Spray Painted Counter Top
I am rennovating a travel trailer and was aimed at spending the least amount of money for the most amount of change (MORE BANG FOR MY BUCK!)
I found stone spray paint and decided to give it a go to cover our boring and outdated laminate countertops. it was really inexpensive and a lot easier than anticipated and turned out looking great!
I found stone spray paint and decided to give it a go to cover our boring and outdated laminate countertops. it was really inexpensive and a lot easier than anticipated and turned out looking great!
Materials You'll Need:
soap water
sand paper
newspaper, plastic drop cloth, lots of painters tape
multi-surface primer/ paint brush
masks, rubber gloves, protective eye wear
stone spray paint (3 coats took 2 full cans for my small space)
clear coat spray paint (i used less than half a can; this step may not he necessary if you plan to coat the counter with polycrylic like I did)
polycrylic or other clear coat epoxy
sand paper
newspaper, plastic drop cloth, lots of painters tape
multi-surface primer/ paint brush
masks, rubber gloves, protective eye wear
stone spray paint (3 coats took 2 full cans for my small space)
clear coat spray paint (i used less than half a can; this step may not he necessary if you plan to coat the counter with polycrylic like I did)
polycrylic or other clear coat epoxy
Clean the Counter
the first step you'll want to do is clean the counter top pretty thoroughly.
to do this I scrubbed the surface with soapy water and an abrasive scrubby. I then dried it off and lightly sanded it (by hand) with a piece of sandpaper. this gets all the debris off and allows the laminate to better receive the paint. after you sand, wipe it down again and be sure to dry it thoroughly.
to do this I scrubbed the surface with soapy water and an abrasive scrubby. I then dried it off and lightly sanded it (by hand) with a piece of sandpaper. this gets all the debris off and allows the laminate to better receive the paint. after you sand, wipe it down again and be sure to dry it thoroughly.
Start to Prep the Surrounding Area and Prime
after you clean the surface, you'll want to fully prep the surrounding area. using painters tape and newspaper, I covered the sink and stove (and even the sink tap!). I used painters taper to edge around the entire counter to prevent accidentally painting anything else.
I taped off just enough to start the first layer of primer so that I could continue to work while it dried to save time.
after I put on the first layer of primer, I started taping off and protecting a large perimeter of space, as spray paint can have the tendency to go rogue, and I was working in a close-quarters space. I taped plastic drop cloth under the counter, above it (taping it to the ceiling even) and all around the surrounding area, even behind me. basically anywhere within arms reach got covered. I didn't worry too much about the floor because that's coming out as our next project, but if your floor matters to you, cover it!
by the time I finished covering, the first layer of primer was dry and ready for a second layer. then I waited overnight.
***NOTE: when taping up your drop cloth, be sure to secure it WELL to the ceiling, it's no fun it it falls on your wet counter....****
I taped off just enough to start the first layer of primer so that I could continue to work while it dried to save time.
after I put on the first layer of primer, I started taping off and protecting a large perimeter of space, as spray paint can have the tendency to go rogue, and I was working in a close-quarters space. I taped plastic drop cloth under the counter, above it (taping it to the ceiling even) and all around the surrounding area, even behind me. basically anywhere within arms reach got covered. I didn't worry too much about the floor because that's coming out as our next project, but if your floor matters to you, cover it!
by the time I finished covering, the first layer of primer was dry and ready for a second layer. then I waited overnight.
***NOTE: when taping up your drop cloth, be sure to secure it WELL to the ceiling, it's no fun it it falls on your wet counter....****
Make It Stoney Pt 1
after your primer is dry and your area well-covered (AND AS WELL VENTILATED AS POSSIBLE), begin the spray paint.
NOTE: this brand is incredibly difficult to open. to open the can, place a flathead screwdriver through the small square opening in the lid. make sure your flathead rests between the metal can and the bottom of the plastic lid, then slowly pry it up. my first can got shredded to smithereens before I figured that out....
I would practice painting on something else at first to get the hang of it, but shake the can well then start spraying about 10-12 inches away from the surface in slow, back and forth motions. Do 1 full, LIGHT layer. it will look a bit splotchy but that's ok, layers 2 and 3 fix that.
NOTE: this brand is incredibly difficult to open. to open the can, place a flathead screwdriver through the small square opening in the lid. make sure your flathead rests between the metal can and the bottom of the plastic lid, then slowly pry it up. my first can got shredded to smithereens before I figured that out....
I would practice painting on something else at first to get the hang of it, but shake the can well then start spraying about 10-12 inches away from the surface in slow, back and forth motions. Do 1 full, LIGHT layer. it will look a bit splotchy but that's ok, layers 2 and 3 fix that.
Wait and Do It Again!
wait 15-20 min for it to dry (longer if not well ventilated or in humid climates) then do it again. spray 3-4 layers to make it look thick and even, waiting for each layer to dry before putting on the next. you should end up with an even, thick, nice looking counter.
Wait and Do Clear Coat
spray a couple layers of clear coat sealer spray paint on the surface (drying between layers).
when this step was completed, I allowed it to dry overnight before proceeding.
when this step was completed, I allowed it to dry overnight before proceeding.
Add the Polycrylic
to really seal in the counter and make a smooth surface, I added several layers of clear coat polycrylic. make sure your countertop is completely dry, otherwise you will smudge your new work! i noticed several spots that blotched because I started the sealer coat too soon, I touched those up with black marker before putting on the sealer.
drying between coats, I put on about half a small can to smooth out the surface.
and voila!
drying between coats, I put on about half a small can to smooth out the surface.
and voila!