Is painting a good way to revive your worn bathroom countertop? The answer is yes — painting a bathroom countertop is an easy, affordable way to give it a fresh look.
In this article, I’ll tell you how to paint bathroom countertops and offer some tips from Emmanuel, a handyman who is the uncle of one of my colleagues.
| Project difficulty: Beginner Estimated time to complete: 3 to 4 days (including the curing time) Project cost: Costs range from $150 to $350 depending on the quantity and quality of the material you purchase. |
Can You Paint Bathroom Countertops?
Painting a bathroom countertop is a DIY job that even beginners can tackle. Just remember three important things:
- Get the right paint.
- Don’t skimp on preparing the surface.
- Make sure to properly seal the countertop. That last step is necessary, Emmanuel says, “since countertops see a lot of water and wear.”
Supplies Needed to Paint a Bathroom Countertop
While you’re shopping for paint, pick up a few supplies to make the job easier.
- Sandpaper – 220 grit
- Paper, drop cloths, or tarps
- Painter’s tape
- Caulk (Silicone is the top choice, but latex also serves.)
- Utility knife
- Flathead screwdriver or putty knife
- Paint brushes (A 2-inch synthetic angled brush will hold up to most paints.)
- Paint roller (microfiber cover for epoxy, though foam is also a good choice; foam or natural fiber for oil-based paint)
- Paint tray
- Rags
- Gloves
- Mask or respirator (especially important when using epoxy-based paints)
- Cleaner
Paint
Finding the right paint can be confusing. Your countertop primer, paint, and sealer should withstand heat, humidity, and water, plus dropped toothbrushes and cups. But specifically? It depends on what your countertop is made of.
With any paint job, Emmanuel suggests that you ask your paint dealer for a product that’s specifically labeled for the material you’ll be painting. And don’t forget the primer, since ”it makes paint adhere better and last longer.”
Here’s a rundown of common countertop materials and the best paints to use on them:
- Laminate: A composite that is made by bonding paper with a heat-setting resin. It’s applied over wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Oil-based paint is usually best, though epoxy paint also can be used. In either case, start with a bonding primer.
- Marble: Marble is porous, so you have more options. Oil-based paint (and a bonding primer) will stand up to daily use. However, epoxy paint is an option, as is chalk paint, which generally doesn’t need primer.
- Solid surface: Known by the brand name Corian, this nonporous surface consists of minerals, resins, and pigments. Epoxy primer and paint will produce the best results.
- Granite: Acrylic and oil-based paints work on this surface and are best twinned with a granite-specific primer.
- Concrete: Emmanuel suggests starting with a masonry primer. Either paint made for concrete (usually used for outdoor painting) or epoxy paint will do the job.
- Tile: Either epoxy or tile paint will work, but be sure to use a bonding primer. Tub and tile kits are available and include all the materials you’ll need.
- Another option: If you’d prefer a textured countertop, spray products and kits are available that mimic a stone surface. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on application and the type of countertop material it’s designed to cover.
What Not to Paint
Quartz: It’s possible to paint a quartz bathroom countertop, but it may not be the best idea or the best use of your time. Quartz’s slick surface makes it difficult for paint to adhere. It is also non-porous, so it won’t absorb paint, leaving you with a result that’s prone to chipping.
If you decide to paint, be prepared for a big sanding job — quartz is hard — and to apply multiple coats of paint and sealer.
Glass: If you want backpainted glass (painted underside with clear side on top), consider leaving that to the pros. Commercially, this is created by applying a water-based silicon paint to ultra-clear glass. Painting and curing are done in a controlled environment to maintain quality.
What Color is Best For a Bathroom Countertop?
White is a top choice, followed by gray. But you don’t have to stick to neutrals. If you want a black, navy, or fire-engine red countertop to set off your bathroom decor, why not?
Steps to Paint a Bathroom Countertop
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to get started.
Scrape Off the Old Caulk
It’s likely your countertop will be caulked against one or two walls, plus around the sink. Removing it is important, Emmanuel says. “Old caulk can trap dirt, and paint won’t stick to it. Scrape it off, paint, then recaulk when dry.”
Use a utility knife or putty knife to slice through the old caulk and peel or pry it off. Afterward, go over the area with a cloth dampened with bleach to remove any mildew, then go over it again with a cloth dampened in water.
Clean the Countertop
You can use a kitchen or bathroom cleaner to remove any dirt, oils, or errant toothpaste splatters from the countertop. If money is tight (or you need a quick substitute cleaner), Emmanuel suggests scrubbing with a paste of baking soda and vinegar.
Rinse well with water, then wipe clean. Give it at least a couple of hours to dry thoroughly.
Protect the Room
Things are about to get messy, so cover the floor and other bathroom fixtures with drop cloths or tarps. Wrap a tarp or paper around the vanity, and tape paper or cardboard on the walls just above the countertop.
As for the sink, tie a plastic bag over the faucets, and place some plastic in the sink to avoid splatters. If you’d prefer to remove the sink rather than cover it, How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity and Sink in 5 Steps offers a few tips to make the job easier.
Sand the Surface
Your goal is to rough up the surface enough so that the primer will stick, not remove the finish. Either by hand or with an electric sander, go over the entire countertop with the 220-grit sandpaper.
When you finish, use a tack cloth, a damp cloth, or a cloth dipped in mineral spirits to wipe up the dust. (You may need to repeat this.) Also, dust goes everywhere; to avoid tracking it through the house, sweep the floor or pull up the drop cloths and shake them outside.
Apply Painter’s Tape
If you haven’t previously done so, now’s the time to tape over anything that touches the countertop. Also, tape under the edge of the countertop. If you haven’t moved the sink, apply tape around the basin and protect the faucets and drain.
Apply Primer
This isn’t a step to skip: Primer helps the paint adhere and also provides a base coat that will prevent any bleed-through from the counter’s original color.
Note: If you are using epoxy primer and/or paint, make sure you have adequate ventilation. Epoxy paint creates incredibly intense fumes, so at the very least, open windows, set up fans, and keep children and pets out of the room. A respirator is also recommended.
How to Apply Primer with a Brush or Roller
No matter what method you use, don’t overpaint. You want a smooth, even coat that produces an even color, and it may take a couple of coats to achieve that.
- Brushes: For any paint job, Emmanuel suggests using a brush just for edges and tight spots. Paint with a smooth, light touch to create an even surface and avoid obvious brushstrokes.
- Rollers: Again, don’t overpaint. Resist the temptation to “dig in” with the roller; light, even strokes will produce an even finish. Also, you can alternate directions with the roller to make sure the entire surface is evenly coated.
How to Spray Paint Primer
Whether you’re painting with a sprayer or a spray can, there are some things to keep in mind.
- With a sprayer: Do a test spray on a piece of cardboard to check the spray pattern, pressure, and nozzle adjustments. To paint, hold the sprayer 10 to 12 inches away from the surface and paint in short strokes.
- With a spray can: Hold the can to the side of the item, then sweep gently across the surface, overlapping strokes. Then sweep back toward you. To help keep the nozzle clear, shake the can after every few passes.
The primer needs time to dry between coats (if necessary) and before the top coat of paint. Always follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions on drying time, but generally:
- Bonding primers will be ready in about an hour.
- Epoxy primers can take up to 24 hours to dry.
- Oil-based primers can take up to 8 hours to dry.
- Masonry primers will be ready in about 4 hours.
Apply Paint to the Bathroom Countertop
For a smooth surface, a roller will give you the most professional look, Emmanuel says. Otherwise, the painting techniques are the same as with primer. (Be sure to overlap your paint rolls by an inch or so to keep an even surface.)
Let the first coat dry before applying a second coat, then again before sealing. Follow the paint manufacturer’s or your painting kit’s instructions, but generally.
- Chalk paint takes 1 to 3 hours.
- Epoxy paint takes at least 4 hours.
- Oil-based paints take 24 hours.
- Concrete paints take 24 hours.
Sand lightly between coats, then again before sealing.
Apply the Sealer
In some cases, you won’t apply a standard sealer. Chalk paint is usually sealed with a furniture finishing wax, or a specially formulated lacquer. A concrete countertop also will take a specially formulated sealer.
Two good sealers, Emmanuel says, are clear epoxy and polyurethane. Before starting, make sure the counter is dry and dust-free.
- For epoxy: Most epoxy sealing kits contain a resin and a curing agent. Be sure to mix them according to the manufacturer’s directions. Then pour the mixture on the countertop and spread with a roller or squeegee.
- For polyurethane: Use a roller to apply a thin coat of the sealer on the surface. Let it dry for at least 24 hours, then sand lightly before applying a second coat.
Wait for the Sealer to Cure
Your countertop may look ready, but don’t use it just yet. Sealers need time to dry completely (or cure) before they can fully protect the surface. Check product instructions for specific times, but generally:
- Polyurethane can take 24 to 72 hours to cure. Water-based products cure more quickly.
- On average, epoxy can take 72 hours, but can take longer depending on temperature.
One Last Step
While you’re waiting for the sealer to cure, start cleaning the area:
- Remove drop cloths.
- Clean and put away supplies.
- Pull any wrapping away from the faucet (but not from the sink basin).
Make sure the sealant is completely dry before you pull up painter’s tape or caulk. You don’t want to accidentally pull up the sealer, and the caulk may not adhere to the wet sealant.
FAQ
How Do you Maintain Painted Bathroom Countertops?
If you used a paint kit, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions on aftercare. Otherwise:
- Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. (Some paint manufacturers don’t recommend cleaners with a high alcohol content.)
- Keep hot things off the counter. Placing a hot hair dryer, curling iron, or hair straightener on the countertop can damage the sealant and paint. Invest in stands or place them on surfaces that can withstand heat.
Can you Paint Countertops in Other Rooms (Like the Kitchen)?
Yes, you can. Most kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room countertops use the same materials. But use caution. Since kitchen countertops come in contact with food, use a food-safe paint and sealer, and make sure the sealer has cured before you make a sandwich on it.
What Other Parts of Your Bathroom Can you Paint?
You don’t have to stop with countertops. You can give your bathroom a coordinated style by painting:
- The bathtub
- Shower stall or tub surround
- The sink (For tips, see How to Paint a Bathroom Sink.)
- The vanity cabinet (Check out How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets.)
- The walls and trim (Need help? See How to Paint Your Bathroom.)
Ready to Paint?
If you’ve considered painting your bathroom countertop, I hope this article will give you the know-how and the inspiration to take the plunge.
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Main Photo Credit: Charles & Hudson / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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