If your kitchen or bathroom is feeling outdated, painting your existing granite countertops can be a budget-friendly way to give your space a fresh, new look without undergoing a full renovation. While replacing your countertops entirely may seem like the easiest option, painting granite is a project that most DIYers can tackle themselves with some effort and patience.
We’ll cover all the steps and tips you need to know to properly prep, prime, and paint your granite. With the right products and techniques, you can change the color of your dated or worn countertops and make them look brand new again.
Reasons to Consider Painting Granite Countertops
Here are some of the top reasons you may want to consider painting your granite countertops rather than replacing them:
- Refresh surfaces that are faded, worn, or appear dated
- Update the color from a dark granite to a light or bold painted color
- Far less expensive than full countertop replacement
- Allows you to keep existing countertop structure and layout
Painting can give aged granite countertops a fresh, modern look, while saving you from the high costs of brand new countertop installation. It allows you to transform the color of your counters without renovating the entire kitchen.
Things to Know Before You Start
While painting granite countertops can totally transform their look, there are a few things to keep in mind before deciding if it’s the right choice for your kitchen or bath:
- Painted granite will be less durable than new solid surface countertops
- The porous nature of granite requires sealing prior to painting
- Painting granite is a meticulous multi-step process requiring patience
The finished results of painted granite won’t be able to withstand wear and tear as well as new countertops. Proper preparation is key for paint adhesion. You’ll also need to budget ample time for the project, as rushed jobs are doomed to fail.
What You’ll Need
Make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand before starting your granite painting project:
- Cleaning and prep supplies – mild detergent, rags, sandpaper
- High-quality penetrating granite sealer
- Primer specially formulated for natural stone
- Countertop paint designed for granite use
- Paint supplies – roller, brush, paint tray, painter’s tape
Using specialized paints and primers made for nonporous surfaces like granite is a must. Having the right tools for applying the products smoothly and evenly is also important.
Step 1: Clean and Prep the Granite
Thoroughly cleaning and prepping your existing granite countertops is one of the most important first steps. Here’s how to get your granite ready for painting:
- Clear all countertops of items, appliances, etc.
- Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean all surfaces
- Lightly sand any glossy areas to rough up the finish so paint can adhere
- Wipe down all counters with a clean, damp rag to remove any dust
Proper cleaning removes any grease, dirt, or residue on the granite. Sanding creates microscopicgrooves for the primer and paint to grip. Eliminating dust ensures your painted finish goes on smooth.
Step 2: Seal the Granite
Sealing is undoubtedly the most vital prep step for painting granite countertops. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a high-quality penetrating sealer made for natural stone
- Read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for application
- Apply a thin even layer across all surfaces, letting it soak in
- Wipe away any excess sealer and allow to fully dry overnight
Sealing prevents the porous granite from absorbing the paint, which would cause chipping and peeling. Take time to apply sealer properly, as skipping this step often leads to paint failure down the road.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Once the granite is thoroughly sealed, you can apply a primer layer. Use an oil-based primer made for natural stone for best results.
- Stir primer well before using
- Apply an even coat with a brush or roller
- Allow primer to dry fully according to manufacturer’s directions
- Sand lightly again and wipe away dust before painting
The right primer helps the new paint properly adhere to the sealed granite surface. Make sure to let it dry completely before sanding and applying paint.
Step 4: Paint the Granite
Now you’re ready for the fun part – painting your outdated granite countertops a fresh new color! Follow these tips for success:
- Choose a countertop paint in your desired color
- Stir paint thoroughly before and during application
- Use a small paintbrush for edges and a roller for large surfaces
- Apply thin, even coats and avoid heavy brushstrokes
- Allow each coat to fully dry before applying additional coats
- Apply 2-3 coats for best coverage and durability
Taking your time with the paint application results in a smooth finish. Patience is key, as adequate drying time between coats prevents drips and sags.
Step 5: Let Dry Thoroughly
It’s crucial to let your painted granite countertops cure completely before regular use:
- Allow painted counters to dry 24-48 hours between coats
- Let cure fully 3-5 days after final coat
- Avoid placing items, wet glasses, etc on counters during curing
Rushing the drying and curing process can ruin your painted finish. Give the paint time to set fully before putting your shiny new counters to work!
Step 6: Enjoy Your Updated Countertops!
Once fully cured, you can enjoy your kitchen or bath’s fresh new look thanks to painted countertops. Be sure to:
- Use cutting boards and hot pads to protect surfaces
- Clean with mild soap and water only
- Reapply sealer yearly to maximize durability
- Touch up paint as needed over time
Proper care and maintenance will help your painted granite counters look fabulous for years to come. No one has to know you updated them yourself with paint!
Although it requires time and elbow grease, painting your outdated or dingy granite countertops yourself can totally transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. Following the steps for proper cleaning, sealing, priming, and painting is essential to get great results. While not quite as durable as brand new solid surface countertops, painted granite provides a budget-friendly upgrade that makes a big impact.
Your painted granite countertops can take a long time to look new. Just be sure to use specialized painting products and allow adequate drying time. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to tackle this rewarding DIY project!
