Utah homeowners are no different than their counterparts in other parts of the country in that they want their homes to be comfortable, appealing, and functional. They also want them to retain as much value as possible. With that being the case, it is not unusual for people looking to spruce up the kitchen to ask whether painting countertops is a good idea. The other option is to replace them.
Painting countertops seems to have gained traction in recent years. With the cost of nearly everything going up significantly since the pandemic, there are legitimate concerns about the affordability of new countertops. Painting seems like a better alternative from a budgetary standpoint. But is painting a wise idea?
The Pros and Cons of Painting Countertops
We would never advise against any remodeling option across the board. But as far as painting countertops is concerned, we would recommend carefully evaluating the pros and cons. On the pro side, the one thing that makes painting so attractive is cost. You can paint old countertops for a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Painting is also a viable option if you are looking at a DIY project rather than paying professionals.
In terms of the cons, there are quite a few of them:
- Choosing Materials – Although you can technically paint a countertop with virtually any household paint, you’re asking for trouble if you don’t choose paint specific to the purpose. Doing it right requires investing in a painting kit that includes a special primer, paint, and topcoat.
- The Process – Painting may save money, but it doesn’t necessarily save time. You cannot cut any corners if you expect painted countertops to stand up to everyday wearing and tear. You need to go slow, take your time, and make sure you do things right.
- Long Term Durability – A painted countertop can stand up fairly well to routine punishment in the short term. But in the long term, it’s hard to imagine a painted countertop being as durable as something like quartz, granite, or marble.
Painting can be a good short-term solution if you need a kitchen refresh but cannot afford to invest in new countertops. But from our perspective, it is more important to put money into countertops than some of the other elements in a kitchen remodeling project. Countertops take the most punishment. They really need to be durable.
If You Decide to Paint
If you are considering new countertops as part of a kitchen remodeling project, we invite you to visit one of our Utah showrooms. Come take a look at the selections Bedrock Quartz offers. You might be pleasantly surprised to find something that fits into your budget and still offers you the aesthetic appeal and durability you want.
Should you decide that painting is the way to go, we have a few tips to pass along. First, we strongly urge that you invest in a countertop painting kit. Do not mix and match primer, paint, and topcoat on your own. Kit materials are all formulated to work well together.
Also, surface preparation is key. Follow the instructions that come with your kit in this regard. If your current countertops need any repairs prior to painting, take your time and do them right. It will pay off in the long run.
Should you look into painting and decide it’s not right for you, consider quartz countertops. Quartz is one of the best materials for engineered stone countertops. It is beautiful, durable, and goes with just about any kitchen aesthetic.
