#Ideas for the Kitchen: Renew Kitchen Countertops

COST

Overview

Rust-Oleum’s new Countertop Transformations coating system (available at home centers and some hardware stores) is a simple way to transform worn or damaged laminate countertops into a new countertop surface. The product is available in five colors ranging from light to very dark (for this project we chose Charcoal).

The big pluses of this system are it’s not smelly or difficult, you don’t have to remove your countertops (!), the instructions are clear, and the kit comes with everything you need (except basic painting tools), plus it includes a very detailed DVD. This product can be applied to any laminate or hardwood countertop in reasonable condition. Burns and scratches are fine, but fill deep dents and chips before you use it.

After using this product, we can report that it’s surprisingly easy to apply. In terms of durability, the manufacturer compares it to laminate. We can’t speak to its longterm durability, but when we tried to scratch the newly resurfaced countertop with car keys, it was surprisingly tough—no marks at all. And you can reapply the system to renew the surface later if you want.