Painting Formica or Laminated Countertops ? ? ? ? ? ?

Question

Has anyone ever tried to paint Formica or Laminated countertops? I’ve read many articles on the subject, right down to what products to use, but it sounds as if you could have a real big mess on you hands if you mess up. Most of the articles online I read were written between 2004-2006. Process could be easier now. Lot’s of warnings that paint tends to bubble up in the process and you use a blow torch held 6” from the surface to get them out. My luck, I’m trying to improve my kitchen and I set the house on fire! Insurance company will love that one.

Any fellow weekend novice “home-improvers” ever took a stab at this? The process (that I read) sounds almost like reglazing a porcelain tub. Just purchased home in 12/07 and there are other projects that warrant $2K-$3K, but the present countertops are YELLOW. Not a butter or shade of gold, but in your face MacDonald’s yellow.

Any idea where to find someone who does this type work?

Answer 1

There is no problem painting countertops.  The only bad thing is that it's temporary.  They will scratch very easily.  

All you do is wash well, sand lightly, prime with a high adhesive primer, and then the gloss, or semi-gloss paint of your choice.

Go the A&E show "Sell This House", or hgtv shows "Designed to Sell" and "Decorating Cents"

Answer 2

look in the local yellow pages for bathtub refinishing company's, most of them have experience in doing counter's as well.  make sure the have reference's that you can contact, insured, bonded and licensed.  but do be warned, it is not a perm. fix.  over time it does bubble up or stain.  make sure it is sanded very wells before they start, that is what causes the bubbles most of the times, because the new coating cannot stick to the counter surface.  plus, it is very smelly, so make sure the area is well vent.  good luck

Answer 3

don't paint it !!!!!!!!! you'll ruin it!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Why not add some value and put backer board on them and tile them with granite. I've had travertine tiled counters, I think if it were not a budget issue I would go with a black granite and a black grout the next time around though. But is it were a budget issue I would wait for an over stock sale at HD and get something at a good price per SF. It isn't hard to do.