How to Resurface Countertops in 7 Simple Steps
If your laminate has endured scratches and stains, give it a little TLC
- Cloth
- Microfiber paint roller
- Foam paint roller
- Paintbrush
- Vacuum
- Countertop coating system
- Sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Plastic sheeting
It’s not rare for a laminate kitchen countertop to fall victim to a hot pot or a particularly deep scratch. Life happens, and when it does, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. You might have heard that it’s difficult to repair laminate or Formica®, but new products have made resurfacing countertops more accessible than ever. This guide will show you how to resurface countertops in a few simple steps.
Prepping to Resurface Countertops
There are a couple of different ways you can resurface laminate countertops. While some homeowners sand down the existing laminate and install a new layer of laminate, it’s simpler to use a countertop coating system (like Countertop Transformations from Rust-Oleum). These kits, which are available in some of the best countertop colors, typically come with a diamond-embedded sanding block, base coat, topcoat, and stone-like chips to mimic granite.
You'll have to be willing to do more maintenance for certain countertop materials. For example, you must regularly seal granite to prevent stains and etching. On the other hand, quartz and laminate are low-maintenance materials, and small repairs are inexpensive.
Coating systems are an ideal countertop idea for those on a budget. It’s no more difficult than repainting any other surface in your home. Just be forewarned: If your countertop has deep dents and chips, you’ll need to fill them using a two-part epoxy or laminate filler product. Surface-level scratches and heat stains don’t require extra prep.
Degloss the Countertop
For your coating to properly adhere, you’ll need to scratch up the surface of your existing countertop. Sand the surface using the diamond-embedded sanding pad that came in your kit. Make sure you sand evenly, and don’t forget to wear your goggles and dust mask. Sanding will kick up a lot of dust. When you're done, your countertop should be covered in tiny scratches and no longer have a glossy sheen.
Alternatively, if your countertop is a little large for hand-sanding, you can use an orbital sander with a 60- or 80-grit sandpaper. Just make sure to move with a light hand. If you go too deep, your surface won’t remain level.
Prep the Area
Photo: eyecrave productions / E+ / Getty ImagesBefore you apply the base coat, you’ll need to prep the area to prevent damage to your cabinets and walls. Wash away the dust from sanding using a damp cloth. Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to protect areas that you don’t want to coat—the same way you’d prep for painting a room. This includes:
Covering your base cabinets and floor
Taping off the wall above your backsplash
Moving or covering appliances
Covering sinks and drains
It’s also a good idea to put your decorative chips in the dispenser before you start applying the base coat. You need to apply them while your base coat is still wet, and you’ll only have about 20 minutes to get it right. If you have a really large countertop, be ready to apply the base coat and chips in smaller sections.
Apply the Base Coat
Photo: Nestea06 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUse a paintbrush and microfiber roller to apply the base coat to your countertop. A brush works best on the edges or the angles of a backsplash, while the roller will work best on the flat surface of your countertop. Make sure you paint a thick, even layer covering the entire surface.
With this step, it’s really important that you don’t allow the base coat to dry. You want it to maintain a tacky consistency so the chips will stick. Your kit should come with a wetting agent that you can spray on the surface if your countertop starts to dry.
Add Decorative Chips
It’s common for laminate or Formica® countertops to mimic natural stone slabs. The decorative chips in your kit will help you get a similar texture (as a bonus, it conceals messy brush strokes). Use the dispenser to disperse the decorative chips evenly over the visible surface of your countertop. This includes the edges and backsplash. You want to cover the entire base coat with chips.
Once you’ve applied an even layer, wait at least 12 hours for the base coat to dry. Do not let it dry for more than 24 hours.
Smooth the Surface
Photo: GregorBister / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesOnce your base coat is dry, you’ll need to smooth the surface of your countertop. The chips can have rough edges, and you don’t want that texture to show in your finished product.
Start by vacuuming up the loose chips. Your kit should’ve come with a chip scraper. Use it to push down rough edges. Proceed carefully so you don’t accidentally dent the coating.
After that, use the sanding block to lightly sand the surface of your countertop. This will smooth out any remaining rough edges from the chips. There are likely fewer chips on the backsplash and edges, so use a lighter touch in those areas. If you find that your surface still isn’t smooth, you can lightly go over it with 120-grit sandpaper.
When you’ve finished, vacuum up the sanding dust and wipe the area with a damp cloth.
Apply the Topcoat
Photo: OPEN FILMS / Adobe StockDepending on your kit, your topcoat is likely a two-part formula. This means you’ll need to mix it before you apply it—and you’ll only have four hours to use it once it’s mixed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once it’s mixed, use a paintbrush and foam roller to apply a thick layer of topcoat to your countertop. Like the base coat, a paintbrush will perform best on your backsplash, edges, and corners. The roller will perform best on the flat countertop surface and over the front edge.
Once you’ve coated your entire countertop, run your foam roller over the entire surface in a single direction. This will get rid of brush marks and uneven texture.
Allow Your Countertop to Cure
Before you use your countertop, let it cure for a minimum of 48 hours. It will take about a week to fully cure.
How Much Does It Cost to Resurface Countertops?
It costs anywhere from $250 to $550 to resurface a countertop, depending on the material. Something like laminate is much cheaper to resurface than quartz or granite. Installing an epoxy coating over a countertop costs even more, with an average price of $1,000 to $4,500 for smaller kitchens. Hiring a pro costs more than a DIY job, but professionally resurfaced countertops tend to last longer and hold up better than DIY options.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You can save a couple hundred dollars by resurfacing countertops on your own—but it really depends on the extent of the damage and the type of material.
For example, you can’t use a coating kit on quartz or Corian® countertops. If you have significant damage, you may need to relaminate the surface or replace the countertop altogether. In this case, you’ll probably want to call a countertop resurfacing company near you to take on the job.
You can resurface existing countertops as long as they’re not significantly damaged. Of course, it does depend on the material. Wood, natural stone, quartz, and even laminate are all good candidates for resurfacing. If you have tile, you may want to just replace the damaged tiles rather than resurface the entire countertop.
Resurfacing countertops is relatively easy—especially for a pro. During this process, a countertop contractor will sand down or remove the existing countertop surface, make repairs, and then add a new surface or special coating. In certain instances, like if you use a laminate countertop coating system, it’s an attainable DIY for beginners.
Many homeowners find countertop overlays to be a wise investment. They offer a fairly fuss-free way to spruce up a countertop without paying for a full replacement. The installation process is budget-friendly, and installations can be completed in a single day. This process doesn’t require demolition of any kind, as this material goes over the pre-existing countertop. Customers can also choose from various materials for this process, including quartz, granite, and recycled glass.
Countertop resurfacing for laminate countertops can last 5 to 10 years or more. The countertop's longevity depends on the quality of the resurfacing materials, the amount of wear and tear the countertops experience, and how well they are maintained. Avoiding heat damage, using cutting boards to prevent scratching, and cleaning with a non-abrasive cleaner are ways to boost your countertop's lifespan.
