The most basic idea on how to refinish kitchen countertops is to refinish the space and not to replace it. Most kitchen countertops, bench-tops, or worktops, are usually designed horizontally. As a working area, kitchen countertop was developed during the earlier part of the 20^thcentury which reflects an assembled cabinetry carefully covered with flat countertop space. There are designers who also explore in installing bar countertops, free-standing islands, table tops, and desk tops which are, sometimes, incorporated with cantilevers or free-spans.

The art of refinishing kitchen countertops came into being simply because it is much cheaper and cost-efficient than completely replacing the surface itself. Most home owners, bar owners, and restaurant owners are inclined into refinishing their spaces as it will typically save them 40% to 50% over the replacement expense. The process of refinishing can be completed between 24hrs to 48hrs which means you have saved your space from the mess should you have opted for replacement. Use the following guide in refinishing your tops.

1. Thoroughly clean your countertop. At first, you can use mild detergent to remove dust, grime, and filth that have accumulated in the surface over time. Wipe the space using a cottony cloth. Shortly thereafter, apply denatured alcohol to completely clean the countertop from any grease or oil residue that can hinder the paint to adhere into the space later on. Use another clean cloth to dry it again.

2. Systematically sand the whole surface. Before sanding, make sure first that you have covered with masking tape the walls, sink edges, faucets, and all other fixtures around the countertop so they may be safe from the application of paints later. After that, use 120-grit sand material to refine initially the surface. Focus on the portions that seem rough and irregular. Avoid overdoing the sanding in order not to alter the level of the surface. Then get a damp cloth and slowly wipe the area ensuring that no dust and dirt is ever left in there.

3. Apply 2-layer primer coat using paint brush. What is important to observe in this item is that you are able to cover the corner areas and all edges. The application of the primer coats has to be smooth. After the first layer application, allow the coat to dry for a moment. After a while, do the next second layer coating which must be in full and evenly. This time, you have to give maximum allowance for the entire surface to completely dry up.

4. Sand again the surface. Lightly sand the countertop just enough to promote the total adherence of your final coating on the surface area. After sanding, get another damp cloth and thoroughly wipe the area from dust. Before the final coat, make sure that the whole surface is again totally dry.

5. Apply your final coating. For better results, every after application of acrylic paint and when the surface is dry, get your 220-grit sand material to make the surface smoother before the next application. Like the earlier sanding steps, wipe off the dust first before coating.

6. Allow the newly-coated paint to settle down on the surface. Completely drying the surface can take 2 days at most. You can use either the marine varnish or the polyurethane in sealing your countertop. Advice every member in the family, specially the children, or your bar staff not to put anything on the surface until it gets dry fully.

There are no specific materials from which quality countertops are made of. The choice largely depends on the homeowner relative to the amount of budget at hand. This is because costly materials, sometimes, are not necessarily durable, stylish, trendy nor user-friendly. There are designers, however, who prefer creating or designing tiled-tops, Formica-style, cultured-style, Corian-style, Wilsonart feature or the laminated-style tops.

Although refinishing is a relatively simple form of home renovation, it can be that you don’t want to compromise the texture and the appearance of your countertop. In the event that you are still unsure on how to refinish kitchen countertops, you better engage the services of a refinishing professional. By doing so, you can be certain that your surface will serve you best for another 5 to 10 long years.