Home Garden

How to Repair a Burnt Counter

No matter how careful we are, sometime the counter tops in our kitchens and bathrooms fall victim to accidents. Scorching hot pots and pans, curling irons and hair straighteners can leave nasty burns on counter tops, which sometimes require extensive repairs. Replacing an entire counter top can be costly and time consuming, so repairing the damage yourself can be a cost-friendly way to remove the burn damage and restore the appearance of your counter top on a budget.

Things You'll Need

  • White toothpaste
  • Old toothbrush
  • Powdered cleanser
  • Screwdriver
  • Sandpaper
  • Melamine paint
  • Paint roller
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Clean cloth
  • Cutting board (optional)
  • Jigsaw (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a thick layer of white toothpaste over the burned area, which can help remove damage to the counter top, especially in small areas. Allow the toothpaste to sit for 5-10 minutes. Rub the toothpaste into the burned area with an old toothbrush. Wipe the area clean with warm water and a soft cloth.

    • 2

      Clean the burned area of the counter top thoroughly. Wash the counter top with warm water and a powdered cleanser with a sponge. This method will remove any residue from the counter top so you can continue with your repair job.

    • 3

      Remove as much of the burned counter top as possible, prying up damaged portions with a screwdriver when necessary. Sand the burned area to remove the damaged portion of the counter top. Sand the counter top by hand, making it as smooth as possible. Fill in any holes with putty, allow the putty to dry, and then sand it again until the entire area is flat.

    • 4

      Wipe away any dust or debris accumulated from sanding and wash the counter top once more. Allow it to dry completely before you begin painting. Apply an even coat of melamine paint to the counter top with a paint roller. Once the first coat is dry, you can apply a second coat if it is needed. When the paint is completely dry, wash down the counter top with rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth.

    • 5

      Install a cutting board over the damaged area if the burned counter top cannot be repaired using the previous steps. For extensive damage, the entire portion may need to be removed, and a cutting board can be installed in its place. Purchase a cutting board of the appropriate size and cut away the burned counter top with a jig saw. Install the cutting board according to the manufacturer’s instructions.