If you are wondering whether you can cover over existing countertops, yes, you can do it. Whether you are looking to cover over your kitchen countertops or bathroom surfaces, you can go ahead and do it. And the cool thing is that there are plenty of ways to go about it. These ways include:
Using a resurfacing kit
Countertop resurfacing kits replicate the appearance of natural stone by using epoxy-like paint and decorative stone chips. Most kits are intended to replace aging laminate countertops.
Refinishing kits include most of the materials needed to cover a standard-size countertop, including the front border and, if desired, a 4-inch backsplash.
The procedure is simple and non-technical, but it requires hard work, sanding, and meticulous attention to detail. One disadvantage of countertop resurfacing kits is the high cost.
Tiling the surfaces
Tile is ideal for covering a variety of surfaces, including walls, floors, and bathrooms, but it has also long been used to cover worktops.
Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most heat and stain-resistant. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Natural stone tile also works well, but it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent stains.
You can lay tile directly on top of existing counters as long as they are flat and stable enough to keep the new tile from breaking. If your counters allow for a little more thickness, start with a layer of 1/4-inch cement board and then lay the tile over it.
The tile is extremely resilient and easy to clean. However, the grout joints tend to discolor and gather filth. To reduce stains and deep-set filth, seal the grout soon after installation and reapply it every few years.
Applying a skim coat of concrete
Many homeowners prefer the look of concrete slab worktops but are unwilling to undertake the time-consuming construction of a cast-in-place slab.
You should know that covering your old countertop with small layers of cement-based floor leveler or flooring underlayment will give you the same look and feel as solid concrete.
After roughing up the previous counter surface with sandpaper to ensure adequate adherence, apply repeated thin layers of cement leveler with a trowel or drywall knife. Apply a food-grade sealer (and wax, if desired) to the final coat of cement to achieve a lustrous finish that is easy to clean and stain-resistant.
A faux-concrete cover is not particularly strong and may be prone to scratches and stains. The cool thing is that it is a simple and economical solution for individuals who want a concrete look.
Installing a wood overlay
If you’ve always covered butcher block or admire the elegance of a real wood countertop, now is your chance. You can replace your old countertops with large slabs of genuine oak or even hardwood or bamboo plywood.
Solid hardwood is more sturdy and repairable than plywood. Bamboo provides the best of both worlds. This material has a thicker top layer than plywood (for durability and repairs) and is available in 4-by-8-foot sheets, much like standard plywood.
This personalized makeover necessitates woodworking expertise and tools. After installation, the wood should be carefully coated or oiled to ensure moisture resistance.
Use spray paint
Spray-painting your countertop is not only quick, but it also leaves a smooth surface that brush or roller painting cannot match. Spray painting is ideal for laminate counters and other surfaces that can be scratched with sandpaper. Spray paint can last for years on low-impact surfaces like bathroom countertops.
Paint your countertop the same way you would paint plastic. Lightly sand the countertop with a fine-grit sandpaper. Remove the dust. Then, spray on at least three or four coats, allowing each to thoroughly cure before applying the final layer.
Apply contact paper
Contact paper is commonly used to cover up shelves quickly. At the same time, it can be converted as a simple and inexpensive countertop cover.
The beauty of contact paper is that it’s inexpensive. At the same time, there are hundreds of colors, styles, and patterns available, and the majority are not intended to replicate countertop materials.
So, while marble, concrete, and granite are common, solid colors, flowers, and linen textures are also popular. This means that there are plenty of options to choose from, so all you need to do is select the one that is ideal for you.
Peel and stick
Peel-and-stick countertops, like contact paper, are affordable, simple to install, and only temporary.
To install, thoroughly clean the countertop before applying the material and cutting off any extra with a razor blade.
One advantage of peel-and-stick over contact paper is that it is intended to mimic countertop materials. You’ll find marble, granite, gold, soapstone, concrete, and other popular materials in peel-and-stick style.
They are also affordable, meaning that you can cover a large countertop surface without denting your pockets.
Cover the surfaces with modular granite.
Modular granite, also known as granite or stone overlay, is a collection of small, thin slabs used to cover existing counters. Instead of traditional 12-inch-square stone tiles, modular pieces span the complete front-to-back expanse of the countertop (from counter edge to backsplash).
Modular granite pieces are approximately 16 to 18 inches wide, resulting in fewer seams between pieces than ceramic tile. Special parts are designed for inner and outside corners, as well as optional edge pieces.
While the slabs are great, one major disadvantage of the surfaces is their limited supply. Because modular granite is not a thriving sector, finding a source may prove tough.
Parting shot
If you are looking to replace your countertops in the future or you don’t have the money to install new counters, there is nothing wrong with covering the surfaces.
When you are covering your granite countertops Raleigh or any other countertops in your home, ensure that a reputable professional does the installation. This way, you are sure that the work will be done properly.
Even if you are covering the counters temporarily, ensure that you use a high-quality covering material that will last for long and look good for a long time.