Products to Resurface Laminate Countertops

Alkyd Oil Paint

• Alkyd-based oil paints dry with a harder finish than regular oil paints, and can be purchased in a wide variety of colors. The laminate will need to be completely sanded and topped with an alkyd primer. Apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. Lightly sand each coat after it has dried before applying the next coat. The finished countertop resurface treatment will have a hard finish, but still requires protection--use cutting boards and never place a hot pan on the painted surface.

Re-glazing

• The same product used to refinish or re-glaze bathtubs was designed to resurface laminate countertops. Bathtub refinishing kits are available in white or almond colors at major hardware and paint retailers; specialty paint retailers will tint their own bases to a choice of colors. The kits contain an epoxy paint product in two parts that are mixed together before being sprayed or brushed onto the countertops. Preparation is the key to a smooth and blemish-free finish. Sand all surfaces of the countertop according to manufacturer directions and remove all traces of dust before applying the product. Once dry, the finish will be durable, but should be protected--use cutting boards and never place a hot pan on the surface.

Staining

• Formica staining is an attractive resurface treatment suitable for countertops. Choose the appearance of stone, wood or single designer colors of stains that deeply penetrate a prepared laminate countertop. Professionals currently provide staining services.

New Laminate

• If the laminate on your countertop is solid and not loose, add a new laminate on top of the old laminate countertop. The surface of the existing countertop must be prepared to receive the adhesive to hold the new laminate in place. Roughly sand all areas of the surface and score the old laminate with a knife or grinder in a lattice pattern to provide an additional gripping surface for the adhesive.

Stone Laminate

• A durable sheet product containing real stone is fitted on top of the old laminate countertop. The new surface has the appearance of granite and other stone surfaces and is ideal for countertop uses. Heat resistant, non-porous and scratch-proof, the stone laminate provides the strongest and longest lasting solution to resurfacing laminate countertops.