What is the cheapest way to update laminate countertops?

Author: Mariana Herman III  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 3, 2023

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.

How do you redo laminate countertops without replacing them?

It's possible to tile directly over laminate, and to do so you should sand the laminate, then use a special adhesive suitable for laminate, followed by fiberglass reinforced paper, then a skim coat layer of mortar. After this has dried, the tiles can then be installed in the usual way.

How to upgrade laminate countertops on a budget?

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 can I make my old laminate countertops look better?

Transform your laminate countertops using paint — the ultimate DIYer's friend. Faux granite is one of the most forgiving of all decorative painting projects — the mottled look is easy to get using sponges and a dabbing motion, and you can just keep going until it looks right.

How do you cover old laminate countertops?

Spray-painting works well for laminate countertops and other surfaces that can be scuffed down with sandpaper. Go with a matte finish spray paint since glossy paint shows scratches. Remove the sink and fixtures. If possible, move the entire countertop outside to avoid fumes and overspray in your home.

How to Update Your Laminate Countertops Without Replacing Them

Can you cover laminate countertops with anything?

Whether you love the classic look of square white tiles or want an affordable way to get the look of granite, tile is a great solution for covering dated laminate. If you aren't starting with a particleboard base, first install a sheet of thin cement board over your existing laminate counter.

How long does peel and stick countertop last?

To give you an idea of quality and longevity, most warranties max out at about five years. However, if the countertops are in a high-traffic space you'll likely see signs of wear much sooner than that, even with a higher quality product.

How to upgrade countertops on a budget?

Kitchen countertops can be expensive to replace but they don't have to be, checkout these great ideas to cheap kitchen countertop options.
  1. Faux marble countertops with contact paper.
  2. Painted faux marble countertops.
  3. Stainless Steel Countertops.
  4. DIY Copper Countertops.
  5. Faux granite countertops.
  6. Painted granite countertops.

How do you modernize old countertops?

Renovate Your Kitchen Countertops with These 20 Ideas
  1. Use a Countertop Trash Chute. ...
  2. Mount Built-In Cutting Boards. ...
  3. Slap Fresh Paint onto Your Countertops. ...
  4. Apply Patterned Contact Paper. ...
  5. Pour Epoxy Countertops. ...
  6. Extend Counter Space with an Island. ...
  7. Create Seamless Waterfall Counters. ...
  8. Get Funky with Terrazzo.

What is the least expensive way to redo 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. You can use a pad sander, but sanding by hand will work just fine.

How can I upgrade my countertops without replacing them?

How do you redo a countertop without replacing it? There are many options available on the modern market - wrap it with the interior film, DIY concrete one, paint it to look like marble, tile it, imitate terrazzo surface, etc.

What is the next step up from laminate countertops?

Corian is a branded name used in reference to solid surface countertops. These surfaces are a step up from laminate but still lack the durability and aesthetics that would allow them to compete with natural stone such as quartz.

Is Formica the same as laminate?

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.

Can you change the color of laminate countertops?

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.

What not to do with laminate countertops?

Don't:
  1. Don't set hot appliances or pans directly on the laminate. You can burn and scar the surface. ...
  2. Don't use harsh abrasive cleansers. ...
  3. Don't use steel wool or scrubbing tools containing steel wool, they too will scratch and dull the finish.
  4. Don't use a laminate countertop as a cutting board.

How do you update laminate countertops?

Just paint over it

You'll need to sand the surface beforehand and use countertop coating, which is a special product that can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Be sure to reach the nooks and crannies and allow enough time for each layer to dry.

Can you use peel and stick flooring on countertops?

Installing a brand new countertop in your kitchen can be a costly and time consuming project. Peel and stick tile on countertop surfaces is a cost effective way to update your room in just a little time and with few tools. Often, peel and stick tiles are used to mimic expensive material, like stone.

What countertop adds the most value?

Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.

How do you make laminate look expensive?

3 Ways to Get a Luxury Look with Laminate Countertops
  1. Pair the laminate with a stunning backsplash. ...
  2. Explore the options for edges. ...
  3. Decide what look you want.

Can you put new laminate over old laminate countertops?

A: We don't typically recommend laminating over laminate – but you can do it if you're willing to put some elbow grease into it. You need to sand the old surface down to the brown core in order to make sure the adhesive sticks and stays stuck.

Can you resurface laminate?

A professional will thoroughly clean the surface, repair knife cuts and chips, apply a special bonding agent, and then apply several coats of a high tech acrylic enamel. A properly refinished laminate countertop will last for many years with everyday use and normal care and cleaning.

Does peel and stick look cheap?

Vinyl peel and stick backsplashes, especially the low quality ones, can make a space look “cheap”.

How durable is countertop wrap?

Contact paper is an inherently durable material and short of putting a hot pot on it, it is very durable and does not need to be sealed. However, you may opt to apply caulking around the cut edges in cases where there is a lot of water and humidity involved like in a kitchen or bathroom.

Are laminate countertops making a comeback?

Laminate counters, laminate cabinet fronts, and even laminate furniture are all making a serious comeback and we're very on board for the revival. (So note: A way less expensive alternative to a full kitchen reno would be to laminate a new surface right over the top of that Formica countertop from the 1950s.)

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