How to Resurface a Bathroom Counter

Sand the surface of the counter with a power sander, getting it flat and free of shine. Wipe up the dust.

Measure the length of the counter. Find and mark the middle. Draw a line from front to back there with a pencil and square, dividing the surface into two halves.

Spread thin-set mortar over the front edge of the counter, from end to end, using a notched tiling trowel.

Press the first porcelain trim tile into the mortar, at the front edge of the counter, on one side of the line that you drew, with the finished edge of the tile facing forward.

Lay more trim tiles side-by-side along the front edge, working to the sides. Put tile spacers between them as you lay them. Use a tile cutter to cut the last tiles on each end.

Set a course of standard porcelain tiles behind the front row of trim tiles, again starting at the center line and working to the sides. Put spacers between them. Cut the tiles at the ends as necessary.

Press the next course of standard tiles in place, again starting at the middle. Repeat and continue, setting in the tiles in courses, each starting at the middle and working to the sides. Spread more mortar as needed. Cover the whole counter.

Allow the mortar to set for 12 hours. Pull out the spacers.

Spread grout over the surface of the counter, using a grout float to forces it into the spaces. Wipe off the excess grout with a damp sponge.