"formica countertops"

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Candy	Aug-25-99, 03:46 PM (EST)
"formica countertops"
I've been hearing lots of talk about painting formica countertops but no one seems to know exactly how to go about it. I could use some specific direction if they are available. Thanks.
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Table of contents

Faux-mica Counters, Gabrielle, Aug-25-99, (1) Faux counter tops, Suz-n, Aug-26-99, (2) Countertop, Theresa(artlvr), Aug-27-99, (3) Counters!1, Debbie, Aug-27-99, (4) counters, ellen, Aug-27-99, (5) countertops, Patricia, Sep-15-99, (6) Sanding, Xena, Sep-17-99, (7) xim, jeanine, Sep-19-99, (9) finish coats, Xena, Sep-24-99, (14) Great work, Xena, Sep-17-99, (8) Thank You!, Suz-n, Sep-22-99, (10) countertops, gail, Sep-23-99, (11) down time, Ann, Sep-23-99, (12) Counters, Suz-n, Sep-24-99, (13) thanks, Ann, Sep-24-99, (15) Counter Top Down Time, Pam, Sep-24-99, (16) finish, Gail, Sep-24-99, (17) fast drying, Xena, Sep-25-99, (18) RE: Counters, Susanne, Apr-17-01, (31) faux finish countertop, Karen, Nov-10-99, (19) brass, Xena, Nov-10-99, (20) RE: Faux counter tops, Anna, Jun-01-00, (21) RE: Faux counter tops, Mel, Jul-20-00, (22) RE: Faux counter tops, Suz-n, Jul-28-00, (23) RE: Faux counter tops, barb arnett, Mar-21-01, (28) RE: Faux counter tops, Jan, Apr-12-01, (30) RE: Faux counter tops, Marilyn, Aug-26-00, (24) Concrete floors, Melanie, Sep-03-00, (25) RE: concrete floors/formica counter..., sandy, Oct-15-00, (26) RE: concrete floors/formica counter..., Nancy, Oct-23-00, (27) RE: concrete floors/formica counter..., pea-pea, Mar-30-01, (29)

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Gabrielle	Aug-25-99, 06:34 PM (EST)
1. "Faux-mica Counters"
Benjamin Moore site has the information you need: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/past-projects/gc.html It is shown using a faux granite... Whatever technique you choose will be fine. It's all in the prep and protection. Gabrielle
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Suz-n	Aug-26-99, 02:48 PM (EST)
2. "Faux counter tops"
Candy, Gabrielle is right, it is all in the prep work. Someone wrote in the exact how-to's (that is how I got the info to do mine), so you might want to do a search for counter tops. Briefly, these are the steps I took. You will have to clean them with TSP and do some light sanding with a 60 grit sandpaper. Use a primer that is especially for a glossy surface then you're ready to paint whatever faux finish you desire. Top it off with a water based poly sealer. This is a link to some pictures of my countertop and concrete floor, you can take a look at if you wish. Since I'm not one the pros here, please keep in mind that this was my first project. I do have one disclaimer reguarding the wall under the chair rail, the glare caught it and I promise it does not look hidious in person. The poor thing just didn't photography well :) http://209.136.24.81/public/susan/ Good Luck and Have Fun! Susan
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	Theresa(artlvr)	Aug-27-99, 08:33 AM (EST)
	3. "Countertop"
	Susan, Nice job on the countertop! The entryway was good also. Keep going, it's all in the wrist!!! Theresa(artlvr)
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	Debbie	Aug-27-99, 05:31 PM (EST)
	4. "Counters!1"
	Susan Your counters are beautiful! Did you do them like the above site that was mentioned? I'd love to check into doing that to mine! We're remodeling and have been looking at counters and the $$$ are sure up there. Did you have to do anything special since food would be prepared on the surface? Floors are great too. I'm going to try that but thats going to be awhile down the road
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	ellen	Aug-27-99, 08:47 PM (EST)
	5. "counters"
	Susan, I second Debbie's sentiment. The counters are gorgeous. I've been dying to do mine so they'll look decent before we put the house up for sale. However, my main problem is how to clear coat them. What's hard enough to stand up to constant kitchen abuse (spills, stains, etc.) and yet won't yellow? Everyone I've talked to says you can't scrub them. But that's not too practical. Please let us know what you used to seal and clear coat yours.
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	Patricia	Sep-15-99, 03:07 PM (EST)
	6. "countertops"
	I did my bathroom countertops,I wasn't sure it would work. First I cleaned them, (ordinary cleaner)and then I sanded them real good.Wipe the counters off real well. I then applied white enamel on there.Let dry real good in between.(I did 2 coats) I then took an ordinary kitchen sponge with green paint and made it look like tile with the grout line in between. It took only a few minutes. After it dryed about 24 hrs.,I applied a varnish finish( about 3 coats)and let that dry hrs.in between each coat.It was the varnish like the one you can buy at Michaels. Real cheap.I have had no problem with the finish, its been 6 yrs.now.Don't use harsh chemicals to clean it.I use Lysol,tub n tile cleaner. . I was real proud of myself.I did 3 countertops in all. Saved us alot of money, I look at it to be a good alternative till we can get new formica done.
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	Xena	Sep-17-99, 07:59 AM (EST)
	7. "Sanding"
	No need to sand formica counters, for this will hurt rather than help the bond. Xim primer can go right over the clean formica or glass. To save a step if using dark colors, I prefer to tint my primer. Add enough of the dark-value base coat to primer to turn the white primer into a medium-dark value, (both primer and base coat must be of the same solvency). If the primer is paint-thinner soluble, I use japan colors, because they are strongly color-saturated. Do not use commercial tint colors; they are not potent enough to darken a primer and in addition may cause drying problems if too much is used.
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	jeanine	Sep-19-99, 00:15 AM (EST)
	9. "xim"
	I agree with Xena about using XIM over absolutely clean, rinsed and dry counters. However, be careful about tinting a white primer too dark, it will start to affect the makeup of the primer and cause it to not work the way it was meant too. The best you can hope for is a light midtone hue. And as far as a clearcoat that won't yellow, a high quality water based polyurethane will work. Just make sure and put on at least 3-4 coats sanding lightly in between each one.
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	Xena	Sep-24-99, 12:27 PM (EST)
	14. "finish coats"
	thanks so much for the kind words, just a hint on finishes as they are the bane of decorative finishes, The strongest and most durable finish coats (both paint thinner and water soluble) are those termed "gloss." To reduce gloss in a finish, mfg.'s add mica,silica,wax and talc, which reduces the strength of the finish. If you want a strong finish that is not glossy, apply gloss finish first for strength and follow with a finish coat with a lower sheen. Of course they must be compatible finishes, (same thinning requirements.)
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	Xena	Sep-17-99, 08:04 AM (EST)
	8. "Great work"
	Very nice work, Susan. Loved the floors and the counters. Ready to turn pro?
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	Suz-n	Sep-22-99, 10:52 AM (EST)
	10. "Thank You!"
	Thank You Xena, You just made my day!! Believe me I would rather be painting a floor than be sitting behind this desk. Thank's to all of you Pro's here, you gave me the courage to rip up that ugly vinyl and do what I had wanted to do for 2 years now. I'm so silly, I make everybody walk barefoot on it so they can "feel" how good it feels. Again, I appreicate the kinds words from you and Davo, yall have been a real inspiration and I'm looking forward to seeing Davo's work at the Parade of Homes here. Keep up the wonderful inspiration! Susan
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	gail	Sep-23-99, 10:16 PM (EST)
	11. "countertops"
	Might be a silly question, but did you take out your sinks etc or just tape them off really good.????? Saw the site, and the countertops and floors looked really fantastic.........I have done shelves that look like granite,imagine the same techniques just wondering about how to get really close to sinks and stove tops without taking them all out.......any suggestions.....(the cooktop is fixed into the counter and cabinet.....any problems with heat with faux counter tops?
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	Ann	Sep-23-99, 10:26 PM (EST)
	12. "down time"
	What kind of down time are you talking about in doing countertops?????? Since the kitchen counters are always the main hub of traffic and cooking etc....???????
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	Suz-n	Sep-24-99, 10:52 AM (EST)
	13. "Counters"
	When I did my countertop I just taped everything off and it worked just fine. I did my project in a weekend. On Friday I purchased my supplies and went home and did all the cleaning and prep work. Saturday morning I started painting, and having a small kitchen it did not take long. I've probable put about 8 coats of water based poly. I put about 3 coats on then when ever I had a chance I would clear off the counter and put another coat on. My children were gone for the weekend, so that made it alot easier since it was just me and my counter! By the time they came home Sunday evening, everything was back in place. I started the floor the same weekend, so when I was waiting for one to dry I would work on the other. So far, I haven't noticed anything that has damaged it, maybe someone who has had their counter painted for a longer time could provide more insight on that. Susan
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	Ann	Sep-24-99, 06:36 PM (EST)
	15. "thanks"
	for the info on down time........I have a large area of counter tops and the kids are notorious at laying all their books etc on them......so would have to pick my time quite carefully......I checked into it about a year ago with a paint company and they were telling me that you had to cure them etc and it would be a couple of weeks of downtime.....that is why I was curious....can't live without a kitchen for that length of time.....so now you have given me something to think about that is not out of reach! Thanks! Ann
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	Pam	Sep-24-99, 11:05 PM (EST)
	16. "Counter Top Down Time"
	I did the same thing as Susan. I started on a Saturday morning and by noon I was putting on the paint. That evening I put back all my counter stuff. The next day I put on the finish and put my stuff back on that evening (on top of doily's just in case). Since then, I've added a coat of finish here and there. This is my second home that I'm doing countertops in - the first was a condo and after a year and a half they still look great.
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	Gail	Sep-24-99, 11:16 PM (EST)
	17. "finish"
	what type of finish do you use that will stand up to the high traffic of the kitchen to keep it looking great? You said you do a coat here and there....has chipping been a problem? Easy to fix if it has? I have a husband that like to throw keys across the hall to the counter.....hmmmmmm Gail
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	Xena	Sep-25-99, 08:22 AM (EST)
	18. "fast drying"
	Planning is everything with painting. To make fast work of the layers, bring a fan into the area, don't turn it on until you are finished with each layer. Very important to read all the labels on the cans before you start. Assemble all your materials with sponges, pail of water, rags,different size sponge brushes, containers to pour your paint into from the original can. Do not use old brushes that may have residue in them. Have a carpenter or clip-on light handy. Try to have as dust free an area as possible. Shake out all your rags or if they have been cut from larger pieces, make sure they are lint free. Prepare the area near the sink and stove to be painted first. Work out from the sink area on both sides to the ends of the counters. The same with the stove area if built in. Tape all areas. If you have a family of young ones, prime the counters before you go to bed. (cover counter area if dry with plastic). Make lunches in the morning or night before to free kitchen up for the day. If possible, do not paint in artificial light, you need daylight as well. Have a plan of attack. Be familiar with your technique. Have the steps firmly planted in your mind in order to be able to move swiftly from color to color and manipulations. To keep the area open time (wet) spritzer the area first to be painted or take a rag and lighty rub over area with glaze. If finish coat has holes in it (fisheyes) add a small dab of dishwashing liquid to it. When applying finish, hold clip lamp adjacent to your work, bend down level with the counter and look across to check for missed areas. Don't turn on fan if you think it will cause dust, but use it in an area that will keep the air flowing or a little heat from the oven wouldn't hurt for faster drying. When finished, get out your best tea cup or crystal glass, fill to the brim, sit in the softest chair, raise arm to reach your shoulder and give hearty pats on the back, for I know you now have a beautiful kitchen that will wow your friends and baffel the DH.
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	Susanne	Apr-17-01, 07:47 AM (EST)
	31. "RE: Counters"
	I can't access your pictures please help this sounds so interesting :)
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	Karen	Nov-10-99, 01:33 PM (EST)
	19. "faux finish countertop"
	I getting ready to refinish a powderroom with a small formica covered cabinet. I would like to paint the countertop so it looks like distressed old brass. Any ideas from anyone? Thanks.
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	Xena	Nov-10-99, 02:59 PM (EST)
	20. "brass"
	Burnt umber, which is a dark yellow, applied over light yellow, should give you a nice brass look. Wipe on your glaze of burnt umber, water base or oil burnt umber from the tube, mixed with a little thinner, wiped on and off.
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	Anna	Jun-01-00, 09:36 PM (EST)
	21. "RE: Faux counter tops"
	Susan, I would love to see your pictures if they are still available. Thanks.
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	Mel	Jul-20-00, 05:55 PM (EST)
	22. "RE: Faux counter tops"
	Does anyone know if these pics are still around somewhere? The link seems to no longer be working, and I would love to see the outcome of the project. It sounds like something I'd love to do!
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	Suz-n	Jul-28-00, 02:04 PM (EST)
	23. "RE: Faux counter tops"
	If you would like to see the countertop and floor, this is the current link: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=81340&a=1793955 If you have any questions, please let me know. It's been about 1 year now since the countertop and floor projects and they still look as good as they first did, holding up very well. Susan
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	barb arnett	Mar-21-01, 09:08 PM (EST)
	28. "RE: Faux counter tops"
	can you please let me know how you did this. it looks excellent. i want to do my countertops too. thanks for any information
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	Jan	Apr-12-01, 11:54 AM (EST)
	30. "RE: Faux counter tops"
	Suz-n: Great countertops! What colors did you use? Looks like a white base coat with green and black?
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	Marilyn	Aug-26-00, 00:24 AM (EST)
	24. "RE: Faux counter tops"
	Susan, I could not access your site with the counter top pictures. Might there be a new site? Thanks, Marilyn
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	Melanie	Sep-03-00, 10:39 PM (EST)
	25. "Concrete floors"
	I love the concrete floors! I'm getting ready to do a concrete floor. How did you do these?
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	sandy	Oct-15-00, 02:34 PM (EST)
	26. "RE: concrete floors/formica countertops"
	susan I have been trying to get to your site to see your concrete floors and countertops. My internet explorer can't seem to find it. Is it still up, and does anyone have any suggestions on what to use faux finish a concrete sidewalk to look like a rock sidewalk. Split rock would be the look. Would I use concrete stain and have it tinted to the different shades and then sponge on the layers? Or is it better to use latex paints? Is there anything else I need to know, Thanx for anyones advice on this!!
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	Nancy	Oct-23-00, 10:30 AM (EST)
	27. "RE: concrete floors/formica countertops"
	Sandy, I faux painted over 700sq. ft. of my patio this Aug. (it was about 110 degrees here in Texas). It turned out beautiful and I wanted the river rock look to match the aggregate deck around our pool. I got some great stencils from Stensource.com. I purchased 4 of the same pattern to expedite the process. Stensource have a great selection of stencils and also some ideas on added touches. I used concrete paint, not stain. Because it was so hot, I couldn't mix all my paint up at once, but I would strongly suggest this as it would go, much faster and easier. I used 5 different colors and applied with a sea sponge. Because it was river rock, the variety of colors wasn't that critical. I finished with a concrete paint topcoat to ensure its longevity. This was a tremendous amount of work, but it turned out GREAT!! Good luck and be sure to follow the instructions on preping the concrete as you won't want this to chip off in your life time!!
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	pea-pea	Mar-30-01, 07:35 PM (EST)
	29. "RE: concrete floors/formica countertops"
	looking for in-counters..:)
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