Kitchen Remodel & Repair

How to Surface a Countertop With Countertop Transformations

7 Min Read

I’ve found a budget-friendly way to update your kitchen that’s great for DIY lovers. Countertop Transformations is a cost-effective option for laminate countertop makeovers. It lets homeowners refresh their space without spending a lot.

For under $50, you can make your old countertops look like high-end ones. The process involves applying six thin coats. This creates a strong finish that looks like granite or stone. It works on many surfaces, including laminate, vinyl tiles, wood, and metal.

The Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations Kit costs $249 and covers up to 50 square feet or 20 linear feet. With extra supplies costing about $30, the total cost is around $300. This is much cheaper than $1500 for new laminate or $3000 for granite countertops of similar size.

This DIY countertop resurfacing is easy to do. It’s rated a 2 out of 10 for difficulty, making it great for beginners. The kit includes simple instructions and lets you pick from 16 colors to match your kitchen’s look.

Remember, be patient. You’ll need to wait 72 hours for the coating to dry completely. In my experience, the countertops have lasted at least two months. This shows it’s a durable and affordable way to update your kitchen.

Understanding Countertop Transformations Kits

Countertop transformation kits are a budget-friendly way to update your kitchen or bathroom. They’re a great choice instead of replacing everything, giving your space a new look without spending a lot.

What’s Included in the Kit

These kits come with everything you need. You’ll find an adhesive base coat, decorative color chips, and a top coat to protect it all. There’s also a diamond-embedded sanding tool for getting the surface ready. Some kits even include a DVD to help you through each step.

Coverage and Color Options

You have many color choices for resurfacing your countertops. Large kits offer colors like charcoal, java stone, desert sand, and onyx. Smaller kits have charcoal and desert sand. The size of the kit affects how much area it covers – large kits can do about 50 square feet, while small ones cover up to 30 square feet.

Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Full Replacement

Renovating your countertops with these kits is affordable. A project I worked on showed this clearly. For a 45 square foot counter, a Corian countertop was priced at $2,700, including installation. But, I bought two Rustoleum Countertop Transformation kits for $198, covering 60 square feet. This big price difference makes these kits a smart choice for those on a budget who want to refresh their space without a full remodel.

Preparing Your Countertop for Transformation

Getting your countertop ready for a change is key. I’ll show you how to make sure it’s perfect for resurfacing. You’ll need to clean it well, fix any damage, and protect it for the best look.

Cleaning and Repairing the Surface

First, clean the countertop with a gentle cleaner to get rid of dirt. If there are any cracks or chips, use epoxy putty for laminate repair. This easy fix makes sure your surface is smooth for resurfacing.

Sanding and Deglossing Techniques

Then, sand the whole surface with a diamond-embedded block from the kit. This step takes off the shine and helps the new finish stick better. The kit is great for most kitchen counters, covering up to 50 square feet. Sanding right is crucial for a top-notch finish.

Proper Masking and Protection

Use painter’s tape to cover nearby areas and lay down drop cloths on cabinets and floors. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and wear a mask and safety glasses. These steps help avoid spills on other surfaces during the project.

After these steps, your countertop is ready for a new look. The whole process takes about two days. But, wait a few weeks for the countertop to fully cure for the best results.

How to Surface a Countertop With Countertop Transformations

The countertop transformation process is a smart way to update your kitchen without spending a lot. The Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations kit costs $249. It’s a great deal for those wanting a new look without the high cost of new countertops.

This kit has everything you need for a new countertop look, except for a few tools you’ll have to buy. Here are the steps to resurface your countertop:

1. Scuff up the existing countertop
2. Apply the adhesive base coat
3. Spread the decorative color chips
4. Scrape and sand the chips
5. Apply the protective top coat

This project takes at least 48 hours to complete, and it should fully cure in a week. The kit gives a speckled look with five color choices. It’s a low-odor option, making it easier to work with in small areas.

Users say the countertops last a long time. Wood countertops look great even after 10 months of heavy use. For concrete countertops, you might need to apply the surface 3 to 4 times.

Be patient. Let the surface dry for at least 72 hours before using it, and wait 7 days for the best results. The effort is worth it, as it gives your countertops a new, durable look that’s similar to expensive materials.

Applying the Decorative Chips and Protective Coat

The final steps in transforming your countertop involve decorative chip application and adding a protective coating. This process creates a durable, attractive finish that rivals the look of natural stone.

Spreading Decorative Color Chips

I begin by applying the base coat evenly across the surface. Then, while it’s still wet, I sprinkle the decorative chips generously. The Rustoleum Countertop Transformations kit offers five color options: Onyx, Charcoal, Java Stone, Desert Sand, and Pebbled Ivory. For full coverage, I use about 30 square feet of chips for a small kit or 50 square feet for a large one.

Sanding for a Smooth Finish

After the chips dry, I sand the surface using specific countertop sanding techniques. This step is crucial but can be challenging. It requires time and muscle to achieve a smooth finish. I follow the provided sample as a guide, ensuring consistency across the entire surface.

Applying the Protective Top Coat

The final step involves applying a protective coating for countertops. This two-component clear modified silicone epoxy finish provides durability and sheen. I mix parts A and B thoroughly before application. Using a synthetic brush for edges and a high-density foam roller for flat surfaces, I apply a heavy, even coat.

The protective clear coat needs 48 hours to dry for light use and 7 days to fully cure. During this time, it’s best to keep the area undisturbed. The finished product boasts impressive specs: dry heat resistance up to 200°F (93°C) and a flash point above 160°F (67°C). Plus, with a shelf life of 2 years, you can save leftover materials for future touch-ups.

This DIY transformation kit delivers a gorgeous, durable finish at a fraction of the cost of new countertops. The result is an amazing improvement that looks great and stands up to daily use.

Conclusion

I’ve looked into countertop transformations and found they’re a big deal for DIY kitchen makeovers. Kits like Giani’s, which cover 35 square feet for about $200, let you get amazing results without the high cost of new countertops. This way, you save thousands and get a pro look.

These kits are really versatile. You can use them with granite, Formica, or ceramic tile for a beautiful look. The process takes time, but even beginners can do it. Adding marble-like veining gives your kitchen a unique touch.

When renovating your kitchen, durability matters a lot. Countertops you refinish can last more than ten years. Doing it yourself saves a lot of money compared to hiring pros, who charge between $300 and $1,200. You can get laminate sheets for $86-$109 and contact cement for $56 a gallon, making this a budget-friendly choice.

From what I’ve seen, countertop transformations are a great mix of cost, durability, and style. It’s a smart pick for anyone wanting to update their kitchen affordably. By using this guide, you’re set to get great countertop results that will make your kitchen look new for years.