Does your countertop look old and shabby? Do you want to replace it? There are ways to renew your outdated kitchen countertop without replacing it entirely. And resurfacing is a simple process of covering your existing surface with sheet goods or tile—you can give your kitchen a whole new look within a few hours and at a fraction of the cost of buying a new counter.
If you have a tile countertop or extremely damaged laminate, you will have to remove the countertop and replace it with a new one. But if your goal is to resurface your countertop, then here are some of the best ways you can do the same.
Granite Sheets
Granite is a natural stone that adds elegance to your kitchen space, but the material can be quite costly. From greens to blacks, these are available in a wide range of options. Since black is a tricky colour to use, if you want black countertops ideas, you can see more here.
Coming back to our granite sheets, you also get them in so many different varieties. And they are heat, scratch, and stain-resistant and do not need to be sealed. If you take care of it correctly, these granite sheets can last you more than ten years. You can either install the sheets yourself or let the professional do the work.
Re-laminating
If your laminate countertop has been outdated, you can use a new laminate over the existing one and create a whole new look. You can choose from a wide range of designs for your new laminate. Before applying the new surface, make sure to sand the old laminate. This will ensure that you have a smooth surface. After that, cut the laminate while leaving an inch overhanging in the front.
Set the new pieces in the correct position and bond them to the bold surface with contact cement, and remove the dowels while pressing the laminate down as you move. Move a rolling pin over the surface to fix any air bubbles. Now cut out the overhanging edges with a power router. Attach the precise edge pieces and use clamps to hold the laminate in its place until the glue is cured.
Tiles
Whether you are looking for an affordable option for granite or love the classic appeal of tiles, this material is a great way to give your kitchen countertop a charming look. If you do not have a particle board base, then first install a thin cement board over the existing laminate countertop.
Place the tiles, set them using a mortar, and add grout. Additionally, if you are using granite tiles, use matching grout to produce a seamless countertop. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are also a smart decision for your kitchen as they are moisture-resistant and do not hold heat.
Epoxy Kits
Epoxy material can give your countertop a whole new look without spending too much money. And you can easily find epoxy kits, and you can choose a material that looks premium. Before you work with epoxy material, make sure that you clean the surface first and skim coat it if it is porous. A great thing about this material is that it can be used with different kinds of countertop materials.
However, epoxy is different from paint and can be difficult for you to apply the material evenly. So you have to be a little more focused to ensure that your countertop looks even throughout. Additionally, epoxy works better at a certain temperature and may take a long time to cure completely. You may have to wait for 30 days to cure.
Non-Epoxy Liquid Kit
If you find Epoxy material harder to use, you can use non-epoxy liquid kits to resurface your countertop. The kits can look like granite as they may contain real stones and minerals. The primary benefit of these materials is that they are heat and stain-resistant.
And they generally come with all the required materials that you will need to resurface the countertop. And your new countertop will be ready to use in just 24 hours. But before using these kits, you will have to prime the surface, especially if it is a porous one. You will also need to fill any gaps on the surface; you need to have a smooth surface to work on.
Let The Professionals Take Care Of It
If you find DIY ways to be too much of a hassle for you, then you can hire professionals to resurface your counter. The professionals will first clean the countertop surface to get rid of any grease and unwanted residues. They will have scratches, chips, and cracks present on the surface. After that, they will add chemicals to bond the countertop using a bonding agent.
This process varies from one company to another. Some companies use proprietary bonding agents that work with most surfaces; others use an acid-etching process that is a bit harsh on the countertop. Irrespective of the chemical agent, you can expect the room to have a strong odour. This is why this process should be done in a properly ventilated place for maximum safety.
Depending on the method that the company is using, the process can take 2 to 4 days. If you want a stone-like finish, you will have to wait for a bit longer as they need more time to dry due to the multiple layers. But solid-coloured surfaces and random flecks counters get properly cured within two days.
The Bottom Line
Resurfacing kitchen countertops is a cost-effective way to give your counter a new look that will last for many years to come. But remember that the whole process can take from 36 hours to an entire week to get completed. It will depend on the complexity of your project. Additionally, it also means that the sink bowls and range tops will be removed for the job. So if you are working with a professional team, the experts will take care of everything. But if it is a DIY project for you, expect to do all these things before the process starts.
