Our kitchens are the heart and soul of our homes and when updated add value to our properties overnight. If you are on a tight budget, there are affordable ways to turn an aging kitchen into something to be proud of. Paint products specially designed for laminate benchtops and tiles have now become a viable renovation option.
While you might be proficient with everyday painting, however, the process involved with this type of painting is a little more complex. Gather as much information as possible, check online about which products are available, read the reviews associated with them and always get advice from a qualified professional. Finally, carefully study the instructions. You cannot wing any part of this project.
Here are 18 do’s and don’ts to help you on your way.
The Do’s
- Do clean the surface with sugar soap. (If you think it is clean, clean it again!)
- Do remove all silicone when painting tiles.
- Do give tiles or benchtop more than two coats if you’re applying it to a dark colour.
- Do use a 4mm nap wide microfiber roller.
- Do use a 38 – 50mm top quality angled sash cutter brush.
- Do minimise your exposure to the fumes.
- Do keep the children and pets out of the area when painting.
- Do only use primers and paints specially formulated for laminate and tiles.
- Do follow instructions for mixing components.
- Do stir paint before painting for the prescribed time on the label.
- Do re-stir paint tin if left to sit for more than 1 hour, as pigment tends to settle to the bottom.
The Don’ts
- Do not paint over damaged laminate.
- Do not use cleaning treatments that have abrasive particles.
- Do not use alcohol or methylated spirits for cleaning.
- Do not use paints for laminate and tiles outside.
- Do not use laminate and tile paint on unprepared surfaces.
- Do not mix and match different brands of laminate/tile paints.
- Do not shake the paint tin, stir only, as shaking adds air which is hard to remove.