Features

• Laminate is made of natural materials compressed together and coated, usually, with strong plastic. A laminate countertop's smooth surface provides an easy surface to paint. Due to the smoothness, however, you may experience paint adhesion problems if you don't prepare the surface correctly.
  
  

Benefits

• Painting a laminate countertop may make the counter look almost like new--and is much less expensive than replacing the counter. In addition, you can use any color or pattern to custom-match your décor.
  
  

Preparing the Surface

• Prepare laminate counter surfaces for painting by first cleaning and then lightly sanding them. After sanding, apply a primer to the surface--unless the paint you're using clearly states it should be used without a primer. You may add one to two coats of primer, sanding lightly in between coats (after the first primer layer has dried). Wait until primer has dried completely before painting.
  
  

Paint Types

• You can use either water-based or oil-based paints on a laminate countertop. Water-based acrylic paints are less messy and clean up with soap and water (while still wet). Oil-based paints may last longer, but require paint solvents to remove them thoroughly.
  
  

Considerations

• For more durability, add a protective urethane top coat to the countertop. This should be done after the paint has had at least two days to cure. This coating will make the paint last longer, without chipping or scratching. Urethane coating is usually available in the same area of the store as paint and primer.
  
  

Warning

• When using primer and solvents, make sure the area is well ventilated. Primers or solvents may be highly flammable. If you are working in a kitchen, it's wise to turn off stove pilot lights, and other sources of open flame, before you begin the job.
  
  Using primer or paint on laminate may permanently change the laminate coating: once painted, you won't be able to strip the paint to return the counter to its original state.