Painting Laminate (Formica) Countertop

Wild Blue

We have painted many laminate (formica) kitchen and bathroom cabinets. We usually use a great primer sealer and then paint over.

Someone wants us to paint their bathroom countertops. How would you do it and what products would you use?

thanks!

Teetorbilt

In good shape, a wet sanding with 600 and a couple of coats of Imron, Awlgrip or Sunfire.

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Brushslingers

replacing the laminate would be cheaper... really... but, I agree with Teets fine sand, imron.

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Benn

slickshift

Thank them for their consideration and suggest they re-laminate

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

Richard

...he said "Teets"

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Rich

slickshift

Settle down Beavis...

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

Richard

god I miss that show

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Rich

metomeya

Why would you paint over counter tops?

That reminds me when a guy came trying to return paint he already used up. He said its crap, when he put a hot pan on it it would come right up. We asked him what exactly did he paint. He said his kitchen counter. We laughed and told him were not going to return your money for that.

AAPaint

I wouldn't touch formica with a brush on a ten foot pole.

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-AAPaint

AA Quality Painting & Pressure Washing LLC
Jacksonville Painters
Jacksonville, FL.

K2

Down the gym they decided to paint over ceramic tile with a product designed for that purpose. It held pretty good on the walls but after hundreds of man hours touching up the floor they decided to retile. Could have retiled in the first place and saved a bunch of money.

I believe new countertops would be less expensive than painting them. I know Wild Blue has done lots of cabinets but cabinets don't take the abuse that a countertop does. EX. A wood cabinet can last for a hundred years. A wooden kitchen countertop might last a year.

painterofeveryt

[QUOTE=metomeya;159332]Why would you paint over counter tops?
because thats what the customer is paying for.....

LennyV-NHSNOLA

I always stress to my employees, the two basic rules of business.
1) The customer is ALWAYS right.
2) See rule number 1.

I know in theory, this isn't always as simple as it sounds but as long as you explain and put in writing what the downsides of the customers request may be, then you have to do what the customer wants... as long as it isn't illegal or unlawful. If you don't do it, someone else will come along and get the job. Heck, after you are done and they aren't happy, as long as you did a good job, they may call you back to change out the counter tops... two jobs for the marketing expense of one.

It's no different than if a customer wanted a pink house with green and purple stars all over it. I would recommend against it but if that's what they want and that's what they are paying for, then they'll have the gaudiest looking house in the country when I'm done with the job. Heck, it might even make the news and get me some free publicity where I'll reiterate the two basic rules of business for all of my future customers to hear.

metomeya

[QUOTE=painterofeveryt;159377]I don't know about that one, I would probably laugh my ass off.

Probably while doing the work.

Personally, i would feel guilty if I didn't speak up and tell the customer my two cents.

Joewho

armorall. lol

Al Truistic

Actually, apartment communities do it all the time. I have seen hundreds of countertops painted. They will hold up to minor abuse, and you can always tell it was done, but it is cheaper and easier than replacing a counter.

If you are really needing it done, call a large apartment complex and ask who they use to refinish their counters, they should be able to give you the number of someone who does it.

The cost should be in the $200 - $400 range for a retail job.