How to Paint Formica Countertops: A Complete DIY Guide

Formica®, a brand of laminate countertops, were all the rage from around the 1950s to the 1970s, and they still make a frequent appearance in homes where a granite or solid surface countertop isn’t in the budget. Formica® countertops are a cost-friendly alternative while being relatively durable and come in a variety of colors. 

But the color is sometimes the problem—luckily, if you’re ready for an upgrade but aren’t ready to buy new countertops, learning how to paint Formica® countertops means you’re a weekend and a couple of gallons of paint away from a brand-new-looking countertop that brings your kitchen into the new millennium.

Why Should I Paint My Formica Countertops?

Many Formica® countertops sport a color palette that screams ‘70s decor—we’re talking avocado green and retro pink. But new countertop installation by a local countertop installation pro can be expensive, especially if you want to replace laminate countertops with a higher-end material like granite or marble.

You can paint Formica® for a kitchen upgrade without the expensive price tag, and the best part is that it can be done relatively quickly and without much disruption to the household’s business as usual. 

How to Prep for Painting Formica Countertops

Before you get down to the business of painting, the most important thing to do is to gather the tools and supplies you’ll need for the project. Having everything ready and in one place will allow you to tackle each step fairly quickly. Chances are, if you’re a DIYer, you’ll have a lot of these supplies on hand already and may only have to purchase a few items. 

Tools:

• Drop cloths

• Plastic sheets

• Orbital sander

• Tack cloth

• Microfiber cloths

• Wet-dry vacuum 

• Paint roller

• Paint tray

• Paintbrush

Supplies:

• Bonding primer

• Acrylic, latex, or countertop paint

• Degreaser

• All-purpose cleaner

• Dish soap 

• 220- or 240-grit sandpaper

• Painter’s tape

• Paint roller covers

• Paint tray liners

• Sealant

How to Paint Formica Countertops

Now that you’re ready with all of your tools and supplies, it’s time to start working on your countertops. 

1. Clear and Protect Your Space

Doing a DIY job in a cluttered space can make it more stressful and make it take longer. So, the first step is to clear everything out of the kitchen that could get in the way of the project. You should also lay drop cloths on the floor and protect your cabinets by wrapping them in a drop cloth or plastic and taping it in place. Cover the backsplash with plastic as well. 

2. Clean the Surface

Before painting Formica® countertops, it’s important to thoroughly clean the surface. First, do a preliminary cleaning with an all-purpose cleaner to get any dust or surface grime off of the countertops. Next, use a degreaser or deep cleaning agent like an acetone, alcohol, or ethanol-based cleaner to remove any traces of built-up grease or grime.

Then, use a light cleaner like liquid dish soap and warm water or an all-purpose cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth to do a final cleaning. Finally, wipe the countertops with a clean, damp cloth to remove traces of cleaner.

3. Sand the Surface

In order for the paint to adhere to the Formica® countertop, the surface needs to be slightly rough. You can achieve this by using 220- or 240-grit sandpaper and an orbital sander to lightly sand the surface.

4. Remove Dust

Once the surface is sanded, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove most of the dust. Finally, use a tack cloth to remove any remaining traces of dust from the countertop. This may take a few passes and turning or refolding the tack cloth multiple times to find a clean area to use when wiping the surface. 

5. Prime the Surface

It’s time to paint! Using the bonding primer and roller, roll the primer on the entire surface of the countertop. Use a paintbrush to get into any corners that the roller can’t reach. You can add another coat of primer after the first coat dries completely. 

Priming is an important step because it helps to cover any imperfections left on the countertop after sanding, and it gives the final coat of paint something to attach to.

6. Paint the Surface

Clean the paintbrush and roller or replace them with new, clean ones and get out your chosen paint. You can use water-, latex-based, or countertop paint that’s designed for laminate countertops. No matter which one you choose, you’ll likely need at least two coats to fully cover the countertop and smooth out any imperfections for full coverage. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to allow ample drying time in between coats. 

7. Seal the Surface

To ensure the paint will last as long as possible, you can seal the surface with a protective coating. You can choose between a semi- or high-gloss polyurethane finish. Apply one or two coats, waiting for the appropriate amount of time between them if you choose to go with two. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for exact drying times. 

How to Care for Painted Countertops

After spending the time and energy to paint a Formica® countertop, chances are you’d like to see the job last as long as possible. Properly caring for painted Formica® countertops can prevent chips and scratches and keep the paint looking good for years to come. Here are some maintenance tips for your counters: 

• Wipe them regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

• Avoid using abrasive materials, like scrubbing sponges or steel wool, to clean the countertop.

• If there is stubborn, dried food stuck on your counter, place a damp cloth over it for a few minutes before gently wiping it off.

• Use a cutting board for preparing food rather than the top of the countertop.

• Don’t set hot pans or plates directly on the countertop; instead, use a trivet or pot holder under them.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

A gallon of paint and a weekend can help you achieve your kitchen countertop ideas on a budget. While calling around to local painting professionals may reveal someone who specializes in countertop painting, this is likely a job that can be done as a DIY project. If you have some painting experience and have the tools on hand, this project can often be done on a weekend or tackled on weeknights after you get home from work. 

It can be tough to wait the appropriate amount of time for the coats of primer, paint, and sealant to dry, but doing so is essential to a successful project. Plan on quite a bit of downtime, and make sure you have plans in place for as long as your kitchen is out of commission (like setting up a temporary kitchen in the meantime).