If you like the layout of your laminate kitchen counters, then you should consider refinishing. Refinishing can completely restore your laminate countertops to a like-new condition and feel. And dozens of colors and textures are available to you, including a stone look using Miracle Method's Natural Accents.
If your laminate countertops are in less-than-ideal condition, or if painting over them doesn't appeal to you, there is still hope! Simply tile over them. Tiling is a relatively inexpensive alternative to solid countertops, and with the huge variety of available tiles, you can create any look you want.
Re-laminating a countertop costs $200 to $650. Expect to pay $100 to $300 for materials and an additional $35 to $85 per hour for labor. You can re laminate post-formed surfaces with square edges. You'll need to replace pre-formed types.
Use a Countertop Refinishing Kit
Countertop resurfacing kits are like paint on steroids. These kits include an epoxy-like paint and decorative stone chips to create the look of natural stone. Most kits are designed for making over old laminate counter surfaces.
Use a Countertop Paint Kit
You can purchase paint kits that allow you to update the look of your countertops. The product is simple to use and can give you the look of stone for less than hundred dollars. If you want a new look, but don't want to spend a lot of money, painting your countertops is a great option.
Q: Can I install plastic laminate over a countertop that's already covered with existing laminate material? A: Yes, but the existing surface must be even and smooth. Repair any gouges or loose edges and make sure the existing laminate is glued firmly.
Resurfacing your kitchen countertops, though, is still a cost-effective alternative—not to mention a low-cost investment that will last for years to come. Expect the resurfacing process to take anywhere from 36 hours to a full week, depending on the scope of the project.
Using epoxy paint for laminate countertops is an easy and affordable way to revamp your kitchen, bathrooms, and anywhere else you have laminate.
Painting Countertops
This is possibly the least expensive way to cover up old countertops, especially old wood or linoleum countertops. It's very easy to paint your countertops yourself. Just sand, prime and then paint. You can use a pad sander, but sanding by hand will work just fine.
Epoxy countertops provide a glossy look that can make cheap materials like laminate or worn-out wood seem more luxurious.
When Calculating Countertop Refinishing Costs, Consider the Materials. It's been estimated that the national average for countertop refinishing can range from $2.50 to $17.16 per square foot.
L, Formica can be coated with many paints or clear finishes as long as it is absolutely clean and is very slightly sanded... 220 grit paper would be the roughest that should be used. Since you want to maintain the appearance but just lower the gloss, you could try a water-based polyacrylic coating.
If you want to make a big impact in your kitchen without a big investment, consider priming and painting your laminate countertops. Your local paint store can supply you with the best type of paint to use in this project. Many recommend a water-based acrylic primer, paint and top coat.
Countertop resurfacing is a fairly easy process of covering the existing surface with tile or sheet goods. In just a few hours or days, you can give your kitchen a whole new look at a fraction of the price of brand-new counters. Resurfacing works best over smooth laminate.
3. You will receive a durable resin finish upon completion. When the epoxy hardens as part of your countertop project, then it creates a solid surface that will last for several years. It provides a glossy, long-lasting shine that doesn't need additional coatings to keep it looking fresh.
Epoxies have high corrosion resistance and are less affected by water and heat than other polymeric matrices. The main disadvantage of epoxy resins are their relatively high cost, long curing time, and handling difficulties.
Plastic laminate is surprisingly easy to cut. You can do it with a circular saw, a jigsaw, a router or even some hand tools. Cutting a sheet laminate by itself is best done with tin snips or aviation snips, provided you're cutting it oversize and will trim it later.
Scrubs. Scrubbing is a great way to make the surface of a laminate countertop more even, which helps it have a more reflective shine. A great natural method is to mix baking soda with water to form a rough paste. This can be buffed onto the counter, then removed with a damp cloth.