Can You Paint a Kitchen Countertop (And Should You?)

Yes, you can paint a variety of kitchen countertop materials. But — spoiler alert — in most cases, it’s not a great idea. Even the best paints won’t wear as well as official countertop materials, especially in heavy-use areas where you’re preparing food.

Because of that, painting kitchen countertops is usually reserved for short-term solutions, like trying out a new look before committing to it with a more expensive surface or covering up an intolerable color before a remodel.

Otherwise, says Briana Gershenzon of Renovation Sells, first try updating the surrounding materials. “In kitchens, for instance, a dated-looking but still practical granite countertop can be elevated by painting the surrounding cabinets in a warm tone and updating the cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures to a polished nickel finish.”

If you’re wondering if you can (or should) paint your kitchen countertops, here’s a breakdown by material.

Can You Paint Laminate Countertops?

Yes, with caveats. “Painting laminate countertops is an inexpensive way to upgrade your kitchen, but has some trade-offs, says Jay Sanders, owner of Castle Dream Construction. “Most often, painted surfaces will be less durable, and more prone to scratches and chips, so it will need to be retouched over time.”

To paint a laminate countertop, choose a high-gloss finish, which will minimize the chances of it absorbing kitchen stains. Then:

• Thoroughly clean the surface.
• Lightly and scratch the surface using fine-grit sandpaper or a Brillo pad.
• Clean again, then apply a high-quality bonding primer.
• Apply multiple thin coats of paint, allowing ample time for each coat to dry.
• Finish with a clear, food-safe epoxy topcoat for added durability.

Alternatives to painting laminate countertops

Try a countertop refinishing kit, which will give a more durable finish, says Sanders. “In fact, they can make your countertop look nice for as long as five years.”

Can You Paint Formica Countertops?

Yes, you can paint Formica countertops in the same way as laminate ones, with the same caveats. “This can be a great way to introduce some new life without committing to a new look,” says Brandon Walker, owner of ASAP Restoration. “That said, this is really just a Band-Aid fix because if the Formica surface is that far gone, it will likely need to be replaced in short order anyway.”

If you do paint, Walker emphasizes letting the paint fully cure before using the surface, or items left on top will leave impressions. Sanders also recommends using a deglosser before priming to improve adhesion and a paint sprayer for a smoother finish.

Can You Paint Granite Countertops?

Yes, technically, but most people don’t. “It requires an obscene amount of work, and it doesn’t ever look right anyway,” says Walker. “Plus, everyone you bring into your kitchen will wonder why you ruined perfectly good stone in such a comically grotesque way.”

Alternatives to painting granite countertops

If you really want to change the color of granite, try a permeating tinting product specific to stone, says Sanders. Test a small bit in an inconspicuous location. You can also DIY or hire a professional to reseal and refinish the granite to bring back its luster.

Can You Paint Butcherblock Countertops?

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Yes, butcherblock countertops are pretty simple to paint since they are made of wood, but why bother? “Their appeal is their bowling alley look and the damage resistance that the surface provides,” says Walker. “Painting butcher block countertops would negate both of these benefits.”

If you do paint butcher block:

• Use food-safe paint.
• Seal it with food-grade polyurethane.
• Consider painting just part of the countertop and leaving the rest natural for food prep, says handyman Shlomo Cherniak.

Alternatives to painting butcher block countertops

Simply give them new life by sanding them down, then re-staining, re-oiling or resealing them. “This will keep them looking brand new and capable of handling the worst that kitchen life can throw their way,” says Walker

Can You Paint Tile Countertops?

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Technically, yes, but it’s not a great idea. “It will look very strange since tile has grout lines, so there will be a textural difference without a visual cue for one,” says Walker.

Cherniak also warns that the paint will likely chip over time. However, if you do choose to paint, he recommends:

• Using a high-adhesion primer and high-quality epoxy paint.
• Adding texture to the paint gives it the appearance of natural stone.
• Paying extra attention to grout lines so they are well sealed against moisture penetration.

Alternatives to painting tile countertops

If you have a tile pattern or color you dislike, the better solution is to re-tile with a style you do like. “Tiles tend to be very affordable, and while it may seem complicated, a tile countertop is a very DIY-friendly weekend task that most homeowners can tackle on their own,” says Walker.

Can You Paint Linoleum Countertops?

Yes, but it will be prone to the same pitfalls as Formica and other laminate materials.

“If it is the only option you can afford, then go for it,” says Walker. “On the other hand, linoleum is one of the most affordable materials for counters, so replacing this material is a much more long term, and beautiful solution to painting.”

Alternatives to painting linoleum countertops

“Simply cover it with contact paper or peel-and-stick tiles so that you have a new look without issues of durability,” says Cherniak.

About the Experts

• Brandon Walker is Superintendent at ASAP Restoration in Tempe, Arizona. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, doing everything from running his own company and ASAP teams to all of the odd-jobs in between.
• Jay Sanders is a licensed contractor based in Baltimore. He owns Maryland Contractor and Castle Dream Construction, and has been working in construction for more than a decade.
• Shlomo Cherniak is owner of Cherniak Home Services, which offers handyman services to the Baltimore area.
• Briana Gershenzon is Chief of Design at Renovation Sells, a national company that simplifies home renovations for buyers and sellers. She has more than 10 years of experience in residential design, project management, furnishings and renovations.