful. If you need to add a second coat, do that now before adding the texture.
TIP: I made a mistake initially on this step; I covered the cabinets and everything in sight courtesy of the Chicago Tribune! I then had the brainiac idea that I would use stone texture spray paint! NEGATORY! It was awful. It worked for others but not for me. So I had to sand that off and begin again. Don’t try it! Spray painting in the kitchen… BAD IDEA!
5. Add Texturizing Paint for a Granite Look
For a granite look you need to add texture (we have a marble painted countertop version here) this adds a realistic granite look and some bling!
So, I purchased a can of metallic silver paint and a sea sponge and simply had some fun. I sponged on the silver and then sponged on the black over it and repeated this process until I had a granite look with a little bit of pop!
To help add shine, I took the Martha Stewart black glitter and sprinkled it everywhere while the paint was still a little tacky.
How awesome did this look – I was really getting excited that this just might work! Fingers crossed!
Just sponging on silver metallic paint – its almost impossible to mess up!
6 Adding the Topcoat Epoxy
Then came the final step which had me a little nervous. The final poly coat. I researched this quite extensively to make sure these chemicals could be around food and anything breathing. I am very conscious about chemicals, volatile organic compounds (vocs) and such due to my cancers.
Everything I read about Envirotek was wonderful. No problems and no risks. So, I bought a few boxes at HOBBY LOBBY with my 40% off coupon and was ready to go!
Envirotek and Martha Stewart Black Onyx Glitter – it’s like sugar dust!
Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before starting so you have a clear understanding of what you need to to.
Be sure to check on your cabinet coverings and protections. I put plastic over the cabinets and cardboard on the floor. I mixed the two bottles and poured it on. Use disposable buckets and sponge brushes – you will throw everything away – even your clothes because it is so sticky.
It was actually kinda fun to move it around and then simply let it dry. I had my blowtorch ready to burst the little bubbles that can form and I only had to use it on a few. It was gorgeous and I knew it was still wet but I had no idea it look almost the same when it would cure completely dry and hard as a rock and so durable!!
I could not imagine so little effort and money could make SUCH a difference! I WISH I had thousands for real granite but I don’t! So this totally works for me! I love it and I still have to do my backsplashes but I know it can only get better!
Always cover cabinets – especially WHITE cabinets!
Finally finished at 3 o’clock in the morning. Takes about 24 hours to dry and about 3 days to completely set and cure.
Here are two more sets of BEFORE n AFTER pictures. This is the smaller counter which is the one with which I started because I thought it would be easier to experiment on being contained. (Actually, this area is not readily seen, so if it was a train wreck, it wouldn’t have been AS noticeable!) 🙂
I know there are two missing handles – I am still working on the hardware although I like these a lot!
I switched out the faucet and hardware for bright chrome and painted the wood trim to match the cabinet.
Try it! Do it! You won’t regret it! And you will be so proud of yourself when it turns out spectacular and people think it is real granite kitchen counter! That is the best part! 🙂
It is like any kitchen countertops and needs to be cared for. You cannot put hot pots on it and it can scratch but you simply have to use cutting boards and trivets like you would with real granite to protect it from stains, etc. If the scratches are deep you can always cover them with another coat. Good luck!
Cassity Kmetzsch started Remodelaholic after graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Interior Design. Remodelaholic is the place to share her love for knocking out walls, and building everything back up again to not only add function but beauty to her home. Together with her husband Justin, they have remodeled 6 homes and are working on a seventh. She is a mother of four amazing girls. Making a house a home is her favorite hobby.
This looks awesome!! Great job!!
This is AMAZING! Thank you for sharing. My counter tops are pink…1980’s dusty rose pink. With a little luck hopefully they will look like your very soon.
My countertops are the same dusty rose – have you tried the make-over?
Shannon, we haven’t, but would like to try it if we get the chance.
This looks amazing and I”m trying to convince my husband to do this for us! 🙂
Any updates on how it’s holding up to wear and tear?
Thanks!
How is this holding up?
I absolutely love the color that you chose! Do you remember the brand and name of the colors you used? am looking for a very similar color scheme for my counters.
Hey Jessica, This was a guest post so the original author might not see your question, but there is a link at the top that will take you to thier blog. I am sure they would love to help you out! GOOD LUCK!
I have almost the EXACT countertops except mine are pink! Yes, you read that right. I am dying to paint the countertops black and the cabinets white. This looks great!
Did you paint the wood edges, just wondering if it will stick to wodd as well. Looks beautiful!
Thank you!!! I did this to my ugly countertops and now they’re beautiful! The only downside is the glitter. It doesn’t sparkle after the Enviro Tex was poured. Also, the glitter left a few bumps when it hardened.
Donna, I am glad you tried it, and thank for giving us your feedback! It helps to hear different experiences or thoughts about projects!
Thanks so much! I have white cabinets and ugly countertops (white, red, and blue– good colors, not on countertops!!! Can’t wait to make them look like this!
I too, am wondering how the EnviroTex Pour On high gloss is applied to the vertical edges (lip?) of the counter tops. I too have wooden edges and want to cover them.
This DIY project gives me courage to tackle our dark, outdated kitchen. Thanks!
I did this too. My countertops were fake wood grain. I used rustoleum black for plastics. It has glitter already in it but I went crazy with the bling! Martha Stewart glitter does lose its sheen in the epoxy. Regular glitter does not. I used silver and fine black glitter. I mixed the epoxy and put the glitter in it. The black lost its sheen but you can still see it. The silver looks great! It also looks like it has depth since i poured twice. Micheal’s has this big glitter that is silver and kinda looks like gold leaf. I found it after but I may do another pour soon since it does scratch easily. Also my guests SWEAR that it is granite! People have asked me to do theirs…..maybe a buisness in the future?????
Sheila, thanks for the good information. I am glad that yours turned out.
I did this as well-but I have to say I struggled with the EnviroTek. I have a very dark kitchen so I used a base color of beige with dark grey, silver and chocolate brown as my contrasting “granite” colors. I think on the lighter colors the EnviroTek shows runs more. I really struggled with the back splashes and counter edges because no matter how hard I spread the EnviroTek and how many times I went back to smooth away the “run” marks-it still has runs in the vertical spots. I can see them but I don’t know if others can (you are always so critical on your own work). Also; I used regular glitter; silver, dark brown and cream and I was very generous with it as I read everyone else’s posts on losing the “shine”. Has anyone else tried lighter colors?
I just did this on some pink bathroom formica. Turned our pretty but it did leave lots of bumps from the glitter. At first I thought they were bubbles but the torch didnt work and they hardened to tiny bumps. Any idea on how to avoid this? I would love to do this in my kitchen too, minus the bumps and with the glitter showing up better.
Beautiful countertop re-do! How is it holding up? I am considerting painting my white countertops.
Thanks!
Terri
Okay you have talked me into it:) I am going to try and do my ugly counters in the next couple weeks. I also wondered where you got your awesome kitchen lights!
Good luck on your project!
I am overjoyed at discovering your site. I.Couldn’t be more anxious to get started, but before I do, is there anyway on earth a poor ambitious do-it-yourselfer like me could get a 40% coupon ? Wouldn’t I be foolish not ask? Can”t wait to get started If mine looks even half as gorgeous as yours I will be pinching myself. .Please respond (IF YOU CAN) Thanks so very much for sharing……
Hobby Lobby runs a 40% Off coupon in their ad every week. You can clip the ad, or go to the website and print out the coupon, or bring it up on your smart phone and show it to the clerk when checking out.
How did you do the edges of the countertop? If you poured on the finish wouldn’t if run off?
Thanks,
Bud
Is the epoxy still holding up on your countertop?
It looks like amazing results can be achieved with painting formica. I just need to touch up to match a blue denim tie dye look countertop – one small spot next to the sink and the strip in front and in back of the sink. Do you have any suggestion as to best achieve this?
I appreciate any guidance in doing this. Thanks.
Hi Cassity,
Do you know anything about this product – EPOXY RESIN CRYSTAL CLEAR? Do you know if it passes the test for the final coat and considering food and breating it?
Thanks!
Hi Cassity,
I know it has been a few years since you did this project, but I was wondering if you remember how you kept the top coat from running off the ogee (?) edge of the countertop when you poured it on.
Hi Brooke! This is actually a guest post, so if you’ll head over to the original blog (linked at the top) then you can ask them and hopefully they can help. Thanks!