Can You Paint Kitchen Worktops?
Our kitchens are one of the most important rooms in every property.
As well as the place we prepare, and sometimes serve, food to our family and loved ones, these days they often act as the hub of a home.
Modern kitchens are multi-faceted and are places where people may also spend time socialising with friends, host parties and use as the home’s focal point.
With all of this in mind, it is no surprise that we want our kitchens to look great and always be in the best condition.
Our worktops make a huge contribution to the decor and appearance of a kitchen but over time they may begin to look a bit worse for wear.
In these instances, you may consider giving them a lick of paint to refresh their look.
But can you paint kitchen worktops?
In this article, we’ll examine this question and provide everything you need to know about the topic.
Read on for more…
Can You Paint A Kitchen Worktop?
Whether or not you can paint your kitchen worktops will depend on the material.
For example, you can paint laminate worktops fairly easily. There is no specialist equipment required and normal paint, along with a quality primer and resin, will always be sufficient. Furthermore, usually anyone can paint kitchen worktops and you do not need to call in the support of a professional painter.
However, there are some materials that you should avoid painting.
Wooden and stone worktops should not be painted. Instead, if you have noticed that worktops that are made of these materials require a refresh, you may want to consider alternative options such as purchasing replacements.
One of the main reasons you should keep paint away from the likes of granite, marble, quartz and other stone worktops is because they possess properties that do not mix well with paint. It is very difficult for paint to adhere to such surfaces, and even an expert painter will struggle to get it to do so.
You will likely ruin the wonderful aesthetics that a stone worktop offers, and may even compromise its durability and resistance to scratches, stains, heat and its other functional benefits. With all of this considered, you should always avoid painting stone worktops.
Signs Your Worktop Needs Painting
If you have a worktop that is suitable for painting, such as a laminate one, there are some signs that suggest that it may need to be painted.
Keep an eye out for the following signs:
Surface damage: First and foremost, the main type of damage you will likely come across on your countertops include cracks, chips, burns and large scratches. It is normal for small elements of disrepair to occur over time, but if you are starting to notice more and more then you may need to give it some TLC. It may be possible to address some minor imperfections by filling in gaps or sanding damage, but for larger issues painting the entire area may be required.
Water damage: Sometimes, laminate worktops may be susceptible to water damage. If you spot swollen or warped sections on the counter tops the material may have become damaged and need to be painted.
Staining and discolouration: If you notice that your worktops have become stained in certain areas or the colour has faded, you may want to give the surfaces a fresh new coat of paint in order to restore them to their former glory. However, you should also be aware that certain stains may be difficult to cover even with paint. If stains are being caused by dampness or mould, then it is important to address the underlying issue.
In some instances, painting may not be possible and replacing your worktops is the only option. If you’re unsure, you should seek professional support.
How To Paint Kitchen Worktops
If you’re planning on painting your worktops, you should always follow the correct process to ensure the task will be performed properly.
By following the steps outlined below, you can rest assured that your painting is going to be a success.
Gather your tools
Before you start, you should make sure you have all the tools and equipment you need to get the job done.
This includes:
- Your chosen paint
- A quality primer or sealer
- A resin topcoat
- A paintbrush
Protect your kitchen
Before you begin painting, you should prepare the rest of the room to make sure you don’t accidentally damage or spill the paint in other areas. Cover your kitchen cabinets, floor and all appliances with dust clothes and coverings. You should also wear old clothes or clothes you don’t mind getting paint on when painting the surfaces.
Clean the surface
You should always clean the surface before painting it, making sure any dirt, dust or debris has been removed.
Sand the worktop
To achieve the best finish possible, you should spend some time lightly sanding the laminate. This will provide you with a soft surface which will help the paint adhere better and provide a better aesthetic.
Apply the primer
Before starting to paint, you should apply your primer to the surface. Read the instructions and follow them exactly. You should apply two coats, making sure the first has fully dried before applying the second.
Paint the worktop
Now, you can begin painting the worktop.
Once the primer has fully dried, paint the worktop. Again, two coats are best and always wait for the first coat to dry. It’s worth opening a window as you work as the smell can be strong.
Seal the worktop
You should then apply two coats of sealer once the paint has dried.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly to make sure the sealer will perform as it should.
Apply a resin top coat
The final step is to provide a top coat of resin. While this is optional, we would always recommend doing so as it provides the worktop with a glossy surface that looks great and will also help make it resistant to scratches and stains.
