Tools and Materials

Tools

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Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Can You Paint Countertops?

A kitchen countertop with a white and gray marble-look refinished surface.

Yes, many types of countertops, including laminate, wood and ceramic tile are suitable for painting or resurfacing as long as you use the right materials and technique. To get the best results, follow the painting instructions for your refinishing product, be patient and work carefully.

There are several benefits to painting your countertops but there are also some things you need to think about to ensure you get the look you want and that you’re ready for the project.

Benefits

Painting countertops can be a good beginner-level kitchen or bathroom refresh project.
Painting your countertops renews or updates your kitchen without the expense or effort of installing new countertops.
Painting laminate countertops or applying refinishing materials can give dated counters the look of modern stone surfaces.
Typically, you can paint countertops with basic tools and you can find countertop refinishing kits that come with the materials and application tools you’ll need.

Considerations

Painting or refinishing countertops takes a good bit of time since you have to let the different coats dry fully before applying the next.
Painting countertops incorrectly or hurriedly will give you unattractive results that might be difficult to fix.
Once you start a countertop painting project you likely won’t be able to use your kitchen or bathroom for several days.
It can be challenging to paint or refinish smooth countertops unless you’re using a product specially formulated for these surfaces.

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Steps for Painting Laminate Countertops and More

Whether you’re painting kitchen countertops or painting bathroom countertops, you can use a primer and paint designed for your countertop material or you can choose a complete refinishing paint kit for countertops that comes with materials and paint applicators.

The exact painting or refinishing process will vary depending on the type of countertops you have and the product you’re using. Your refinishing product will have specific steps you need to follow to get the best results. However, there are some general steps that are common. We’ll give you those steps below, along with a few variations for different refinishing products.

Caution

Ensure you have good ventilation when painting or refinishing countertops. Open windows and set up large portable fans. Wear eye protection and a respirator when doing any sanding. In addition, a power sander with dust management will help minimize the dust that gets into the air. Wear cleaning gloves when applying the primer, paint and refinishing products.

Painting Countertops

For all countertop paint or finishing kits, you need to start with clean countertops that are in good shape. Clean the countertops thoroughly. You’ll often need to use an all-purpose degreaser to make sure you remove any oil or grease that will keep the paint from adhering to the surface. Allow the surface to dry completely and then dust it with a lint-free cloth. Repair any cracks or gouges and clean away any residue from the repair.

Depending on your countertop material and the paint or refinishing product you’re using, you may need to lightly sand the countertop surface. For example, sanding laminate, wood or tile countertops will help primer or paint adhere to the surface better than if the surface was smooth. Sanding can also level small imperfections for an even finish. You can use a sanding block but you can save some time and effort if you use a power sander for the large areas and a sanding block to reach tight spaces and corners. Wipe or vacuum away any sanding residue.

Tip

A palm or sheet sander will work for this project, but a random orbital sander will have less risk of leaving visible marks and swirls.

Some refinishing kits don’t require a separate primer, but for some paint and some surfaces, a primer is critical for a long-lasting finish. Mix the primer and apply a light coat to the countertop with a roller. If your countertops have a backsplash, you can apply the primer to them with a mini roller. Use a small paint brush to reach into corners and for detail work around sinks and fixtures.

As you work, overlap each pass with the next one to maintain a wet edge and avoid roller or brush marks. Allow the primer to dry fully according to the application instructions.

Mix the paint or resurfacing coat fully and then roll and brush it over the primer coat. As you did with the primer, overlap passes to maintain a wet edge as you work across the countertop. With some materials, you’ll need to lightly work over the coat with the roller or brush before it dries to remove any applicator marks. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly. Some products can take 6 hours or more to fully dry.

Good to Know

Both cool conditions and high humidity can extend drying times.

Apply a second coat of paint as you did the first, keeping a wet edge and working out any roller or brush marks. Some refinishing kits include accents such as decorative flecks or imitation marble veining to give a dimensional appeal or to create the look of natural stone. You’ll typically apply these after the second coat, but check your product instructions. You may need to apply the accents while the second coat is wet or after it dries. Allow the second coat and any accent material to dry completely.

Good to Know

Depending on the product you’re using, you may need to sand between coats. After sanding, be sure to remove all dust and debris.

If your refinishing kit includes a conditioning product, apply it after the second coat.

Some products include an epoxy or glaze that you apply before the final sealer. Roll or brush on this conditioner lightly to avoid applicator marks. Allow it to cure fully for up to 24 hours or according to the directions.

Sand or wet sand according to the instructions until the surface is smooth to the touch. Wipe it down with a wet, lint-free cloth or vacuum to remove dust. If you wet-sanded the counter, allow the surface to dry.

Once the final coat is dry, use a utility knife to cut around any areas you taped off. This allows you to remove the painters tape without damaging the new counter surface.

Clean your painting tools. You can clean some water-based paints and finishes with just soap and water but other finishes and oil-based paints will require mineral spirits or another type of cleaning product. Check the product instructions for specifics.

Good to Know

Depending on the products you’ve used to paint your countertops, final drying and curing or hardening times can range from a few hours to several days. Use the wait times listed for your product. Using the countertops before the paint or compound has properly cured could cause damage to the new surface that will be difficult to fix cleanly.

Painting Countertops Yourself

A white refinished kitchen countertop with a silver faucet in the background.

Painting your countertops lets you update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without the expense, effort and expertise necessary to remove your existing countertops and install new ones. Painting countertops isn’t difficult, but does require patience, time and careful attention to the instructions for the paint or refinishing product you choose.

Lowe’s offers the primer, paint and painting tools you need, as well as countertop refinishing kits that make the work easier and are suitable for a wide range of countertop materials. You’re sure to find a product and a look that will give your kitchen or bathroom the perfect makeover.

How to Paint Countertops

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Can You Paint Countertops?

Benefits

Considerations

Steps for Painting Laminate Countertops and More

Painting Countertops

Painting Countertops Yourself

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