The decision on whether to laminate or paint your kitchen benchtops is a dilemma many home renovators’ debate as an alternative to replacing your kitchen benchtops.
Which is better: laminate or paint? We discuss the pros and cons of both options in this article.
Pros of Laminating Kitchen Benchtops
- Vinyl laminate retails for $5 a roll, much cheaper than a replacement benchtop
- Applying the laminate is quick, and you don’t have to wait before use.
- Like paint, laminate comes in various patterns, with everything from solid colour finishes, to marble look, quartz or even wood grain.
Cons of Laminating Kitchen Benchtops
Just as there are positives in laminating kitchen benchtops, there are also a lot of negatives, the biggest being finish, durability and safety.
This may look great when recovering your furniture, kitchen benchtops are a bigger surface. You will need to use more than one roll, meaning there will be seams in your finish. It may look great from afar, but close-up is a different story. It’s contact, it won’t hold up to hot pans, causing it to warp and bubble no matter how good the application was. It could even be flammable.
Given that laminate is untested, there is also some concern regarding food safety. There is no evidence that food prepared on a PVC covered benchtop is hygienic. Is your family’s health worth the unnecessary risk?
Pros of Painting Kitchen Benchtops
Painting your kitchen benchtops has numerous positives:
- It’s cheaper than a new countertop
- It’s quicker and less stressful than a full renovation
- There are a variety of finishes and colours
- It’s durable and chips, flakes and scratches can be easily repaired over time
- Unlike laminate, changing the look isn’t potentially stressful or labour intensive. Just repaint and you’re good to go.
Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about your family’s safety! Dulux has developed renovation ranges that are fire retardant, and safe for food preparation.
Cons of Painting Kitchen Benchtops
Negatives of using paint on kitchen benchtops are minimal, though you do have to wait before using them. Over time, paint can chip or flake, but when done correctly, it’s not a major issue.
Professional painters are trained to apply paint in the most aesthetically pleasing, long-wearing way possible. When compared to laminating your kitchen countertops, painting comes out on top. It’s a tried and true method that guarantees results every time.
Materials & Tools You Need for the Job
Paints and primers:
- Selleys sugar soap
- Selleys silicone remover
- Dulux renovation range primer (or similar product for laminate)
- Dulux renovation range tiles & benchtops paint
- Dulux renovation range clear coat (optional, for added durability)
Tools:
- Silicone scraper
- 190-grit sandpaper or sanding block
- bucket and sponges
- Painters tape
- Paint tray
- High-quality paint brushes (38-50mm angled sash cutter)
- Microfiber paint roller (100mm wide)
- Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses, dust mask)
- Caulking gun and silicone sealant
How to Paint a Laminate Kitchen Benchtop
By painting your laminate benchtop, you can achieve a modern look without the cost of a full replacement. The project requires attention to detail but is worth your time!
1. Clean and Prepare
Thoroughly clean the benchtop with a sugar soap solution to remove all the grime. Remove the old silicones sealant and lightly scuff the entire surface with the 180-grit sandpaper to help the primer bond. Wipe away all dust and let the surface dry completely.
2. Prime the surface
Mask off surrounding areas with painter’s tape. Apply a thin, even coat of a primer formulated for laminate or tiles. Use a brush for edges and a roller for the main surface. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Apply Topcoat
Apply the first coat of a topcoat paint designed for benchtops. Use a brush for the edges and microfiber roller for the flat areas. Apply a second coat after the first has dried, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Seal and Cure
Once the paint is fully cured, remove the painter’s tape and re-apply a new silicone sealant around the edges. Avoid heavy use for a week to allow the paint to fully harden.
