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How To Renovate Your Laminate Kitchen Counter Tops

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If you're looking to spruce up your kitchen without breaking the bank, you could start with refinishing your tired-looking laminate counter tops.  Here's how to do it.

What you'll need

  • counter refinishing kit (available from good DIY stores or online)
  • rubber gloves
  • face mask
  • eye protection
  • sandpaper
  • vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
  • clean cloth
  • sponge rollers

How to do it

This project generates a fair amount of dust during the sanding process and you will be working with paint and varnish products.  Always make sure that the room is well-ventilated. Wear eye and face protection and rubber gloves.

  1. The first thing to do is sand the existing counter tops to roughen the surface.  This will help the basecoat to stick to the surface.  Use coarse-grain sandpaper and work in a circular motion, ensuring that every part of the surface is covered.  When you've finished, vacuum up any dust, and wipe the surfaces down with a damp cloth.  
  2. Your next job is to apply the background colour product to the counter tops.  The quickest way to do this is to use a paint roller on the flat surfaces and a brush for the edges.  Make sure that you apply a thick, even coat so that the decorative chips adhere properly.  
  3. Multi-coloured chips are provided with your counter top refurbishing kit.  The idea of the chips is to give the counter top a more textured, granite-look appearance and to hide any brush or roller marks.  Fill up the chip dispenser provided with the kit and generously sprinkle them over the base coat before it has chance to dry.  You may find it easier to use your fingers to press the chips onto the front edges of the tops.  Be sure to apply a generous coating of chips; there are plenty supplied in the kit, so use them all.  
  4. When the base coat is dry, vacuum away any loose chips.  
  5. Now use the sanding block provided with the kit to carefully sand the surfaces smooth.  Take your time, and be careful not to sand through the layer of chips.  Vacuum away any loose dust, and wipe the surface down with a damp cloth.  
  6. Next, finish off by applying the clear top coat with a sponge roller and allow it to dry thoroughly, as per the manufacturer's directions.  Typically, the countertops will be completely cured and ready for use within a week.

In conclusion

You can transform your tired and worn kitchen counter tops using a refinishing kit and following the guidelines above.  The kits come in a variety of different colours to suit your new décor scheme and when complete, produce a really effective, sparkling granite effect.


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