Outdated or damaged countertops are an eyesore in an otherwise attractive home, but a total replacement can be prohibitively expensive. Luckily, a fresh coat of specialized paint or a refinishing kit can provide the updated surface you're looking for at a fraction of the cost.
Knowing this process can be intimidating, Family Handyman editor Mike Berner tried it for himself. We documented the entire countertop refinishing kit project, from prep work to final coat, and it turned out beautifully. Note: Patience is required.
Keep these considerations in mind when choosing the best countertop paint or refinishing kit for you:
Skill level: Although these paints and refinishing kits are meant for DIY use, some require more skill than others. If you're especially uncomfortable with artistic applications like sponge-painting or scattering colored chips to imitate stonework, consider products that only require paint brushes and rollers. Carefully read the instructions and any relevant user reviews beforehand to ensure you're not getting in over your head.
Tools required: This varies with each product. If the necessary tools aren't included in the kit, make sure you own them already or factor the cost into your budget. It can be tempting to use the paint roller or brush you have lying around the house, but if it's not the correct type or style, you could ruin your project.
Type of countertop: Make sure the kit is compatible with your existing countertop. Most work for a wide range of surfaces, including laminate, medium density fiberboard (MDF) and wood, but always double check.
Coverage: Carefully measure your existing countertop to ensure the paint or refinishing kit will completely cover it. If you're not careful, you might run out of product in the middle of the project, or waste money buying more than you need. Most kits provide 30 to 40 square feet of coverage. Calculate what you need and buy the right amount.
Color/Finish: Choose a countertop finish or paint that blends well with the look and overall style of the room. Also, think about how you use the countertop and expectations for cleaning or maintenance. Darker countertops hide stains better and look sleek, while lighter options brighten things up. It's good to choose a neutral color for bathroom countertops, adding color with accessories.
The detailed instructions and helpful photographs make the Daich SpreadStone Countertop Refinishing Kit the best countertop paint for beginners seeking straightforward, simple application. This kit includes the necessary base coat to prep your existing countertop, as well as three rollers to eliminate cross-contamination. Use this product on wood and laminate countertops.
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The Giani Granite Countertop Paint Kit provides everything you need to create a light-colored, flecked-granite look countertop with a smooth, high-gloss finish. It requires more painting skill than kits with rollers, but the included sea sponge and detailed video instructions make it easy to achieve a beautiful, authentic-looking result. It will take a full weekend to complete, but Amazon reviewers say it's worth it-this kit has a 4.4-star average with almost 2,000 reviews.
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The low-cost and hassle-free application of the Beyond Paint All-in-One Refinishing Paint makes it the best countertop paint for those with limited countertop space. This paint bonds, primes and seals in a single application, so you shouldn't need to do any sanding or stripping before you start. Eleven color options means it matches most kitchen color palettes, too. It's not as durable as more expensive options, though, so add a separate sealant if your countertops experience frequent use.
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The Rust-Oleum Transformations Countertop Kit provides a textured finish that mimics a real stone surface, a tactile authenticity you won't find in most other products. Keep in mind that this kit requires you to sprinkle the decorative chips on the surface and do a significant amount of sanding, so you may want to team up with someone to share the work.
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The Giani DIY Series White Marble Kit includes everything you need to create the high-end look of white marble countertops. This process does require a bit of artistry, so remember to paint the gray veins in random patterns, like in natural stone. Giani provides a helpful video that not only walks you through the application process, but also provides detailed examples of natural marble veins to imitate.
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Unlike other products that you've got to apply over an entire surface, the Light Cure Acrylic Repair Kit works on the small divots and chips in existing stone countertops. The applicator syringes make it easy to apply the filler. As long as the problem area is smaller than a penny, the finished product will be nearly untraceable. It also takes just 10 minutes to set, so you won't need to shut down your entire kitchen for the weekend.
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If you're just looking to add a clear coat to your existing countertop, the TotalBoat Table Top Epoxy Resin does the trick. You get two gallons of product, sufficient for covering up to 25.6 square feet. Application is easy, too; just mix the two bottles together, pour and spread evenly over your countertop. Use a small butane torch or heat gun to eliminate any bubbles on the surface. This transparent product is ideal for encasing decorative items underneath, like bottle caps, coins, or uniform patches-perfect for bar tops.
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