Painting Formica also means keeping unrecyclable household materials out of the landfill.
Formica laminatecannot be re-laminated, so other than full replacement, painting is the only refurbishment option.
Painting Formica is approved by the manufacturer as a means of updating outdated, worn, or damaged Formica.
Image by Marie LaFauci / Getty Images
What Is Formica?
Formica is a prominent brand oflaminate countertop.
Laminate countertop is made primarily of layers of kraft paper and synthetic resins.
Avoid using latex or lacquer paints, since they adhere more poorly than other paints.
As an alternative, Formica recommends acetone, rubbing alcohol (isopropyl), or ethanol.
Light Cleaner
Light cleaning is required before deep cleaning.
Formica recommends a liquid dish soap,all-purpose cleaners, or a window cleaner.
Avoid abrasive cleaners like scouring powders that leave a fine powder.
Also, avoid acidic or alkali-based cleansers.
Provide room ventilation by opening the windows and turning on abox fan(pointed toward the outside).
Look for loose or poorly bonded areas.
If the Formica looks and feels solid everywhere, it can be painted.
Clean in a circular motion.
Rinse off the cleaner with a new cloth and fresh water.
Do not flood the surface, especially around seams and edges.
Deep-Clean the Formica
Embedded dirt and waxes must be cleaned off before painting.
Clean in rotating motion.
A nylon-bristle brush can be used for deep stains.
Rinse the Surface
Rinse the Formica with water and allow it to dry.
All traces of the cleaner must be removed.
Avoid bearing down hard on the sander.
Let the weight of the sander do most of the work.
Clean the Sanding Dust
Remove sanding dust with the brush attachment on a shop vacuum.
Next, wipe the surface with atack cloth.
Turn the tack cloth over several times to find a fresh area.
Sweep the Formica with the tack cloth, using only light pressure.
Tip
Tack cloth is embedded with beeswax.
Always keep a wet edge as you move along the countertop.
Spraying is recommended by Formica.
Apply the Second Coat
Wait for the paint recoat time recommended by the paint manufacturer.
Apply the second coat of paint to the Formica.
Because countertops receive significant wear, more coats of paint are usually better than less.
Heavy objects may imprint in the surface.
Clean with a dry cloth until the paint is fully cured.
Painting laminate counters is not a typical project for most house painters.
But companies likeMiracle Methodthat reglaze orresurface bathtubsand showers often will paint other surfaces such as countertops.
Resurfacing Laminated Assemblies Technical Brief - Laminate by Formica Group.Formica Corporation
The Proper Cleaning + Disinfecting of Formica Products.Formica Corporation
