how do you cover a countertop

5 ways to cover kitchen countertops (without replacing them)

• 1. Give a kitchen countertop new life with paint. (Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Fiona Walker-Arnott)
• 2. Try a peel and stick covering.
• 3. Opt for a countertop refinishing kit.
• 4. Use contact paper for a short-term fix.
• 5. Tile over the countertop.

Full Answer

How do you cover a laminate countertop?

• If installing new sheet laminate over old laminate, material, first thoroughly sand and clean the old surface.
• Then remove all obstacles, such as sinks and faucets.
• Test-fit the laminate.

How do you cover ugly granite countertops?

• Clean, Degrease, Sand existing countertops
• Prime existing countertops with Stone Coat Countertops Bonding Primer
• Lightly sand, clean off dust, then apply your base paint (This step is optional, but I used their white base paint on ours since I really wanted a solid white ...

More items...

Can You cover laminate countertops with laminate?

Yes, you can glue new laminate over old laminate countertops, as long as you prepare the space properly. You will need to remove the finish on the old material, and cut the new laminate to fit over the countertops. Then, use contact cement to bond the new surface to the old one. Don't want to do it yourself?

How to install new countertops on old cabinets?

Required Materials for this premade countertops project

• 1-1/2 in. steel angles
• 1-1/4-in. drywall screws
• 5/8-in. long No. 8 screws
• 80-grit sanding belts
• Acrylic caulk
• Masking tape
• Miter bolts
• Premade cabinets
• Silicone caulk

How can I cover my countertop without replacing it?

Start by sanding your surface, then cover any areas you don't want painted. Go over your counter with three or four coats of paints, trying to keep each coat even. Cover your paint with poly sealant to protect it, and go back over the edges with caulk to fill in any gaps.

Can you cover existing countertops?

Countertop resurfacing is a fairly easy process of covering the existing surface with tile or sheet goods. In just a few hours or days, you can give your kitchen a whole new look at a fraction of the price of installing new counters. Resurfacing works best over smooth laminate.

How can I cover my laminate countertop?

Laminate countertops can be covered to refresh the look. 'Contact paper is a great short-term solution to cover outdated laminate countertops,' says Erin Dunlap. For a longer term fix? 'An epoxy countertop paint product is a much better option if you want your DIY effort to last more than a year or two,' she says.

How long does peel and stick countertop last?

For removal, he says to apply heat from a hairdryer at one corner to melt the adhesive, then slowly pull the counter up, heating and melting as you go. To give you an idea of quality and longevity, most warranties max out at about five years.

Can you use peel and stick tiles on a countertop?

Peel and stick tile on countertop surfaces is a cost effective way to update your room in just a little time and with few tools. Often, peel and stick tiles are used to mimic expensive material, like stone.

What is the cheapest way to redo kitchen countertops?

Painting Countertops This is possibly the least expensive way to cover up old countertops, especially old wood or linoleum countertops. It's very easy to paint your countertops yourself. Just sand, prime and then paint. You can use a pad sander, but sanding by hand will work just fine.

How do you update a laminate countertop on a budget?

Use a Countertop Paint Kit You can purchase paint kits that allow you to update the look of your countertops. The product is simple to use and can give you the look of stone for less than hundred dollars. If you want a new look, but don't want to spend a lot of money, painting your countertops is a great option.

Can you put laminate sheets over laminate countertops?

Q: Can I install plastic laminate over a countertop that's already covered with existing laminate material? A: Yes, but the existing surface must be even and smooth. Repair any gouges or loose edges and make sure the existing laminate is glued firmly.

Can you vinyl wrap countertops?

4:0811:25I wrapped my kitchen counter in vinyl, budget house update - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCard i just unrolled. One roll of the vinyl on the largest. Piece of my counter. So this is a twoMoreCard i just unrolled. One roll of the vinyl on the largest. Piece of my counter. So this is a two meter. Stretch. So i'm gonna do one. There. Then i'm gonna let me swivel it. Around.

How do you vinyl wrap a countertop?

4:337:38How to WRAP a KITCHEN WORKTOP with Cover Styl' Adhesive films?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull one side up then tuck in the other. Side. This side will reach the bottom and then on this sideMorePull one side up then tuck in the other. Side. This side will reach the bottom and then on this side cut it flush to the corner. Once the material is cut flush then the other side can be applied.

Does contact paper on countertops work?

If you decide to remove the contact paper before replacing the counters altogether, you can do so without damaging the material underneath. Contact paper can be placed on top of wood, laminate, quartz, and granite countertops without causing any harm as long as you're careful when removing it.

Can you put wallpaper on countertops?

Choose the Wallpaper Use a roll of wallpaper that's wide enough to cover the countertop from the backsplash to the outside edge of the current covering – you don't want to create a seam anywhere on the horizontal surface. Unroll it lengthwise and cut what you need from the roll. Allow a few extra inches on either end.

5 creative ways to cover kitchen countertops

When you want to refresh your kitchen ideas, there are a variety of methods you can use to cover kitchen countertops. They vary in terms of how long they take to achieve and how much skill is needed to achieve them, but we’ll give you the details on the level of difficulty.

1. Give a kitchen countertop new life with paint

Using paint is a super simple way to cover kitchen countertops, and can produce elegant results.

2. Try a peel and stick covering

To give a tired room a new look, cover kitchen countertops with a peel and stick product. With a variety of effects to select from such as marble, slate, or wood, it could have a transformative effect.

3. Opt for a countertop refinishing kit

A countertop refinishing kit can allow you to give a budget worktop such as laminate, formica, or wood, the look of a more expensive option.

4. Use contact paper for a short-term fix

Using contact paper is a way to cover kitchen countertops in the short term – perhaps you’re saving for new ones but want to improve the appearance of the kitchen in the meantime.

5. Tile over the countertop

If yours is a laminate countertop you’ve fallen out of love with, consider covering it with tile. The countertop will need to be in good condition if you take this route, and must be smooth and level. Make sure to select stain and heat-resistant ceramic tile or porcelain.

How do you cover old countertops?

Old countertops can be covered in a variety of different ways, some of which you can DIY. One of the most effective ways to cover old countertops is by using a countertop refinishing kit, according to Edward Jones of Home Care How .

Lay laminate over the countertop

If you have old laminate countertops with square edges, you can cover them with a layer of new laminate sold in sheets of up to 12 feet long and 5 feet wide.

Install modular granite

Sometimes known as granite or stone overlay, modular granite is a system of small, thin slabs of stone specially designed to cover old, beat-up countertops.

Use a countertop refinishing kit

Countertop refinishing kits are like paint on steroids. These kits usually include epoxy-like paint and decorative stone chips that look like a natural stones.

Can you use tile to cover a shower?

Tiles are excellent at covering floors, walls, and showers, and there is no reason you shouldn’t use them to cover up your old countertops. When choosing the tiles, go for glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles as they are the most stain and heat resistant.

Is countertop film thicker than contact paper?

Countertop film is thicker than shelf or contact paper. Many people refer to it as a cross between vinyl flooring and shelf paper and have a self-adhesive backing for sticking directly to the old countertop surface.

Can you cover laminate countertops with square edges?

If you have old laminate countertops with square edges, you can cover them with a new laminate layer. The layers are sold in sheets of up to 5 feet wide and 12 feet long, and all you need to do is to visit your local store and place your order.

Factors to Consider before You Cover Old Countertops

Before you decide how to cover your old countertops, you need to think carefully about what you use those countertops for. These factors will determine which type of countertop covering works best for you. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Get the Countertops Professionally Refinished

The best way to cover old countertops is to get them professionally refinished. This process involves repairing blemishes on the countertops and then applying a curable new coat to the surface. You can get a solid color or choose a faux finish that looks like stone.

Why You Should Avoid Painting the Countertops or Using Contact Paper

There are many DIY ways to cover old countertops. You may be drawn to a solution like this because it seems more affordable at first glance. However, there are many drawbacks to DIY countertop covers. If you choose to paint your countertops, you will need to repair all blemishes before starting the process.

Use a Surface Protector to Cover Small Damage

If you have a small issue in an otherwise perfect countertop, you might be able to hide it with a surface protector. You could also strategically place a small appliance, utensil holder, or piece of décor over the damage. This is typically the best option for renters because landlords are not keen on tenants making major home improvement changes.

Fill in a Blemish with Touch-up Paint

If you have a small chip in your countertop, you could use matching touchup paint to hide the damage. This isn’t going to eliminate the issue, but it might get you by until you decide what to do. Whether you opt for countertop refinishing or countertop replacement, the tricks above can make your home look clean and fresh.

What is countertop overlay?

The countertop material is mold- and mildew-resistant. Most countertop overlays will have a front overhang or apron. Eased, beveled, rounded, and mitered (or straight) edges are commonly available. The rear of the countertop, or backsplash, can be built of the same countertop material. Orders are specially designed for the particular countertop;

How long does it take to get a countertop?

The entire process, from first measurements to project completion, can take up to two weeks. First, take basic measurements of your countertop area with a tape measure. After contacting an authorized dealer, a representative visits your home to take precise measurements and to initiate the order.

Can you overlay a countertop?

Countertop overlays are true countertop material, just thinner. As long as you have a strong, stable counter, you can lay the overlay slabs directly on top. You can also remove your existing counter and lay down a new base of plywood. Nearly any type of counter can be overlaid, as long as it is strong enough to support the overlay: tile, laminate, ...

Do overlays work on undermount sinks?

Overlay material is thin enough that it might be affected by base material variances. Overlays usually will work with undermount sinks and farmhouse sinks.

Do countertop overlays need seams?

Most countertop overlays need to create a seam, or several, within the general installation. This is especially true where countertop turns are involved. Many types of L-shaped kitchens, for example, will have an L-shaped section of countertop.