Painting Formica Countertops

There are several different Beautiful Oil Painting methods used for transforming old looking plastic laminate tops into new creations. Formica countertops, when resurfaced correctly, can last for a long time. In this article, we will be reviewing a few of the products that are available over the counter, which are specifically designed for remodeling this type of material. I will also provide the necessary steps for resurfacing tops using oil based paints that are then sealed with a urethane top coat.

 Rust-Oleum
 This paint brand company has developed a one-coat application countertop paint that can be applied with a roller and small brush. The preparation process is rather easy. All you will need to do is wash the tops with soap and water, then lightly sand them. Next, apply masking tape to protect the walls and cabinetry. Then, roll and brush one coat of the Rust-Oleum paint on the counters and allow it to dry for three-to-four days. Once dry, the surface will have a satin-gloss finish. It is not necessary to apply a coat of primer prior to applying the Rustoleum. The product has sixteen different color tinting options to choose from. The special coating is made with HomeShield Antimicrobial Protection, which is designed to reduce the chance of mold or mildew growth.

 Giani Granite
 The Giani company Portrait Oil Painting has developed a system for changing the coloration of many different countertop surface types to look like Granite. The kit comes with everything that is needed to transform laminate, Formica, Corian or wood countertops into beautiful shinny-cut simulated Italian Granite. They call this a paint by number system that begins with applying the primer, then three colors of paint are dabbed on with a sponge and finally the top-coat sealers are applied. The rollers, foam brushes and sponge applicators are all included in each kit. The selections of kit patterns are named Roma Red, Sapphire Blue, Emerald Green, Chocolate Brown, Bombay Black and Sicilian Sand. It will take about four days to complete painting a kitchen or bathroom vanity Formica countertop.

 Oil Based Paints
 I actually gleaned this information form an article that I read on Tim Carter's-Ask The Builder website. If you would like to paint your Formica laminate countertops a custom color of your choice, this is the system to use. First you will clean the tops using a mild soap solution; I like to use liquid Dawn dish-washing detergent for this step. Then, lightly sand all surfaces that will be painted and vacuum the dust off of the counters. Apply one coat of the oil-based primer, two coats of the finish color oil base paint and then four applications of clear floor urethane finish. Follow the manufacture's suggestions for drying times between coats.

 Prior to starting this type of Portrait Oil Painting resurfacing project, it is important to be absolutely certain that you want to do this. Once you begin the painting process there is no way of returning to the original Formica countertop color.

 Rush Jobs are Not Allowed
 You will need to set aside sufficient time to complete the project in a professional manner. I would plan on spending no less than four to five days remodeling your tops. This will allow the primer coats, finish paints and final sealers sufficient time to cure. After the job is complete, you should not clean the surface of the painted Formica laminate countetops with any type of cleanser for about two weeks.