| Formica countertops are durable and last a long | | | | the foam roller. You need to work slowly so you |
| time but at some point you may want to give | | | | don't get air bubbles. Follow the directions on the |
| your Formica countertop a facelift. For under | | | | can and let dry the entire recommended time. |
| $200 your counters will look like new! Here's how | | | | 9. Now it's time to spray the counters with the |
| to turn your Formica countertops to stone. | | | | stone paint you purchased. Rustoleum is what I |
| Before you start you will need ammonia cleaner, | | | | recommended but of course there are other |
| some fine sandpaper, a small roller and a dozen | | | | great products on the market. You've already |
| foam rollers. You'll also need primer, 4 cans of | | | | chosen your color so now it's time to apply. When |
| Rustoleum Stone Creations spray paint and 1 can | | | | you spray it you will notice it has a bit of a pebble |
| of polyurethane clear finish. | | | | effect. This is what provides the stone effect. |
| Now that you have all your supplies together it's | | | | 10. Apply the first coat and let dry. You will need |
| time to get started. | | | | at least 3 of the 4 cans you purchased, perhaps |
| 1. Schedule your kitchen off limits for 3 days. | | | | all 4. Keep one for a spare for touchups later on. |
| Make arrangements so that you can serve meals | | | | 11. Apply your second coat making sure that you |
| without using your countertops. Eat out, order | | | | get any spots that were missed with the first |
| pizza, or use an alternative to your counters. | | | | coat. Let dry. |
| 2. Clean off the entire counter area. Use a soft | | | | 12. Apply the third coat and a fourth coat if |
| brush and run a vacuum over them. | | | | necessary. The more coats the thicker the |
| 3. Wash them with warm soapy water and let air | | | | application will look. |
| dry. Repeat. | | | | 13. Once your paint is completely dry - 24 hours |
| 4. Now wash them with the ammonia cleaner and | | | | preferably - then it is time to apply the |
| rinse well. Let them dry and then repeat the | | | | polyurethane. Use your foam roller and go slow so |
| process. | | | | it doesn't bubble on you. |
| 5. Now it's time to lightly sand the surface. You | | | | 14. Apply as many coats as you like until the |
| can do this by hand or you can use a palm | | | | preferred look is achieved. Between each coat be |
| sander which will make the task much easier. The | | | | sure to let it dry thoroughly. |
| light sanding will remove grease that has soaked | | | | That's it. Suddenly your kitchen looks like it has |
| into the countertop and it will also rough up the | | | | had a complete facelift. |
| surface so that the paint has something to | | | | Now remember your countertops need the same |
| adhere to. | | | | consideration as any new counters. Make sure |
| 6. Once you are done sanding wipe everything | | | | you don't cut directly on the top as it will cut and |
| down with a warm soapy cloth. Rinse and let dry. | | | | scratch. Don't sit your hot pots or pans directly |
| 7. Next you need to tape everything off that you | | | | on the counter, use a trivet. Clean it regularly and |
| aren't painting. Don't get lazy and skip this step. | | | | feel free to reapply the polyurethane at any time |
| You are going to be working with spray paint and | | | | to keep it looking fresh. |
| it will get all over! | | | | It's truly an amazing transformation turning your |
| 8. The primer is applied to the entire counter using | | | | Formica countertops to stone. |