A kitchen countertop is one of the first things a person will notice when they go to the kitchen area. It is where a lot of things happen – from putting kitchenware and utensils on top to cutting, preparing, and serving food. Countertops such as granite countertops and quartz countertops have their respective pros and cons. Nonetheless, these are some of the most popular countertop materials available in the market.

But at some point, you may find your current countertop boring or unattractive. It may also have some discoloration or chips due to years of use. That may give you an idea to call a countertop replacement company to have your old countertop replaced. However, you should consider the fact that replacing your countertop means additional expense as well.

But there are other options to keep your countertop look good without replacing it – paint it. Yes, it is possible to paint your countertop and give it a fresh makeover. It may seem easy as it seems, but it depends on the countertop material. Better yet, you can hire professional painters for a high-quality finish.

Getting the paint job started

First of all, it is important to clean the countertop surface first before doing anything else. A kitchen countertop has most likely already endured years’ worth of stains, spills, and scratches. No wonder it may not look as majestic as it was years ago.

Sometimes, even simply wiping the countertop surface may not be enough. So before painting the countertop, make sure to use a cleaner that contains trisodium phosphate. This ingredient can dissolve residue such as grease. Once applied, leave it for a few seconds before rinsing thoroughly.

After cleaning the countertop surface with the appropriate cleaner, you should scruff the surface to ensure that the paint will adhere more easily. You can use sandpaper to slightly scruff the countertop’s surface. After sanding, remove the dust by vacuuming it and wipe the kitchen countertops of any remaining specks using a clean damp cloth.

It is also required to use primer on a countertop surface especially if it’s plastic or laminate. Meanwhile, experts suggest using an epoxy paint that is water-based or acrylic enamel paint. Both types of paint can work without a primer. There are also other paint kits available in your local home improvement stores depending on your personal preference and needs.

Use either a brush or roller to paint the countertop surface. Make sure not to leave obvious brush marks when painting the countertop. You may also have to paint the surface multiple times for better results – just let the paint dry first before applying another coat.

Mistakes to avoid when choosing a countertop

Some owners tend to DIY things to save money, and one way to save their countertop is by painting it. While it is a good idea to give it a fresher look, it may also require maintenance so the paint job lasts for long. On the other hand, you can also call granite countertop installers to repair or replace your countertop.

Who doesn’t want to be always in with the latest trends? However, trends always come and go. When that currently trendy countertop becomes outdated, you would end up replacing it yet again with whatever’s the latest countertop design. Basically, it is just a waste of money. If you want to make your countertop trendy without constantly changing it, make it your own and inject your personality in it.

There are also different types of countertops such as granite kitchen countertops, laminate, wood, and quartz. Each of these countertops also has its own pros and cons, so you should choose one that will suit your needs. If you want to repaint it, you should also know the right way of doing it so that the paint job will last for long.

Countertop care and maintenance tips

No matter how beautiful and well-painted your countertop is, you should give it the utmost care so it will last longer. Here are some tips to ensure your countertop’s longevity.

• Use a cutting board when chopping food and avoid scratching the countertop surface.
• Wipe the countertop surface using a clean and damp cloth every time you use it.
• Make sure to wipe off any stains when it occurs to avoid marking on the countertop surface and ruining its appearance.
• Avoid putting hot containers directly on the countertop surface, and use a trivet or heat pad before placing the container.

Call countertop experts near you

For your countertop needs, trust only the professionals. Contact the best granite countertop installers in Durham today!