Laminate countertops are now an extremely popular option for kitchen renovations around the world and it’s not hard to see why. Laminate is a highly durable material that can resist water and stains remarkably well. It’s also relatively affordable and has a certain level of class that brings some incredible elegance into any kitchen.
However, in order for laminate to pop out, it needs to get the proper finishing. Even with its durability, laminate isn’t 100% foolproof and it’s therefore prone to many different types of damage.
But there are a few effective ways you can explore to repair and resurface laminate countertops so that it looks as good as new. We are going to cover all of these options here below.
Dealing with Minor Scratches and Dents
In case the laminate has a few scratches and minor dents here and there, then the solutions are not so drastic.
A good start would be to use a manufacturer recommended repair paste to restore laminate countertops. For smaller scratches, a color matching repair pen should be able to get the job done. The pens are probably the cheapest ways to repair the laminate, and they’re available in many local hardware stores for less than $8.
In case you decide to use the paste, you need to be very careful when you apply. It’s important to make sure that you don’t use excess paste to refinish the blemishes on the countertop. This is because the paste cannot be sanded without damaging the rest of the laminate once it’s dried and fully hardened.
In that case, make sure that you apply only the right amount so that you don’t have to sand off the excess paste. You’ll get the hang of it quickly, but if in doubt, check out a video online to get a better understanding of the process!
Repaint It Completely
You can also give your laminate countertops a new look thanks to a reliable paint. Of course, painting laminate countertops is a more involved project and would require more time but it’s very effective if what you’re looking for is a new look.
Paint always has a way of covering blemishes on anything and even if you are dealing with large dents or scratches on the laminate, it can significantly mask the problem.
To successfully undertake this project, follow these steps:
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Start off by cleaning the surface using soap and lots of water, then let it dry completely
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Remove the caulk from the seams around the sinks and the faucets
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If there are large chips on the laminate, fix them using a two-part proxy
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Apply painter’s tape in all the areas you don’t want the paint to touch. We are talking about the sinks, the backsplash, and faucets. Take your time with this just to be sure every inch is covered before painting over laminate countertops.
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Degloss the entire countertop before painting. This actually ensures maximum paint adhesion. You can use a 100 grit sandpaper to do this. Wipe off the entire residue carefully using a rag before you start painting. For the best results, you may need to apply at least three layers of paint and some finish.
Important Tips
Even as you start to consider the idea of painting laminate kitchen countertops, there are certain things you must keep in mind:
Make sure that you have all the equipment needed for the job. It may also be helpful to cover all your valuables or remove them from the premises entirely. Countertop repairs and refinishing projects produce a lot of residue and the last thing you want is for it to mess up your furniture and appliances. Get an extra pair of hands to get the job done as fast as you can.
Assess the damage carefully so that you can determine the kind of repairs needed.
Repairing and refinishing your laminate countertops can have a massive positive impact on your kitchen décor. The simple ideas above should help you with this and they are all simple DIY projects that anyone can do.
Would you rather have professional help? No worries, call a kitchen remodeling expert and get free quotes on laminate countertop repairs today!
