How To Renew Your Kitchen Countertop

How To Renew Laminate Countertops

Is your old laminate countertop no longer as glossy as it used to be? Do not let it frustrate you; follow the following steps to renew old laminate countertops without breaking a sweat!

Rough Up The Surface

Use sanding tools to degloss the original laminate surface. You will work faster if you use an orbital sander with 60-80-grit sandpaper. Degloss lightly to avoid unevenness or sanding through the surface. Vacuum up the dust and use a damp cloth to clean the dust off every surface. Mask off the sink, base cabinets, floor, the above walls, and appliances using plastic and painter’s tape. Remember to cover the sink drains so that they do not get clogged.

Apply The Base Coat

Set up the decorative chips in the dispenser before you begin this step. Now apply the base coat and apply the decorative chips within 20 minutes (this is the window you have before the base coat dries). For longer countertops, work in pairs and slip the countertop into segments. Use a brush and a microfiber roller to apply a thick but even layer of basecoat on the backsplash and flat surface, respectively.

Apply The Decorative Chips

Swiftly dispense the decorative chips onto the backsplash, edges, and flat surface of the counter. Use as much as you need to ensure that every inch of the base coat is covered. Multicolored chips are probably the best choice because they will give you a textured finish. Check for any uncovered areas and apply more chips before 20 minutes elapse. Allow the countertop to dry for at least 12 hours.

Sand And Smooth

Vacuum up the loose chips and knock down the rough edges using a chip scraper. Work gently to avoid gouging the surface, edges, or corners. Vacuum the scraped bits. Use a sander to smooth the rough surfaces. Take care not to sand through the chips. The chip surface will appear lighter when you are done sanding, but that is okay. For extra smoothness, use 120-grit sandpaper and a very gentle touch. Vacuum the area and wipe off the dust using a damp piece of cloth.

Apply The Top Coat

Begin by vacuuming up all the dust from sanding and then apply an even thick layer of topcoat to the backsplash using a paintbrush. Next, apply a thick layer of coat onto the surface and the edges using a high-density roller. Cover every surface and then do it again, following one direction. Leave the new laminate untouched for at least 4 hours, and then remove the plastic and tape. Your new countertop will be fully ready for use in a week.

How To Renew Quartz Countertops

A damaged quartz countertop may not be the worst emergency you can have in your home, but it certainly is not pleasant. Quartz overlay countertops are a beautiful investment because they are made of one of the best non-porous materials in the market. Quartz countertops are popular due to their flexibility, which makes them less susceptible to cracks. So how do you renew quartz? Well, buff!

Quartz Renew: Step 1

Take a damp sponge and dab it with a little quartz cleaner. Rub the sponge to evenly distribute the cleaner, then use it to wipe the surface of the countertop. This step helps to clear any build-up before the actual buffing begins.

Quartz Renew: Step 2

Spray clean, warm water onto the countertop, then use a soft cloth to blot the moisture away.

Quartz Renew: Step 3

Use a soft cloth to rub the surface of the quartz countertop. Make sure you use a lint-free cloth. Use back-and-forth movement to buff the entire surface. Do this several times until you notice the renewed shine on the quartz.

How To Renew Granite Countertops

Granite countertops may be all the rage right now, but a dull granite countertop is a no-no. Granite countertops are sleek, highly durable, and very low-maintenance, but like most materials, granite is susceptible to etching and damage over time. You may need to seek a professional to renew your granite countertops, but in most cases, it is possible to fix the problem on your own. Below are four ways to renew your granite Caesarstone countertops.

Acetone Treatment

A dull granite countertop may be due to the accumulation of scum, grease, oil, and other residues. Soap and detergent may not be strong enough to break down the build-up. Take a soft cloth and use it to apply acetone to the affected areas. Scrub gently and then rinse off the acetone with warm water.

Polishing Powder

Granite polishing powder is very effective in clearing dullness caused by surface etching and light. The powder helps to remove stains, shallow scratches, and residue, leaving your granite countertops completely renewed. The powder is mixed with water, and the resultant paste is scrubbed onto the granite using a felt pad. Note that some polishing powders are better for dark granite, while others are recommended for light granite.

Reseal

While granite is a relatively durable overlay countertop material, its sealant can become etched with repeated use. In most cases, this can be solved by resealing the granite. Different types of granite require different types of sealant, so be sure to consult your manufacturer before you make a purchase. Once you have the sealer, begin by cleaning the surface thoroughly. Use a rag to apply the sealant and leave it to dry completely. Feel free to add a maximum of three additional coats for maximum protection. You can also be proactive and make it a habit to reseal your granite countertop yearly.

Refinish

A badly faded granite countertop is often a symptom of deep etching due to acidic substances. The etching can be cleared effectively through refinishing or re-polishing. This is best done using specialized equipment and by a professional.