Can You Paint the Underside Plywood of a Kitchen Counter?

Paint Color

• Use any type of indoor paint to paint the underside of the kitchen counter. If you would like the paint to match your countertop, you can get a paint store to mix up a paint that matches the color exactly. In order to do this, bring a piece of the countertop for the store’s paint mixer to match. Generally, you can get a sample piece from the manufacturer of the countertop.

Sand

• The plywood underside of a kitchen counter may not feel like a finished wood surface. Instead, it can be a rough surface that may have splinters that can snag your paint roller during a paint job. Providing some finishing to the underside of the counter to create a snag-free surface prior to painting can make your paint job go more smoothly. Use only fine-grit paper on a sanding block and use two to three light passes to catch and remove any snags.

Prime

• Apply a primer specifically labeled for use on a plywood surface to the underside of the counter. If you have water-based paint for the counter, use water-based primer. If you have oil-based paints, use oil-based primer. Roll a coat of primer onto the plywood surface with a small roller and allow the primer to fully dry before applying paint. The proper drying time for primer is generally listed on the packaging.

Paint

• When painting the underside of a plywood kitchen counter, take several precautions to prevent paint drips and splatters from damaging cabinets, floors and other fixtures. Cover all of the surfaces around the underside of the cabinets with plastic and tape the plastic down fully at the edges with masking tape. Use only a small amount of paint on the brush or roller at a time to prevent paint from squeezing out of the tool as you paint. If painting a countertop around a dishwasher or sink, apply a waterproof sealant over the paint job to avoid moisture damage.