Q&A for How to Paint Formica Countertops

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What paint will stick to formica?

James Guth
Painting Specialist
James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. With over 20 years of experience, James specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall, powerwashing, wallpaper, staining, sealing, and carpentry. James holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University

James Guth

Painting Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes, but you'll need to thoroughly sand the surface and use a shellac primer before painting to help it stick.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

We painted our old harvest gold formica countertops white followed by a polyurethane sealer, and three days later they are yellow. Could it be from a chemical reaction between the latex paint and the sealer we used?

Community Answer

Polyurethane has a yellow hue to it because I think it is mainly meant for wood. I learned this the hard way, painting it over 2 beautifully painted end tables. I have found one polyurethane that is clear, but water-based, and not as durable. I would not use it on a countertop.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 16
Question

Will this work on cabinets too?

Community Answer

Yes, it will. The steps described above will work for painting any Formica or laminate surface, including cupboards and floors. The important things are to clean the surface, sand, apply a primer, and use the right paint.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 25
Question

Can you paint a Formica back-splash with latex wall paint?

Community Answer

You can apply latex to Formica. And while it's not a good idea to use latex paint on a surface that gets a lot of wear (like a counter), a backsplash doesn't see nearly as much action as the counter itself, and you paint it with latex. Just make sure you clean, sand, and prime the surface first. It is important to note, however, that an oil-based paint may be better in the kitchen, because it's easier to clean.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 16
Question

How do I give it a granite look?

Community Answer

Rustoleum has a refinishing product that looks close to granite. It comes in many colors, but is sort of pricey.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 22
Question

Is there paint that looks like granite?

Community Answer

There's a spray paint you can use to mimic a granite look which is available at larger hardware stores.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 22
Question

Can I cover the top with sheets or towels while curing the paint?

Community Answer

I would not suggest it. Leave it as long as possible to cure, it will be worth the wait!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7
Question

So, do I have to use oil based acrylic paint if I used oil based primer?

Jerry Perez

Community Answer

Yes, oil base has to be followed by oil base or your paint will most likely peel.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0