How do I paint a formica countertop?
Question:Can anyone give me some idea on how to do this and where I can find whatever type of paint it is that I will need?
Thanks
Answers:
You need something called "melamine" paint. I have used it successfully many times and its terrific. It is made specifically to cover this type of surface. You can get it any place they sell paint. Make sure that you prime it first and follow the instructions (which aren't much different than those you get with other paints.
Don't do it. It's best to replace hard surface with another hard surface. You can replace 10' of counter top for under $200.
can't
Paint per se will not be tough enough for a counter top. There are finishes such as two part epoxy and table top finishes such as polyester that may be tough enough but I am not certain how to make them stick. What I would do if I were you is apply a new high pressure laminate, HPL, such as Formica brand, over what you have now smoothing any dents and roughing up the surface with 60 grit sandpaper. Use contact cement to put it down and a J roller to set it and a router with a HPL trim bit to trim the edge.
Wow, that's really a tough one to try and do. I would like to tell you to try to paint it as if you where going to paint over a ceramic finish, but I don't think even that will do. Formica is so slick. You might get away with it, if it isn't going to be used like I'm thinking of a counter top. The only way you could would be to make sure it's free of grease,oil, and any kind of dirt. Use some steel wool to wipe it down.Than use a good oil-base primer and let that fully dry.Than paint it with a good quality oil-base paint.I would also let that fully dry. Than use a Sealer over that. Like a Varathane.Good Luck,That's the only advice I can give. Bye
I don't recommend painting ANY type of counter top and people can say there's all these primers and paints that will. The Formica is a non-porous surface and will not take the abuse period, the 1st answer was correct Good luck Les the painter
--->Wash with TSP
---> Wash with Rubbing alcohol and paper towels (this removes any oil) Also make sure to wash your hands well to remove any trace oil from them.
---> Paint with an oil based primer made for shinny areas.
---> Paint with MELAMINE PAINT. (comes only in limited colors)
---> Seal with at least 3 coats of varathine or a food safe sealer.
An easier way to paint over laminate is to use HAMMERITE. (if you want a high tech metal look)
---> Wash area, Clean with Rubbing Alcohol, Paint with Hammerite. (no need to prime) and if it's a food preparing surface, be sure to coat hammerite. with at least 3 coats of Varathine or another food safe sealer
Whoever tells you to paint this countertop is wrong. You can unfortunantly NEVER paint a countertop. First it's going to be hard to find a paint that could even possibly hold up. But most important this is VERY VERY unsanitary!!
not a good idea. you will have food on it at some point i assume. if it is not for food, use a primer sand lightly and paint at will. still not a good idea.
I haven't painted formica countertops. However, I have painted a table that had a formica top and it held up quite well.
What I did was sand it slightly. Then I painted it with a real good primer I used Klutz. Then I painted my main color then a a design. After it had all dried really well I put on 3 layers of polyurethane.
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