Problems With Reglazing a Counter

DIY vs. Professional

• Do-it-yourself reglazing kits come with everything you need for the project, including the materials. Most home improvement stores and hardware stores sell them, but you can also find the kits online. Professional reglazers make a living by doing the hard work, including sanding the original counters, applying the new finish and sealing the finish for durability. Professional jobs are typically more expensive than the DIY kits.

Potential Scams

• Whether you reglaze the counters yourself or hire a professional, you might come across scams. Avoid hiring anyone who comes to your door and offers renovations. The individuals typically do a poor job and leave with your money, but they do not offer any type of guarantee on their work. Even if you do the work yourself, you might buy a kit that does not work with your specific type of counter. You also risk buying an inferior product that does not fully adhere to the counters.

Finished Look

• Reglazing your counters hides damage, including scratches, scuffs, burn marks and chips. The products give a laminate look to the counters. While laminate is suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, the material does not match all homes. Laminate has a glossy or shiny surface that sometimes resembles plastic. Do-it-yourself kits often contain an epoxy-type paint that adheres to the surface of the old counters. When you use the product, you risk leaving behind brushstrokes in the paint.

Applying the New Glaze

• Glazing your counters presents several problems. The solvents used in cleaning the counters produce harmful fumes. You must use the products in a well-ventilated area, such as a kitchen with the windows open. The solvent should clean the counters thoroughly, but if you leave behind any debris or solvent, you risk the glaze not properly sticking to the surface. According to Miracle Method, the entire process takes just five hours or less. If you do not have experience working with the products, the process can take much longer. The product might last for up to 10 years, but it often lasts for only a few years after application.