Budget Kitchen Countertop Cover Ups

Tired of staring at your outdated, damaged kitchen countertops? A full replacement can cost thousands, but with some creativity and elbow grease, you can give your countertops a budget-friendly makeover. Whether you want to cover imperfections or simply give your kitchen a fresh, new look, there are affordable options to transform your countertops without breaking the bank.

From painting techniques to peel-and-stick covers, read on to explore handy and economical solutions for achieving the kitchen countertops of your dreams on a dime.

Reasons to Consider a Countertop Makeover

Why should you invest time and money into upgrading your kitchen countertops? Here are some of the top motivations homeowners have for wanting to cover up their existing countertops without a full replacement:

• Update an outdated look - Formica and laminate were popular decades ago. Covering up these dull, vintage materials with paint, tile or laminate sheets can modernize the whole kitchen.
• Refresh the kitchen aesthetic - Even if your countertops are in good shape, covering them allows you to alter the color scheme or style of your kitchen so it feels new again.
• Cover damage or flaws - Hairline cracks, scratches, burns and stains can all be concealed by covering options like contact paper or paint.
• Sell home for more money - Minor kitchen updates like painting countertops can increase home value and make the space more attractive to potential buyers.

Budget-Friendly Countertop Solutions

Full countertop replacement using materials like quartz, granite, marble or butcher block can cost anywhere from $40 to over $100 per square foot installed. For a more affordable kitchen makeover, consider these creative cover-up options:

Paint

Painting your existing laminate, wood or tile countertops with a specialized countertop paint is one of the most wallet-friendly ways to transform the look. Countertop paint has epoxy resins that make it more durable and resistant to stains and scratches. Expect to pay around $35 per quart.

Contact Paper

While not the most long-lasting solution, contact paper provides an instant makeover. Contact paper with a stone, wood, marble or abstract pattern can disguise dated countertops for less than $10 per roll. Use it as a temporary fix until you can afford a more permanent solution.

Tile

Installing tile over your existing countertops adds visual interest and a custom look. Ceramic, porcelain or stone tile starts around $5 per square foot. While tiling requires some skill, it can still be a DIY project for an experienced homeowner.

Laminate Sheets

Cover up laminate, wood or tile countertops with new laminate sheets in a modern color or pattern. At about $10 per square foot, it is comparable in price to nice contact paper but provides a more seamless appearance. Use construction adhesive to apply the laminate over cleaned countertops.

Concrete Resurfacing

resurfacing products can be applied over existing countertops to give the look of sleek, industrial concrete. For $50, you can get enough material to resurface about 25 square feet. This provides a bonded, stain-resistant surface.

Evaluate Existing Countertop Condition

To choose the best countertop cover-up for your kitchen, assess the current condition and material. Factors like smoothness, existing moisture issues and severity of damage impact which solutions will work best. Here is what to check:

Surface Material

Laminate and wood composites are ideal for painting, while ceramic tile and stone work better for contact paper or tile overlays. Plastic laminates can be covered in new laminate sheets. Know your existing material before applying new finishes.

Damage Level

Small scratches and stains can be concealed with paint or contact paper. But deep cracks, holes and broken corners will show through thin cover-ups - choose a thicker overlay like tile or laminate sheets for very damaged countertops.

Moisture Concerns

Paint and contact paper will fail if applied over countertops with continual moisture exposure issues. Pick a waterproof option like tile instead. Even small leaks along the walls or at seams can damage glued-on finishes over time.

Prep Work for Countertop Makeover

Proper prep work ensures your new budget-friendly countertop cover-up lasts for years with a seamless look. Follow these steps before painting, using contact paper or installing tile overlays:

Deep Clean

Use degreaser to cut through grease, dirt and wax buildup on your existing countertops. Rinse well and let dry fully. Leftover grime under your makeover can cause failure of adhesives or paint.

Remove Hardware

Take off sink faucets, soap dispensers, knobs and any other attached hardware. Remove built-in cutting boards, trivets and other accessories. This allows for full coverage and easier access.

Sand Surface

Lightly sanding laminate, tile and wood surfaces helps paint, contact paper and new laminate adhere properly. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth when finished.

Fill Holes and Cracks

Fill any divots, chips, cracks or seams using caulk or putty. Sand smooth when dry. This provides the most flawless finished look.

Best Paints for Countertop Makeover

Regular interior paint does not stand up to heavy use, moisture and scaling. Specialty countertop paint has protective epoxy resins. Here are top options:

Epoxy Paint

Two-part epoxy paint kits provide the toughest, glossiest finish. After mixing resin and hardener, the curing time is several hours. Cost is around $50 to $100 per kit.

Acrylic Latex Paint

Water-based acrylic paint is easier to apply than epoxy with no mixing, but the finish is not quite as shiny and durable. Individual quarts cost $15 to $30.

Specialty Countertop Paint

Products like Giani Granite paint are formulated for countertops with quartz particles that make the finish more realistic and resilient. Prices range from $50 to $75 per kit.

Step-by-Step Painting Instructions

Follow these key steps for a smooth, even painted finish on your countertops:

Choose Paint

Select quality epoxy, acrylic or specialty countertop paint in your ideal color. White and light neutrals help brighten small, dark kitchens.

Tape Off Edges

Use painter's tape to mask off walls, countertop edges and any areas you do not want painted. This keeps lines neat.

Apply Primer

After cleaning the surface, apply a bonding primer or plastic primer. This helps the paint adhere to slick surfaces like laminate or tile.

Paint Coats

Use a small foam roller and angled brush to apply multiple thin coats of paint. Lightly sand between coats for maximum smoothness.

Seal Painted Surface

When paint is fully cured, apply one to two coats of water-based polyurethane sealer. Avoid using the countertops for several days.

Achieving a Professional Look

A DIY countertop makeover saves tons of money compared to professional replacement. But you can still get solid surfaces that look high-end with attention to these finishing touches: