Countertops experience considerable abuse in the form of scratches and stains on a daily basis. These can accumulate throughout the years, which can result in a shabby-looking countertop.
If you’re tired of looking at your worn-out countertops and want to breathe some new life into them, then you’re in luck! This post was made with people like you in mind.
This article will discuss a few renovation tips that can help you achieve your dream countertop makeovers without causing a large dent to your finances. So, let’s get right into it!
Resurface Your Countertops
You can completely transform the look of your countertops in a budget-friendly way by simply resurfacing them. The best part about it? You’ll be recycling your countertop — so you won’t be throwing the old one out into a landfill — and will still be able to get an entirely new look.
Countertops can be made from a wide variety of materials and come in different textures. Likewise, there are many different ways to resurface your countertops. Wallet-friendly options like paints, refinishing kits, and ceramic tiles can all be used for resurfacing. When handling stone, it’s important to have the right tools. Check out your local hardware store or shops like Stonex for tools that can handle heavy slabs.
For example, a Formica countertop that is nearing the end of its life can be resurfaced by sanding down its surface and using epoxy grout. You should end up getting a tough and aesthetic countertop once the surface has been properly coated with epoxy.
You can also use ceramic tiles to create a checkerboard or mosaic pattern for a cheap counter makeover.
If you want a new color for your countertops, you have the option to paint your laminate countertops. Painting your countertops can cost less than $50, is a fun and easy DIY activity, and is a surefire way to make those tired, woeful surfaces feel completely brand new!
Always stick to the following guidelines when painting to get the best results:
- Clean the countertops with water and soap to get rid of accumulated dirt and other smudges. You can also use vinegar and warm water to clean the surface.
- After cleaning the surface, follow up with a few wipes of denatured alcohol. Keep in mind to not touch the countertops as oils from your finger can contaminate the cleaned surface.
- Take out old caulk from seams.
- Repair cracks with epoxy putty. Let it dry and then sand the epoxy smooth.
- Use painter’s tape to cover everything that you don’t wish to paint, such as faucets and backsplashes.
- De-gloss the entire surface of the countertop with sandpaper to ensure good adhesion for the initial coat. Wipe away any residue and check for overlooked spots with a flashlight.
- Apply an oil-based primer and let it dry for a few hours.
- For a granite type look, apply at least two to three different shades of paint. Work your way from lighter shades to darker ones, and make sure your initial coat covers the entire surface. You can then add more layers by dabbing on the surface with a sponge.
- After the painting is done, use a foam roller to apply acrylic polyurethane topcoats.
Use Vinyl Sheets
If you’re one of those people who want an easy and quick way to change the look of their countertops, durable peel and stick vinyl sheets are a great idea! These easy-to-apply sheets come in a variety of different finishes and can accurately mimic actual granite and even stainless steel finishes.
Applying these vinyl sheets takes only a matter of minutes and doesn’t involve as much prep work as resurfacing. Just be sure to de-gloss the surface of your countertop before applying the sheet to ensure maximum adhesion.
Fix Minor Scratches and Stains
Minor fixes can help improve the appearance of your countertops greatly. Laminate repair paste and repair pens can be used to fix small imperfections like scratches. These items can easily be found at most hardware and home improvement stores. Just be sure to choose the color that closely matches your countertops.
The purpose is to help camouflage the defect and try not to overfill it. Always be careful when filling defects with laminate repair paste because after it hardens, you don’t have the chance to sand the excess without risking potential damage to the surrounding surface.
For stain removal, you can use a homemade paste made by mixing baking soda and water. Place the paste directly on the stain for a few hours and let it work its magic. Then gently wipe it off with a paper towel.
For tougher stains, you could try putting a bit of nail polish remover on a clean white rag (colored rags can get the fabric’s color onto the surface) and use it to wipe down the stained area. Similarly, other chemical solvents like paint thinners and denatured alcohol can also be used for cleaning strong stains.
Take Good Care of Your Countertops
Paints, refinishing kits, and peel-stick vinyl sheets often give long-lasting and durable results. Nonetheless, they are not invincible.
Always look after your countertops and clean up spills and stains immediately. Never cut food items directly on them — use a cutting board instead. Also, instead of putting hot items directly onto the countertop, use hot pads.
Here’s a handy guide on how to clean the various types of countertops.
Consider Hiring Professionals
Do you like the idea of having a renovated countertop but don’t want to go through the hassle of doing it yourself? Or don’t trust yourself to do a good enough job? Then consider hiring professionals.
There are many professional refinishing services available that can completely redo your countertops. Although this alternative can be a bit more costly than other DIY methods, you get the added benefits of having a faster turnaround time and a durable, high-quality countertop makeover!
