- Joe Gorham
Countertop Transformations- Keep the shine, save the money
TRANSFORMATION KITS MAKE YOUR LAMINATE COUNTERTOP LOOK LIKE GRANITE
When someone brings up granite countertops in a conversation, the first thing we think about is $$$. It's nice to spend money on a granite countertop or something like it in durability, shine, and look. What happens when you have a tighter budget? We have an answer for you!
-Countertop Transformation Kits.
Many companies make them. They are relatively easy to use but if you're not familiar with DIY projects like this, or may not have the time to tackle this couple day long project, there are companies out there that will do the work for you. When done correctly, these kits turn your laminate countertop from a scratch and faded countertop, to a brand new shinning granite style countertop with the look, feel, and durablility of an actual granite countertop; without the cost.
What are the steps?
Most kits take around 2 days to complete. They will have most of the tools needed to complete the project. You may have to get specific brushes, painters tape, and extra prep materials.
FIRST STEP: PREP WORK
Prepping your area will make the end result look great, and it will save you on time from fixing little spots that didn't come out well.
Make sure to tape using good quality tape. It'll pay off at the end during the clean up phase of this project.
Make sure to lay down plenty of painters canvas or plastic. Adding color chips is one of the next steps after prepping and laying down your base coat.
STEP TWO: BASE COAT
You will typically apply a base coat for the color chips to adhere to. This will be a nice thick coat. Typically it is applied to the countertop with a thicker roller. After the base coat is applied, usually within a certain amount of time you will need to use the color chip spreader and apply the color chips to the base coat. (Make sure to do this within the time limits or you'll have part of the base coat drying and it will not allow the color chips to adhere.)
STEP THREE: LET THE BASE COAT DRY, THEN APPLY CLEAR COAT
Shave down the excess color chips with the plastic tool provided in the kit. This will make a smooth surface with a little bit of texture to feel like granite. Next, you will clean up the entire surface area for loose dust. Then apply the clear coat and let the clear coat dry. This will take around 7 days typically for the clear coat to fully cure. During this time, we suggest very light use of your countertop until it is fully cured. Then you can continue regular use.
The finished product is a countertop with the look, shine, feel, and durability of a granite countertop without you having to pay for the expensive price of a granite countertop!
Check out our website and social media pages for more ideas or to schedule your next project with Operation Renovation LLC - Northeast Ohio Home Improvement