Resurfacing Laminate Vanity Countertops at Low Cost

Clean the laminate countertop thoroughly, along with any adjacent areas that will be painted. Use a degreaser cleanser, following the manufacturer's directions. Wipe the area dry with a clean cloth, and go over it with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to remove all traces of dirt and grease. Be careful not to touch the countertop and leave oil from your fingers or hands on it.

Tape off all surfaces butting up against the countertop that will not be painted. Use blue painter's tape, and ensure that the tape is firmly adhered to the surface to prevent bleeding of paint beneath the tape.

Sand the surface of the countertop to scuff and roughen it up, using 180-grit to 200-grit, fine sandpaper. This will help the primer stick to the laminate better and reduce the possibility that the paint will peel. Allow the primer to dry for the manufacturer's recommended time.

Fill in any holes or gashes with plastic wood filler. This product dries to an extremely hard state. Plan to complete any necessary sanding to smooth its surface within 15 minutes of applying, or it may be too hard to sand the surface smooth.

Apply one or two coats of an oil-based primer, depending on how well it covers the original color of the countertop. Use a natural-bristle brush or a short-napped paint roller.

Roll on oil-based enamel paint using a short-napped roller. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat, allowing each coat to dry according to the label directions.

Seal the paint with two or three coats of a marine varnish or other high-quality glossy sealer. Ensure the sealer you use is compatible with the paint you used. Allow the sealer to dry as prescribed by the manufacturer.