How do you update a laminate countertop on a budget?

Author: Wiley Waters  |  Last update: Saturday, July 2, 2022

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.

How do you update your laminate countertops without replacing them?

Cover with Tile.

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.

How can I make my laminate countertop look better?

4 DIY Hacks to Transform Your Old Laminate Counters from Cheap to Expensive-Looking
  1. Paint right over it.
  2. Cover it with contact paper.
  3. Re-finish it with a faux-marble look.
  4. Skim coat it with concrete.

What is the cheapest way to update countertops?

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.

What can you put over laminate countertops?

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.

How to Update Your Laminate Countertops Without Replacing Them

Can you put laminate sheets over laminate countertops?

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.

Can you change the laminate on countertops?

From contemporary patterns to styles that mimic popular stone looks, laminate is durable, affordable, and you can install it yourself. If installing new sheet laminate over old laminate, material, first thoroughly sand and clean the old surface.

How do I upgrade my countertops?

8 DIY countertops – how to upgrade your kitchen worktops quickly and cheaply
  1. Revarnish your kitchen worktops. ...
  2. Go for a marbled look with contact paper. ...
  3. Laminate your kitchen counters. ...
  4. Paint your kitchen worktops. ...
  5. Overlay your kitchen worktops. ...
  6. Give your countertops and industrial glow up. ...
  7. Tile your kitchen countertop.

How do you refurbish a laminate countertop?

Remove old caulk from seams around sinks and faucets. Repair chips and large cracks (more than 1/8-inch wide) with a two-part epoxy putty. Let the putty dry thoroughly, then sand the putty smooth. Apply painter's tape to everything you don't want to paint, including your sink, faucets and backsplash.

Can you use car wax on laminate countertops?

To use car wax to make laminate countertops shine, it should be applied in circular motions across a clean countertop and left for around 10 minutes. Then, with a clean cloth, excess wax should be buffed away. Car wax not only gives a shiny, granite-like finish to Formica countertops, but it acts as a protectant.

What kind of paint do you use on laminate countertops?

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.

Can you epoxy laminate countertops?

Using epoxy paint for laminate countertops is an easy and affordable way to revamp your kitchen, bathrooms, and anywhere else you have laminate.

Is Formica the same as laminate?

The truth is, laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are basically the same; laminate is the material while Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both brands come in a wide range of colors and patterns and are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters.

Can you put new laminate over old laminate?

You shouldn't install new laminate over old laminate flooring. Since laminate is a floating floor, each layer will expand and contract differently, which can cause issues in the future. If you opt for this route, ensure that the older laminate is even before starting the installation.

How do you remove old laminate countertops?

For easier countertop removal:
  1. Spray the adhesive surrounding the edges of the countertop with a caulk softener. Let sit for one hour.
  2. Use a putty knife or box cutter to pull the adhesive from the backsplash or wall.
  3. Carefully pry your tool of choice under the countertop until it is loose enough to lift.

How much does it cost to install laminate countertops?

Laminate countertop installation costs anywhere from $40 to $80 per square foot. This includes both materials and labor. The countertops themselves cost $10 to $40 per square foot, but prices vary based on the manufacturer, color, and style.

Can I use chalkboard paint on countertops?

Paint one THIN coat of chalkboard paint on your countertops. If you're using a bristled paint brush, you'll find that one coat doesn't cover your old counters completely. Let the first coat dry fully, and then repeat. It took me three coats to achieve full coverage, so do expect the paint to look streaky at first.

Can you paint laminate?

You can sand, prime and paint laminate as if it were a solid wood piece of furniture! It's easy to skip the sanding step, because sanding is a drag… but it's especially important with laminate. Because it's often somewhat glossy-looking, and important to sand it down until the finish is very dull before priming.

How do you install laminate sheets over existing countertops?

  1. Cut the new sink hole before prepping the countertop and before installing the new laminate. ...
  2. Scratch and scuff the surface of the old laminate. ...
  3. Fill any cracks and broken areas with Bondo. ...
  4. Cut, scribe and trim new laminate pieces. ...
  5. Install the edges first. ...
  6. Choose the right router blade to trim the laminate.

How do you make laminate countertops look like granite?

How to Make Laminate Countertops Look Like Granite
  1. Clean the Countertop. ...
  2. Sand the Countertop. ...
  3. Protect Nearby Surfaces. ...
  4. Purchase Your Paint. ...
  5. Apply Two Coats of Paint. ...
  6. Sponge on the Acrylic Paint. ...
  7. Sponge on the Darker Acrylic Paint. ...
  8. Sponge on the Lighter Acrylic Paint.

Can you put a clear coat over laminate countertops?

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.

Can Gel-Gloss be used on laminate countertops?

However, you can clean and polish laminate with a product like Gel-Gloss, a milky white cleaner/polish much like automotive wax. With a little rubbing, Gel-Gloss will remove most stains and discoloration with its mild abrasive and solvent cleaner.

How do you make laminate countertops shine?

To make the countertop shine, spray them with a vinegar solution. Mix 2 cups water with 1 tablespoon vinegar in a spray bottle (Image 1 below). Spray the countertop down, and allow the solution to sit for 2 minutes (Image 2 below). Finally, wipe the counter clean.

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