Resurfacing my countertop...Suggestions?!!?

[NickfromWI]

So we have a countertop in our place. It's covered with layers and layers of what seems to be latex paint. When it gets wet the paint peels and gets all over.

It's a crappy way to have a countertop.

I talked to the landlord and he's being reasonable. Doesn't want to hire a contractor to do it- but said if I wanna do it, he'll pitch in.

Any ideas? Some I have are just getting a sheet of formica and gluing it down. I saw this vid on youtube that looks like a good idea...

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What would you do?

love
nick

 

[rumination]

What's the subsurface under the paint?

 

[SkwerI]

Go to Home Depot and buy new countertops with the formica looking stuff already on it. Remove the old countertops, cut to fit, cut out your sink hole and screw it down on the cabinets. Get a good roll of 2" wide masking tape and tape the finished surface along your cut lines before making your cuts. It will help prevent chipping.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Word.

 

[NeTree]

And take the cost off the slumlord's rent.

 

[NickfromWI]

He said he'll pay for it already.

I should've mentioned- it's wood. I'll get pics up soon... About 80" wide by about 14" deep.

 

[rumination]

I don't think the epoxy treatment in that video would work so well for wood. It's meant for cement.

 

[NeTree]

So why won't he just hire a contractor? If it's as nasty as you make it sound, it's a health issue, not a cosmetic issue.

 

[SkwerI]

80" of premade countertop will be cheaper and faster to install than most 'cover up' applications you are likely to dig up. And if your existing wood countertops have been water soaked then they are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. You cannot 'fix' them to make them sterile again.

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Home depot is a great idea.. Or Lowes for that matter...

 

[woodworkingboy]

Better than trying to cover over the grunge, take the counter off and run it through a wood planer down to the bare wood. Any wood shop should be willing to do that for a small fee. Sand and seal it after that.

Refinishing over existing finishes can be problematical, and seldom comes out looking good.

 

[Paul B]

Refinishing over existing finishes can be problematical, and seldom comes out looking good.

sage advice Nick, take it to the bank amigo.

 

[Al Smith]

The best chemical stripper I've ever found is called marine zip strip .The damned stuff is toxic though and will give off fumes and cause chemical burns to the skin .It will peel it right down to the wood though but must be used with extreme caution .

A new counter top is the easiest solution to the problem .A little tip in cutting though .If you take Johnsons paste wax and go over the area to be cut it will not only cut easier but also be less prone to chippage .Masking or duct tape will reduce or eliminate a saber saw from dinging up the surface as it vibrates along .

Last but by no means least .Measure several times before you cut . Kinda tough to patch up if you screw up .

 

[Paul B]

and dont forget the clear silicone to seal up the sink etc if you get a new countertop.
heck, while you are at it, how about a new tile backsplash