Laminate countertops are popular for many homeowners because they are affordable and easy to maintain.
However, sometimes they can look a bit dated or boring. So if you’re looking for a way to give your kitchen a fresh new look or a concrete look, you may wonder if it’s possible to paint your laminate countertops using concrete paint.
In this article, we will explore the possibility of painting laminate countertops with concrete paint and provide some tips on ways to achieve the best results.
While concrete paint can be used on concrete countertops, it is not the best paint for laminate countertops due to its non-porous nature. In addition, concrete paint is similar to concrete stain, so it should be applied on a porous surface–which laminate countertops are not.
A few questions come to mind knowing concrete paint is not ideal for laminate countertops:
- What happens if you use concrete paint on laminate countertops?
- What type of paint can you use on your laminate countertops?
- Or how can you create a concrete look on the surface of your laminate countertop?
Let’s explore other options for painting laminate countertops and a few other information.
What Is Concrete Paint?
You might have seen concrete paint written on a can, but what is it? Concrete paint is a type of paint that is made specifically for painting concrete surfaces.
It is different from regular paint in that it has a higher concentration of binders and pigments, which makes it thicker and more durable.
It is also designed to resist fading, chipping, and peeling, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as concrete floors and concrete countertops.
Concrete paint is available in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect shade to match your kitchen’s decor. You can also find it in various finishes, including glossy, matte, and semi-gloss.
Laminate Countertops
As I mentioned, laminate countertops are non-porous surfaces and as a result of this, painting them with concrete paint is not ideal.
Laminate countertops are made by bonding together layers of paper or plastic with a synthetic resin.
The top layer of a laminate countertop will often be characterized by a decorative pattern or color laminated or printed on the surface.
Laminate countertops are very easy to clean and maintain, but they can be scratched or damaged easily.
In addition, laminate countertops are not heat resistant, so you’ll need to use a trivet or hot pad when placing hot pots and pans on them.
What Happens If You Use Concrete Paint On Laminate Countertops?
Even if you prime your laminate countertops or roughen them up with sandpaper, concrete paint will not adhere well to the surface.
The non-porous nature of laminate countertops prevents the concrete paint from being able to properly bond to the surface.
As a result, here are a few of the things that would happen if you use concrete on laminate countertops;
1. The Concrete Concrete Paint Will Peel And Chip In No Time
The paint will peel and chip within a few days or weeks after applying it. This is because the concrete paint does not have anything to grip onto, and it cannot properly bond with the laminate surface.
As a result, the paint will start to come in pieces, leaving behind a mess. In addition, the concrete paint will also start to fade quickly due to the UV rays from the sun.
So if you’re looking for a long-lasting solution, then painting your laminate countertops with concrete paint is not the way to go.
2. The Surface Will Be Difficult To Clean
Another thing you would have to deal with if you use concrete paint on your laminate countertops is that the surface will be difficult to clean.
Since the concrete paint cannot properly bond with the laminate surface, dirt and grime can get under the paint easily, and it won’t be easy to clean.
It will also mean Scrubbing too hard will cause the paint to start peeling off. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-clean surface, then painting your laminate countertops with concrete paint is not the best option.
3. The Countertop Will Become More susceptible To Damage
As mentioned earlier, since the concrete paint cannot properly bond with the laminate surface, the countertop will become more susceptible to damage.
Any impact or scratch on the surface will cause the concrete paint to chip and flake off, leaving behind a mess. On top of that, the laminate surface will also be more prone to water damage since the concrete paint cannot provide an adequately sealed surface.
In short, while you may be able to use concrete paint on laminate countertops, it is not recommended as it will likely cause more harm than good in the long run.
4. It Will Be A Waste Of Money
All in all, using concrete paint on laminate countertops is not a good idea and will be a waste of money.
You would have to deal with the paint peeling and chipping off in no time and the surface being difficult to clean. In addition, the countertop will become more susceptible to damage.
I always advise my readers to change laminate countertops that have become old and damaged rather than trying to paint over them or repair them.
Laminate sheets are not expensive, and you can find them at your local home improvement store. Replacing your laminate countertops will be much less work and save you money in the long run.
What Type Of Paint Can You Use On Your Laminate Countertops?
Now that we’ve gone over why you shouldn’t use concrete paint on your laminate countertops, you’re probably wondering what type of paint you can use. The truth is there are better alternatives for painting your laminate countertops. Here are a few of the best options;
- Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is one of the most common paint types used on laminate countertops. This is because it easily adheres to the surface and provides a smooth and durable finish.
In addition, acrylic paint is also straightforward to clean and resistant to both fading and chipping. So if you’re looking for a long-lasting solution, then painting your laminate countertops with acrylic paint is the way to go.
One thing to keep in mind with acrylic paint is that you will need to reapply it every few years, as it does tend to fade over time. But other than that, it’s a great option if you’re looking to paint your laminate countertops.
- Chalk Paint
Like acrylic paint, many people use chalk paint on their laminate countertops to give them a new look. The best part is that applying it is very easy.
Once it dries, it gives the countertop a matte finish which can be very beautiful. You can also buy chalk paint in a variety of colors so that you can personalize your countertop.
- Enamel Paint
Enamel paint is a good option if you’re looking for a long-lasting paint job. It’s also a good choice for high-traffic areas since it’s durable.
However, enamel paint can be challenging to work with, so it’s essential to read the instructions carefully before you start painting.
How To Paint Laminate Countertops
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of paint you can use, let’s talk about how to paint your laminate countertops.
Step One:
- The first thing you need to do is sand the surface of the countertop.
- You can use a fine 220 grit sandpaper on a sanding block.
- You can also use a hand sanding machine to get the job done a lot quicker.
- This will help the paint adhere better, and it will also give it a nice smooth finish.
Step Two:
- After you’ve sanded the surface, you need to wipe the laminate countertop surface using rubbing alcohol to remove any dust or debris.
Step Three:
- Next, apply a primer to the laminate countertop.
- This is an important step as it will help the paint adhere better and it will also prevent chipping.
Step Four:
- Once the primer is dry, you can start painting.
- Again, be sure to use even strokes and to work in small sections so that the paint doesn’t dry before you can spread it out.
- Apply multiple coats of the paint and make sure each coat dries before applying the next.
Step Five:
- After you’ve finished painting, you need to apply a sealant.
- This will help protect the paint job, and it will also make it more durable.
And that’s it! These are the simple steps you must follow if you want to paint your laminate countertops. Just be sure to use the correct type of paint and to follow the steps carefully and you’ll be able to give your countertops a whole new look.
