Paint Them
“The ultimate way to disguise unsightly laminate countertops”—that's how Thomas describes the affordable option of painting. He recommends searching Pinterest or TikTok for tutorials, then visiting your local home improvement store for a paint kit dedicated to DIY-ing a painted countertop.
There are paints for just about every surface. Forum members do report painting laminate countertops. From the standpoint of long-term durability, it is not recommended that counters be painted as they are exposed to use, abuse, chemicals, water and other substances.
Cut the substrate to size. Cut the laminate oversized so you will have some overhang on all sides. Clean the substrate and the back of the laminate. Apply contact cement to both the back of the laminate and the substrate. Allow it to dry. Place clean strips of wood or dowels on the substrate to support the laminate.
DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, powders, scouring pads or steel wool to clean the countertops. These will scratch and damage the tops. 1. Laminate countertops are not stain-proof.
Laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are all essentially the same thing; laminate is the substance, and Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both types are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters and available in a variety of colors and designs.
Conclusion: Laminate Flooring Can Look Stylish
By selecting high-quality products, considering thickness and texture, complementing the flooring with appropriate décor, and ensuring professional installation, you can achieve a stylish and sophisticated look with laminate flooring while staying within your budget.
Choose the correct primer and paint, like INSL-X STIX Primer and ADVANCE Interior Paint, for the best finish and durability on laminate surfaces. Patience is crucial: allow primer and each coat of paint to dry completely, and use a topcoat like General Finishes High-Performance Topcoat for extra protection.
Laminate Countertop Cons: Heat sensitive: Laminate can scorch or discolor when exposed to hot pots and pans. Prone to scratching: While durable, the surface can be damaged by sharp objects. Not as long-lasting: Compared to natural stone, laminate has a slightly shorter lifespan.
Many recommend a water-based acrylic primer, paint and top coat. Acrylic paint dries to provide the hard surface needed for heavy-use areas like countertops, while water-based acrylic paint cleans up with water and is low on odors. Either way, you'll want to create proper ventilation in your kitchen while painting.
Don't tear out those old laminate countertops—transform them into stunning, custom Stone Coat Epoxy Countertops! Our DIY-friendly epoxy system delivers a natural stone look for a fraction of the cost.
Laminate Countertops Are Making a Comeback—Formica's New Line Proves It. Laminate countertops have really stepped up their game in 2024. Leslie Corona is the Associate Home Director at Realsimple.com. She has been styling, organizing, writing, and reporting on all things in the home space for a decade.
Any lacquer will stick to Formica. I once did a job where I had to glaze over white Formica. I used lacquer for the clear coat and it worked perfectly.
Priming is really important with laminate furniture, so don't jump straight to applying the paint as this will be wasted effort. If the laminate has never been painted before, you will need to apply two coats of primer. When the first coat of primer has dried, lightly sand it before applying the second coat.
If you're planning on painting laminate cupboards in your home, it's best to use a latex paint – along with a good quality primer. Latex paint will give you a durable, smooth finish for your laminate cupboards.
While painting laminate is possible, there are a few common issues that people face when trying to do so: The flooring surface isn't properly prepared, so paint doesn't adhere at all or scrapes off easily. The wrong type of primer and/or paint is used, and it doesn't last.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors are similar to laminate floors, but they are made with thicker, higher-quality materials. LVP floors also have a wear layer that is designed to resist scratches, dents, and stains.
When you choose to sell your home, laminate floors can provide a rising ROI between 78%-91% that has the potential to reach the same popularity as hardwood flooring in coming years. Laminate flooring, with an ROI that almost breaks even, is a quality choice for new floors.
Price and durability are nearly identical between Wilsonart and Formica. Both offer competitive prices across their standard lines, and their durability is comparable, providing robust surfaces that are scratch, heat, and impact-resistant.
They're popular because they're affordable, easy to install and clean, and have an almost limitless number of options. Though it's not as trendy as other countertop types, it's a reliable standard. The only drawback is that Formica isn't as durable as other countertops.
Granite and quartz are almost indestructible, standing up to tough kitchen challenges with ease. The same just isn't true for laminate, which is comprised of a slab of particle board and covered in a thin layer of resin and kraft paper.