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