Granite tops are an excellent addition that gives your home an elegant finish. But when you decide it’s time to change the look of your home, your granite countertops can be left sticking out like a sore thumb. Changing the countertops might cost a pretty penny and you might be hesitant to change the tops if they’re still in good condition, which leaves most homeowners wondering, “Can you paint granite counters?”
The simple answer is yes. But paint won’t stick on granite counters unless you carry out some preparation work on the counters before painting over them. Here’s a guide on how to give your counters a new look by painting them.
The Tools You Will Need To Paint Granite Counters
You will need a few tools to get the job done, especially if you intend to paint over the counter yourself – which is completely doable. The tools include:
- Scouring pads
- Painter’s tape
- Granite countertop painting kit
- Utility knife
- Rubber gloves
- Scissors
- Clear caulk
- Thin-tipped artist’s paintbrush
- 600 grit sandpaper
- Paint trays
What Is The Best Granite Countertop Painting Kit?
Not all paints work on granite tops, so you might be left wondering what kind of paint can you use on counters. The right countertop painting kit has everything you need to get the best results from painting your granite countertop.
When choosing a countertop painting kit, remember that the kits are designed with various skill levels in mind and different countertops. It goes without saying that you’ll need to confirm the color as well. Some of the top countertop painting kits on the market currently include:
- Giani Granite Countertop Paint Kit
- SpreadStone Countertop Finishing Kit
- Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations
- Light Cure Acrylic Repair Kit
How To Paint Granite Countertops
With all your tools in place and your preferred granite countertop painting kit in hand, you can start the process of painting your countertop. Here are the steps you should follow:
Scrub the counter to remove old caulk
Before you begin the painting process, start by cleaning the countertops well using a Brillo pad and a good cleaner to remove any dirt and grease. This ensures you get a perfect, even finish after the painting is done. After thoroughly cleaning the countertop, dry them and allow them some time for air drying. You can remove the old caulk using a utility knife or a caulk remover.
Apply painter’s tape
Painter’s tape protects the backsplash and cabinets from potential damage and paint droplets. You want to apply it generously on the sink, faucet and other areas around the countertop to protect them from splatter. You can save some tape by taping newspapers on the cabinets for extra protection.
Apply the Primer
You can finally begin transforming your granite countertops by applying the primer. Start from the back of the countertop and work your way to the front. Use the 2-inch foam brush that comes with most kits to apply the primer in the tight areas. Some of the paint kits will also come with a roller which you can use to make long strokes when applying the primer.
Try to roll in the same direction throughout for the best results. The primer will need a minimum of eight hours to dry before you can apply the next color.
This is an excellent time to start applying mineral paint. Remove the sponge in your paint kit, rinse it in cool water and wring it as hard as possible to prevent the water from diluting the paint. Take a pair of scissors and cut the sponge. You will need one piece that is at least three inches wide and several ½-inch wide pieces. The smaller pieces are to get into the tight corners.
Apply the mineral paint
Use the clean medium-sized sponges and the practice sheet that comes with the painting kit and a paint tray for a trial run. Use gently dabbing motions randomly spaced. Once you’re happy with the results on the practice sheet, you can move to the countertop.
Using a fresh paint tray, apply a second shade of paint using the same gentle, random dabbing motion, followed by a third and final coat.
Sand the countertop
The painting could result in some uneven areas. Use a 600-grit sandpaper for sanding the areas gently. Sanding the surface will also give the countertop a rough surface to improve adherence to the top coat. Wipe the top to remove dust and use a clean roller to apply the clear topcoat. Allow the top coat to dry, then sand it down again.
Apply a second layer of the top coat using thin, even strokes and avoid lap lines and leave it dry. Once the topcoat is dry, you can remove the painter’s tape. Be cautious when removing the painter’s tape to avoid removing some of the paint. If it happens, you can do touchups using the same steps.
Finally, apply Caulk around the sink and backsplash. Once everything is set, give the paint up to 14 days to cure before you can use the countertop normally again.
Painting Your Countertop To Look Like A Granite Top
The shiny, smooth and elegant appeal that granite tops add to every home is something every homeowner would want. Unfortunately, installing granite tops can be expensive. That’s why many homeowners are turning to painting their current countertops to look like granite tops.
Painting the countertop varies depending on the type of counter you have but will more or less follow the process highlighted above. You can use a painter’s brush to create veins that give the countertop granite appearance before applying the clear coats. Most homeowners also paint their granite countertops when they can’t find them in the right color.
Closing Remarks
Painting countertops is something you can do at home without the assistance of a professional with several tools. You can easily transform the color of your granite tops or make other types of countertops look like granite tops.
If you’re thinking of painting your countertops because you can’t get the countertops in the right color, explore our range of customized granite countertops. We are an experienced custom granite marble and quartz countertop fabricator and installer that can cater to a vast range of needs and parts of the home. With our state-of-the-art technology and equipment, we can deliver granite and marble slabs that give your home a high-quality fit and finish.