What Kind of Paint to Use on Countertops? Easy Guide in 2024

We frequently use a countertop in a kitchen or any workstation, right? To cook for a Thanksgiving meal or to bake cookies for your family, you need a solid and reliable surface to do your work. Countertops are such reliable surfaces.

In recent times, you cannot imagine a kitchen without a countertop. Countertops have become more popular in the last decade, and their demand increased tenfold. Because of its benefits and usability, people are using it way more than they used to.

To make your countertop durable and to make it look shinier, you need to paint the countertop. This article is designed to give you a complete insight into what kind of paint to use on countertops.

What is a Countertop?

A countertop is a solid, flat and horizontal surface of a counter. It is also known as ‘kitchen bench’ in Australian or New Zealand English, and ‘worktop’ in British English.

Countertops are made of a variety of materials with different levels of functionality, appliance, durability, aesthetics and other accessories depending on the intended use.

They are designed for kitchens and other food preparation faculty, baths and labatories, and general workrooms. Countertops are an inevitable component of kitchen design. So aesthetics are a major priority for decorators or designers. For more suggestions, you can read about How To Apply Bar Top Epoxy.

Types of Countertops

There are different types of countertops that you can use:

Granite: Granite is a robust, heat-resistant stone that comes in a broad range of hues and visual textures.

Marble: Marble is a traditional countertop material, but its distinct characteristics make it special.

Soapstone: Soapstone is a soft metamorphic natural rock. It has a delicate and soap-like texture. That is why it is called soapstone.

Quartzite: Quartzite is a white and gray-colored natural stone that can be used as a tabletop material.

Solid-surface: Solid-surface countertops are made out of a mixture of synthetic components that solidify to form a robust, long-lasting surface.

Concrete: Concrete countertops are quite adaptable. They are composed of construction concrete.

Butcher block: Butcher block gives a solid work surface, as it is made from sliced wood.

Tile: Ceramic tiles baked in a furnace are used to create tile countertops.

Laminate: The most affordable alternative is laminate countertops like Formica. Laminate countertops provide a variety of DIY options.

Benefits of Painting Countertops

There are plenty of benefits of painting your countertop:

• Painting makes your countertop shinier than before.
• If you want to increase the durability of your countertop, painting it can be the best solution you may have.
• You can get a long-lasting experience with your countertop if you paint it.
• The painting also protects your countertops from scratches and other damages.
• Some paints helps to make countertop a better hygine for food preraring area.

Required Paints of Countertops

You will need to buy a minimum of three different types of paints, even though you intend to paint a solid color on your countertop.

1. Primer: The primer functions as a gluey layer on which the color paint adheres. Primer enables even application boosts the paint’s endurance. It also protects the surface being painted.
2. Color: You need one paint color or possibly more if you are going for a faux marble or granite look. Use oil-based enamel paint for oil-based enamel primer. Use a water-based acrylic color for water-based acrylic primer.
3. Topcoat: A topcoat is very important for a painted countertop. It will give the countertop a beautiful, sheeny texture while also protecting them from chipping, scratches, dents, and strains. For long-lasting kitchen counters, this is a must.

What kind of Paint to Use on Countertops?

There are a variety of paints that can be used on countertops, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks:

Water-based acrylic paint: The most convenient one to use is water-based acrylic paint. Because it is easy to wipe up any spills or mistakes, and it has a lower odor.

The topcoat may take around 14 days to dry properly. So in those days, you will need to be careful about using your new countertop to lest you damage the paint of the countertop.

Two-part water-based epoxy: This might seem difficult to first-time DIYers, as you must mix the two paint components simultaneously. This paint only takes approximately four days to dry to full hardness, and a primer is not needed.

Epoxy fumes are strong, so make sure the area you are working in is well ventilated.

Textured spray paint: There are a few spray paint products that are meant to create a rough stone or granite finish, such as Krylon, Rust-O-Leum, and Giani. These are inexpensive and quite simple to use. To boost strength and longevity, you will need to utilize a topcoat and primer.

Water or oil-based latex house paint: Half of a can of this paint is sufficient to paint your countertop. First, you need to use a coat of primer. Then paint the countertop properly. This could be the most cost-effective alternative.

Ways to Paint Countertops

Following these steps, you will be able to paint your countertops most easily and effectively.

Step-1: Set up the workspace

Start by properly preparing the area. Drop cloths or plastic sheeting fastened together with painter’s tape to protect all cabinets and floors.

Step-2: Thoroughly clean the surface

To get rid of the dirt and oil, cleanse the surface by scrubbing it. Let it dry completely.

Step-3: Sand the surface

Sand the entire counter with sandpaper. This eliminates rough patches and gives the paint a great surface to stick to.

Step-4: Apply primer

Using a foam roller, apply primer to the counter. Allow enough time for the first coat to dry before applying the second one. Mak sure a sufficien time for drying.

Step-5: Apply paint

Now it’s time to get the paintbrushes out. If you are using a stone or granite paint kit, follow the instructions for mixing the colors and applying them. Give it time to dry, and then apply the second coat.

Step-6: Complete the work by using resin

The use of countertop resin ensures that the results are long-lasting. Apply the resin carefully on the surface and evenly distribute it with a foam roller. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let the resin dry completely.

How To Easily Paint Any Kitchen Countertop

Final Words

You can have a durable and shinier countertop if you choose the right paint for your countertop. This article will help you to know about what kind of paint to use on countertops.

If you are planning about painting your countertop, just follow the guidelines that are discussed above and use the best paint for your countertop.