Quartz & Granite Worktops

How to Paint Kitchen Worktops (And When Not To)

Can you paint kitchen worktops? | Stone Synergy
15 Jul

How to Paint Kitchen Worktops (And When Not To)

Thinking about giving your kitchen a new look? Painting your worktops is an appealing DIY project that promises a quick and inexpensive improvement. However, before you pick up your paintbrush, you need understand the reality of painting kitchen worktops. While it can be effective for certain materials, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. This guide will lead you through the important considerations and help you determine whether painting is the best option for your kitchen.

Material matters:

  • Laminate: Needs thorough preparation, but is typically the best option for painting.
  • Wood: With the right priming and sanding, it can be painted.
  • Stone: We strongly advise against painting stone (such as granite, quartz, ceramic, etc.). Because of their non-porous nature, paint adhesion is challenging, and the outcomes are frequently disappointing.

Ceramic Worktop

Expert Advice: Think about the long-term worth before making a choice. A possible temporary paint job might not be as good of an investment as replacing the countertops with stone.

The most important thing is preparation:

  • Complete cleaning: Get rid of all dirt and oil.
  • Sanding: To improve paint adherence, create a rough surface.
  • Priming: To guarantee that the paint adheres correctly, use a premium primer.

polished black granite worktop

The best advice is to always sand! A smooth surface will cause peeling and chipping since the paint won’t adhere properly.

Selecting the Proper Paint:

  • Make use of long-lasting kitchen paint (acrylic or epoxy).
  • Think about choices that are resistant to heat and stains.
  • For durability, a sealer or top coat is necessary.

Best Tip: Spend money on a premium paint made especially for kitchens. Less expensive paints won’t hold up against normal wear and tear.

Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits of Painting Kitchen Worktops

  • Low-Cost Kitchen Refresh: Get a fresh appearance without having to replace everything.
  • Customisable Kitchen Colour Palette: Changing the colour scheme of your kitchen is simple.

Drawbacks of Painting Kitchen Worktops

  • Decreased Worktop Durability: Painted surfaces are more prone to wear and scratching.
  • Increased Worktop Maintenance: Needs thorough cleaning and touch-ups frequently.
  • High Failure Risk on Stone Surfaces: Because of adhesion problems, painting granite, quartz, and related materials is strongly discouraged.

Top Tip: Consider the long-term trade-off between the possibility of more upkeep or early worktop failure and the instant cosmetic modifications.

Cleaning and Care Advice for Painted Kitchen Worktops

  • Gentle Cleaning Is Crucial: Careful cleaning techniques are needed for painted worktops.
  • Steer clear of harsh chemicals and abrasives: To avoid damaging paint, use gentle cleaning agents.
  • Spills should be cleaned up right away to prevent damage or discolouration.

Expert Advice: Use a mild detergent and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Scrubbing might damage the painted finish, so avoid doing it.

Expert Advice on When to Avoid Painting Kitchen Worktops

  • Protecting Expensive Stone Worktops: Keep granite, quartz, and other high-end surfaces intact.
  • Making long-term durability a priority: Opt for long-term, low-maintenance solutions rather than band-aid ones.
  • Factors to Consider for DIY Confidence: It is advised to have a professional installation done if you are inexperienced.

Expert Advice: Consult an expert if you’re unsure about painting. You may make an informed choice for your kitchen with the assistance of professional advice.