How to Paint Bathroom Formica
Many older homes feature outdated Formica countertops. It is possible to update your countertops and enhance the look of your bathroom by applying a coat of paint to the Formica. Depending on the method that you use, you can even give your old Formica countertops the appearance of authentic stone counters.
Things you will need:
- Formica painting kit (sold at most home improvement stores)
- Xylene
- Mild cleanser
- Latex caulk
- Caulking gun
- Sandpaper
- Drop cloth
- Painter's tape
- Towel
- Clean the countertop. Begin by removing all of the items from the surface of the countertop. Use a cloth, mild cleanser and warm water to thoroughly wipe off the surface of the countertop.
- Use sandpaper to sand the surface of the countertop. This will scratch the surface and allow the paint and primer to stick to the surface.
- Load the caulk gun with a case of latex caulk. Apply a thin layer of caulk to any cracks or damage in the Formica. Wipe the crack with a damp cloth and allow the caulk to dry for 24 hours before proceeding.
- Protect any adjacent surfaces that you do not want to paint. Cover these surfaces with a drop cloth and painter's tape to ensure that they do not come into contact with any paint, primer or epoxy that might damage them.
- Apply the base coat. Begin by mixing the base coat and epoxy together. Pour this mixture onto the Formica countertop. Your Formica painting kit will have come equipped with a squeegee and roller. Use these tools to spread the base coat evenly across the surface of the Formica. Ensure that the color flakes are spread evenly across the countertop and allow them to dry into the base coat.
- Allow the base coat to dry. Use your hand to wipe away any loose color chips and sand any high or uneven areas in the base coat.
- Apply the clear coat. First, mix the epoxy and clear coat together in a bucket. Pour the clear coat onto the countertop and, again, use the roller and squeegee to spread the clear coat evenly across the surface of the countertop.
- Allow the clear coat to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Once the clear coat has dried, repeat the process and apply the final layer of clear coat to the countertop.