Can Granite Countertops Handle Paint? What You Should Know

Granite countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling. However, over time even granite surfaces can start to seem outdated. If your granite countertops are looking worn but you aren't ready for a full replacement, painting them can provide a fresh, updated look. But does granite hold up well to being painted? What kind of paint works best? Here's what you need to know about painting granite countertops before you break out the brushes.

What Are Granite Countertops?

Granite countertops consist of polished slabs of natural stone quarried from large granite deposits around the world. Composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and mica, granite is exceptionally strong and resistant to staining, etching, scratches, and heat. It's this durability that has made granite one of the most popular choices for kitchen counters for years.

Benefits of Granite Countertops

Some key benefits that contribute to granite's popularity include:

• Extremely durable and scratch/stain resistant surface
• Unique natural patterns with variations in color and veining
• Matches well with numerous cabinetry and flooring options
• Increases home value significantly

Potential Drawbacks of Granite

While granite is a prized material, there can be some disadvantages when used as countertops:

• Expensive material and installation costs
• Sealing required periodically to prevent staining
• Porosity necessitates care to avoid etching or cracks
• Eventual signs of wear even on durable granite

Is It Possible to Paint Granite Countertops?

The short answer is yes--with the proper products and techniques, you can paint existing granite countertops. Painting granite does require extensive preparation and often a willingness to sacrifice some of granite's durability and heat resistance. But if your goal is simply to update the look of your granite with paint, it can be an affordable facelift.

Potential Benefits of Painting Granite Countertops

• Much more affordable than replacing countertops
• Allows changing color palette of kitchen or bath
• Temporarily modernizes the look of outdated granite
• Opportunity to create faux finishes like marble or concrete

Drawbacks of Painted Granite Counters

While painting old granite can refresh the look of your space, be aware that it comes with limitations:

• Paint likely won't withstand heat or direct contact with hot pans
• Paint can scratch, stain, or peel over time
• Frequent resealing needed to protect painted finish
• Surface repairs very difficult after painting

Choosing Paint for Granite Countertops

Not just any paint will bond correctly and deliver maximum durability on granite surfaces. It's crucial to use paint formulated especially for countertops. Here are paint options to consider:

Epoxy Countertop Paint

Two-part epoxy paint bonds tenaciously to stone surfaces. It offers exceptional scratch, stain, and heat resistance once fully cured. Most epoxy kits include base paint color and a separate clear top-coat for extra protection.

Acrylic Latex Wall Paint

Standard acrylic latex wall paint also works well for DIY granite makeovers. Opt for higher-end paint lines offering better adhesion and durability. Match added top coats to the base paint type.

Countertop Paint Kits

For convenience, choose an all-in-one countertop painting system. These kits include bonding primer, base coat color, protective clear top coats, and specialized application tools.

How to Prep and Paint Granite Countertops

While paint can adhere to granite surfaces surprisingly well, proper prep work is still essential for the best results. Follow these key steps:

Clean and Prepare Granite

Start by deep cleaning granite with degreasing dish soap or an acidic cleaner to remove dirt, oils, waxes, and old sealers that could impede paint bonding. Allow to fully dry. Sand extremely glossy areas with 220 grit sandpaper so paint can grip the surface better. Wipe away all sanding dust using a tack cloth.

Seal Seams and Edges

Use 100% silicone caulk (not acrylic latex) to seal all seams, corners, edges, and areas surrounding sinks or hardware to prevent moisture reaching unpainted sections. Allow caulk to fully cure overnight before painting.

Apply Bonding Primer

After prepping the granite, apply at least two coats of specially formulated bonding primer, allowing sufficient dry time between coats as recommended on the product directions. The primer chemically prepares the non-porous granite surface to accept paint.

Add Paint in Thin Coats

Using a foam roller, apply at least two thin coats of countertop paint in the chosen color, allowing each coat to dry overnight. Thin coats prevent bubbling or brush marks in the paint. Add additional coats for better coverage and protection, lightly sanding between each application.

Consider a Clear Top Coat

For added surface resilience against scratching, staining, or wear, apply one or two coats of a protective clear acrylic, polyurethane, or epoxy top coat specially made for painted countertops. Water-based polyurethane is easy to apply but less durable than epoxy.

Creating Faux Marble or Stone Finishes

Painting solid granite counters with a single color often works best. But for a more dynamic, natural stone look, try creating faux marble or granite finishes with paint. Here's one simple technique:

1. Basecoat entire surface in main paint color
2. Add paint lowlights/shadows using darker accent color
3. Add whitish highlights and veining with paint or glaze
4. Blend colors for natural variation with foam brush
5. Apply final clear acrylic or polyurethane topcoat

Rather than acrylic latex wall paint, some choose to use marble countertop paint kits or epoxy paints paired with epoxy clear coats when pursuing a faux stone look. Multiple thin coats with adequate curing times are key to achieve an authentic, durable finish.

Caring for Painted Granite Countertops

The right cleaning methods and care essential for preserving your painted granite investment. Be aware that paint alters the original properties of natural stone granite. Follow these care tips:

• Allow paint to cure at least 7 days before regular use
• Avoid placing hot pots/pans directly on surface
• Use cutting boards and hot pads whenever possible
• Clean gently with mild soap and soft rag or sponge
• Reseal painted surface every 1-2 years as needed
• Touch up paint scratches or wear promptly

Unlike replacing natural stone slabs, painted finishes on granite won't last forever. Most DIYers can expect 1-5 years of usable life from painted granite with proper care and maintenance before signs of wear show. At that point, surfaces would need sanding and repainting.