Painting Kitchen Countertops

The idea of painting kitchen countertops can be very attractive. Of course, it is an efficient, money-saving solution. What you probably don’t know is that doing so, you may jeopardize your health.

Why?

...because for painting your kitchen countertops, you must use strong paints – such as melamine, urethane, oil based, etc, and not water based latex. This paints are known as highly toxic paints. Basically, you bring a toxic hazard in your kitchen…

Even after you are done painting, the toxic fumes will be released in the air, months after. Not to say that there are many chances that you will leave food on the countertop, a sure source for direct contamination.


Must Be A Solution!

Well… If you want to refresh your kitchen countertops and buying new ones is not an option, consider tiles. While tiles can be expensive, you can use leftover tiles, mixed tiles, create your own design or simply buy cheap ones. The result will be good-looking, long lasting, easy to maintain and, most important, healthier. If you are interested to find out more on how to tile your kitchen countertop, contact us for extra details, such as using a special, organic adhesive.

Tiles are probably your best bet, look & durability wise, not to say that it will keep you away from toxic fumes. There are other solutions, such as special laminate sheets you can glue on the countertop.

My suggestion? Try a bit more expensive then laminate, but far cheaper then granite bamboo countertops . They are green, sustainable, good looking and healthy.

Of course, the decision is entirely yours. And, if your decision is to paint your countertops with durable paint, here are some tips. At least your work should be hassle free, with a durable and professional looking result.




Tools & Materials You Need For Painting Kitchen Countertops

• Warm water & detergent

• Sandpaper – 120, 220 grit

• Lacquer thinner

• Masking tape

• Paint tray, brush, rollers, pad

• Oil-based paint (no primer)

• Clean the countertop very well with detergent, then rinse and dry

• Wipe the countertop with a cloth & lacquer thinner (will remove any greasy residues)

• Sand lightly with 120 sand paper grit, then 180 or 220, to achieve a smooth surface and better grip for the paint

• With a tack cloth, remove all powder left after sanding (or wash it with T.S.P.)

• Prime the entire area using oil-based primer. Use a brush to cut, and a paint roller for painting

• Let it dry completely – one day

• Sand lightly the primer coat with a fine sandpaper (180/220) and remove the powder as mentioned above

• Apply the first light coat of painting, the same way you applied the primer (cut with a brush, paint with paint roller)

• Allow the first paint layer to dry completely (one day)

• Apply the second thin layer of paint after light sanding, wait to dry, repeat as necessary. Usually 2-3 coats are enough

• Wait to dry – 2, 3 days is great- sand lightly, wipe and apply the top coat: either marine varnish, or polyurethane. We prefer the first one. Use 2 or three coats of top coat to ensure a great, long lasting durability

• Remember that painting kitchen countertops require more attention than painting wood surfaces

• If you are using latex based paint, your job won’t last, peeling and scratching easily

• Select the proper products

• Always read carefully the instruction on the box (and follow them)

• Following the right steps and using the right tools & materials will ensure a proper result

• If you don’t have pets (hair problem), you can use fans to speed up the drying process

• Be patient and wait until the primer, paint or top coat are completely dry

• Do not use your countertop first couple of days after the job is done (of course, you can use it for light items)

• If you have top mounted sink, make sure you are sealing properly the areas around the sink

• If you are following correctly all steps mentioned above, the result will look good and will be quite durable. Still, do not use your countertops as a cutting board or hot pad...

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Painting Kitchen Countertops
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Green Living - Bamboo Countertops