formica countertop paint?

[hotshoes]

Hey guys,
Rehabbing a house that has the ugly old butcher block formica counter tops.  This house isn't in the worst area, but not in the best either.  Not wanting to spend a lot of money on this thing.  Do any of you guys ever paint or put something over the surface of the old formica countertops? I have used the gray stuff you put in garages with sprinkles on apartment countertops but looking for something a little bit nicer.  Any ideas?

Thanks,
J

[fdjake]

There is a paint designed for this called "Insul-X"  If you go to www.diynetwork.com they have step by step instructions on using it.  Just search "painting counter tops"

I just put new formica over the old stuff.  It will cost more than paint.  I went over the exact same butcher block formica in my last flip,  I spent a little money and used some of the newer granite look formica.  Came out great!!  Took about half a day to complete.

[furnishedowner]

fdjake,

I have the same problem--burn spots on flat solid formica counter. Do you buy the new stuff in rolls? I have only seen countertops with wood structure underneath. Also, this is a skilled professional kind of install? Or can a handyman do it for the first time?

Thanks in advance,
Furnishedowner

[fdjake]

I always have it installed.  Too many specialty tools needed now a days.  You CAN do it OLD SCHOOL with wood dowels and brush on adhesives.  But the fumes are UNBELIEVABLE.  Not worth it in my opinion.  Too easy to screw it up.  A pro comes in and it's done in 3 hours and you don;t have to be there inhaling fumes that the label says are toxic.
I buy whatever the formica shop can give me a deal on.  Usually, a "lay over" on an exsisting counter top can be done for $300 which includes materials and installation.  Half a day job.  Makes a dumpy kitchen look new!!!

[justin0419]

Our countertops were 60's style.  White with some weird looking gold star things.  We pulled them out and bought new counters from Menards.  I think they were about $50 or $60 for each section.  In one apartment we did a lazy susan in the corner and had to buy 2 counters with the 45 degree angle.  The other one we did was just a single 8ft. section.  You just have to cut the hole for the sink.  Easy and cheap to install.

[tatertot]

I like the pre-made formica counters, but, man, those things have gone through the roof, price-wise.

If you replace the countertops, be very careful removing the old ones, or you will damage the cabinets and have to replace those, too. Often the countertops are screwed and glued and they will rip off chunks from the cabinets.

[justin0419]

The last one I bought was this April.  Menards sells 6, 8, and 10 ft. sections both with the 45 degree angle cut and also just a straight edge too.  Can't remember the price exactly, but I know it was somewhere around $50-60 like I stated.  They sell about 4 or so different colors in the store.  Ours were just screwed down, so they were easy. I can see where glue would make it suck though.  When you're cutting the hole for the sink, put down some painters or masking tape over your mark.  It will keep your cuts smooth and shouldn't let the formica chip.  Also screw a cabinet handle into the center of your area you're cutting out.  When you get close to finished, you'll want to have something to hold on to so it doesn't break off and crack the formica. 

[B4What]

Clean again with TSP guys/gals...Tape off where you don't want overspray.  Paint your counter tops with a semi-gloss oil base paint that has titanium oxidate in it. Again use a good quality brush at first and lite spray after paint drys for a seal protector.  You will have a new professional appearance counter top for under @25.00.   

[furnishedowner]

B4What:

What is the lite spray that you spray on after the paint dries? I would like to try the paint before I go to replacement.

Thanks
Furnishedowner