Natural stones like granite, marble, and quartzite make a great choice for countertops. However, they are expensive to install. If you are a fan of these stones but have a tight budget for your countertops, you can still paint them to look like these natural stones.
You can save a lot of money by painting your countertops to look like stone. However, if you don’t have experience painting countertops, don’t do it yourself. Consult a professional who can help you remodel your countertop.
That said, if you are looking for a countertop that has the look of natural stone with added durability and ease of maintenance, Caesarstone quartz is another option that will last years and will save you the trouble of painting.
Whether you paint yourself or call an expert, you can learn how to paint countertops to look like stone. However, only certain types of material will do; premium countertops like quartz can never be painted. To learn how to paint tile countertops to look like stone — or other paint-friendly countertop materials — read on for some great tips.
How to paint kitchen countertops to look like stone
source: diynetwork.com
1. Arrange the materials required
You may need the following tools depending on the design, size, and material of your countertop.
- Spray degreaser
- TSP cleaner
- Bucket of water (to dissolve TSP cleaner)
- gloves
- Rag
- Mask
- Roll painter’s tape
- Paint tarp
- Paint tray
- Velour paint roller
- Quart bonding primer
- Quart black oil-based interior satin paint
- Chalk paint – Black, Grey, white, etc. for the shades you want
- Chip brush
- Paintbrush
- Artist sea sponges for faux painting
- Package of assorted artist brushes
- Quart clear polyurethane
Alternatively, you can purchase a DIY kit with everything you need to give your countertops a stone finish. Make sure to pick a good quality kit.
2. Clean countertops
source: diynetwork.com
Remove any accumulation of grease from the countertops and clean with the TSP solution to prepare them for painting. Make sure to wear hand gloves before applying the TSP solution.
3. Tape off countertops
Use masking tape to cover areas such as sinks, walls, and cabinets that you will not paint. Make sure that only the countertop is in contact with the paint. Place a paper trap under the counter to fully cover the cabinets.
4. Apply bonding primer
Stir the primer thoroughly before use, wear a mask and apply the first coat with a velvet roller. Once dry, apply a second coat. This primer is thin and therefore dries quickly. It is best to paint the countertop in small batches in a well-ventilated room. The primer ensures that the paint adheres to the laminate well.
5. Apply a paint coat
source: diynetwork.com
Roll out the countertop with a velvet roller. Velvet is bubble-tight and leaves a smooth surface. Let the paint dry for 24 hours. Apply a second coat and let dry. Use a 1-inch brush to paint over small areas around the sink and corners.
6. Add texture
Apply a thin layer of paint with a sponge or brush to create a smooth surface. If you want to add color, apply a subtle coat of grey, white and black chalk paint. While still wet, use a clean, dry sponge to blend the color and remove lumps.
If you want to mimic the texture of marble, dip the artist’s brush into grey chalk paint and paint lines in curls, imitating marble. Twist and rotate the brush as you move using different pressures. Sponge immediately with a dry brush to smoothen the line.
7. Apply Polyurethane
Polyurethane is used for sealing the paint and protecting it from wear and tear. It also provides a glossy finish to the countertop. Stir the polyurethane well and apply a thin layer on the entire countertop. After 12 hours of drying, apply a second coat. Remember not to shake the polyurethane bottle to avoid bubbles.
8. Remove the tape
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Your countertop is ready. Remove the tape from the countertop and allow it to rest for 24 hours before placing anything on its top.
Common mistakes to avoid while painting countertops
Professional countertop painters know the best techniques and tools to minimize mistakes. However, if you want to do it yourself, here is a list of common mistakes to avoid when redoing countertops.
Inadequate preparation
source: diynetwork.com
Countertop paint is not the same as canvas painting. Here you cannot easily replace the countertop or other fixtures after one mistake. Therefore, initiate and execute the painting project with patience and care. Prepare and arrange all material in advance before starting to paint.
Picking the wrong tools
One mistake you can make is choosing just any paint for your countertop. Not all paints are made to withstand the heat and wear and tear that countertops are exposed to. A paint that works on a wall may not work well on countertops. Make sure you put the right paint on your countertops. If in doubt, consult a countertop expert.
Also, apply the paint with the right brushes and rollers. No matter how skilled you are, the countertop will reveal brush strokes. Therefore, it is best to paint it with soft velvet rollers. Use a small brush for edges and narrow areas.
Rushing
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Painting a countertop requires patience. One big mistake to avoid is not letting your countertop dry completely. Countertops usually dry and harden in a well-ventilated area in 4-7 days. Apply at least three coats of paint and four coats of primer. Each coat needs to dry for at least 24 hours, so you may have to spend about a week on this project. Rushing can damage the countertop. It is a good idea to paint the countertop during the holidays and let them dry while you are on vacation in another city.
Forgetting about sealing
Avoid the mistake of leaving the painted countertop unsealed. Seal it well and often to avoid the paint from chipping off. Invest in the best sealer made especially for countertops. Make sure the sealant is of high food-grade quality because your countertop will be exposed to food all the time.
Forgetting about caulking
Many people forget to caulk the edges of the countertop after painting. It is crucial to keep water from getting stuck between the countertop and the wall. The transparent layer of putty looks flawless, professional and creates a beautiful and elegant look.
Now you have all the necessary tips at Live Enhanced that to know how to paint countertops to look like stone.
