Yes, you can install a new sheet of laminate directly over an old laminate countertop. This is an excellent way to save money and skip tearing out the old counters. However, the old surface must be completely flat, securely bonded to the substrate, and properly sanded to ensure the new adhesive holds.
Yes, you can cover old laminate countertops with new laminate, provided the existing surface is securely bonded to the substrate and has no deep damage. This process requires sanding the old laminate to remove gloss, cleaning, and using contact cement to apply the new laminate, which is then trimmed with a router.
Countertops in 2026 are shifting away from sterile, cool grays toward warm, organic, and dramatic looks. The biggest trends prioritize inviting neutrals (creams, beiges, and taupes), sweeping natural veins, and bold, earth-toned statement stones.
While it's possible to install laminate over some existing floors, in many cases, removing the old floor will provide better results. By starting with a new, flat base, you ensure your subfloor is solid, even, and free from any hidden damage that could affect the final installation.
Covering old laminate countertops without replacing them is an excellent DIY project. The most popular and budget-friendly methods include applying adhesive vinyl (contact paper), using specialized countertop paint/refinishing kits, or pouring a new epoxy resin surface.
Updating laminate countertops on a budget is highly achievable. For under $200, you can drastically transform your space using specialized refinishing kits, durable paints, or peel-and-stick vinyl contact paper. These DIY-friendly methods require excellent surface prep to ensure lasting results.
Laminate Countertops: The Perfect Canvas
Their smooth surface makes them easy to paint, letting you make big changes without spending a lot. Many homeowners choose to paint laminate countertops to update old colors, cover damage, or make them look like marble or granite without the high cost.
FEVICOL RELAM is a single-component adhesive designed for bonding Paper Laminate to Paper Laminate. Solvent- and water-free, 100% bonding efficiency.
To remove a glued-down laminate countertop, first disconnect the sink and any nearby appliances. Remove securing screws located underneath the counter. Score any caulking, then use a stiff putty knife and a hammer to wedge under the counter, slowly breaking the adhesive bond until you can lift it.
Dark floors pair particularly well with lighter countertops in large kitchens, where there is enough natural light to prevent the space from feeling heavy. Charcoal tiles, dark-stained engineered wood, or concrete-effect porcelain are often used to create a strong architectural base.
Shades like olive green, inky blue, or even a warm charcoal instantly feel a bit more luxurious and layered. These shades add depth and look incredibly refined (especially when paired with brushed brass or burnished bronze hardware) in a way that whites or pale stone and grey often lack."
To make old laminate countertops look better, you can use specialized countertop paint or epoxy kits to mimic stone, apply concrete overlays, or use peel-and-stick vinyl covers. These budget-friendly DIY solutions can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom without the cost of a full replacement.
Wilsonart and Formica are the two leading manufacturers of high-pressure laminate (HPL). They are highly comparable in terms of core quality, durability, and affordability. Generally, Formica is favored for classic, budget-friendly designs and broad availability, while Wilsonart stands out for premium, textured finishes and specialized scuff resistance.
Whether you can put laminate over laminate depends entirely on what you are laminating.
5 Smart Ways to Cover Kitchen Countertops Without Replacing Them
Yes, you can glue new laminate directly over old laminate, saving both time and money. This approach requires three strict conditions: the old laminate must be perfectly flat and securely bonded to the substrate, it must not have complex curved "waterfall" edges, and you must use contact cement.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Grab Adhesive will provide a fast, flexible, waterproof hold to a variety of surfaces, including wood, plaster, tiles, marble, laminate, metal, brick and more. It isn't suitable for polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), bitumen or non-stick surfaces.
The cheapest option for refinishing countertops is painting. Other inexpensive options include staining, applying contact paper or adhesive film, using a concrete overlay, installing a countertop overlay, tile painting, resurfacing with epoxy, and laminating.
Laminate: One of the more affordable options, laminate countertops typically need to be replaced after 10-20 years, depending on wear and tear. Laminate is more susceptible to damage from heat, water, and chipping.
Cost Savings
This is unsurprising, considering that having your countertops refinished will cost a fraction of the price of replacement. In fact, depending on the type of countertops you would have chosen for replacement, having your countertops refinished instead could end up saving you 40-75%.
Quartz and natural quartzite are the top trends, favored for their durability and striking, high-contrast veining. Alongside these, matte finishes, earthy tones, and ultra-durable porcelain are redefining kitchen spaces.
Common Mistakes When Painting Laminate Cabinets
One of the most common errors Simone sees is homeowners skipping the primer altogether or using the wrong type. She also warns against rushing drying time between coats or not fully cleaning grease and residue from the cabinet's surface.
Kitchen cabinet colors that feel dated include stark, clinical all-white, cool minimalist grays, and red-toned woods like cherry or honey-oak. Flat, one-dimensional brown-on-brown color schemes and overly bright primary colors have also fallen out of style.