Beautiful kitchen countertops are one of the most prideful possessions most home owners love to have in their kitchens. It is after all one of the few pieces of furniture seen in the kitchen that serves as the focal point of the entire kitchen. Countertops can always be subjected to scratches, burns and chipping off since this is used daily in cooking which always deals with sharp knives and hot casseroles. If you’re conscious about how your kitchen looks, learning how to resurface kitchen countertops should be one of your priorities as a homeowner. A clean kitchen usually means the food prepared in it is clean.

Bacteria build up is common in a kitchen with damaged counters. Homeowners sometimes give an excuse of time and money why they don’t fix it at all. Well, some steps can be taken in one afternoon with inexpensive materials that are widely available in most hardware stores to take care of your kitchen countertop. You do not need to worry about spending too much, because the following steps will not cost you a lot of money.

1. If your countertops are attached to cabinets, you can unscrew the bolts that hold them together and remove the countertop. If, not, leave it as is and just cover it with newspaper or with a drop cloth to prevent it from any damages during the whole process. It’s easier this way so you won’t reassemble it all again.

2. The next step will probably take most of your time. Remove the existing old laminate from your countertop. Use a stripper solution and apply it as directed in the package. Do this very lightly so you won’t damage the base of your countertop.

3. Using a paint scraper, remove any other traces of the old lamination including the glue. Be very patient in doing this so you won’t cause any damages.

4. Once all the glue and the old lamination is removed, light sand the countertop to create an even and smooth surface. This will prepare you for the new laminate. Clean again the countertop for any residue from the sanding. Just use damp cloth to do this. You can also brush off remains from the sanding.

5. Using a tape measure, measure the kitchen counter top and cut the laminate according to your measurement adding an inch allowance in all sides. You can trace the laminate in the countertop if you find it easier.

6. Measure the sides of the countertop and cut accordingly. You now should have all the pieces of the new laminate ready to be placed on the countertop.

7. Very thinly and evenly, apply contact cement on the countertop. Be sure to do this right because the slightest uneven in the application may be noticeable once we place the laminate. You can use any tool in making the application even and thin. Dry for about 10-15 minutes.

8. It’s time to place the lamination. You may need to ask for help to be able to ensure it is properly done. Carefully lay down the laminate, starting in one side of the countertop. Use the edge of the counter as a guide.

9. Use a roller to be able to smooth out the laminate. Working from one side all the way to the other side. Flatten it out to remove any air or bubbles that may have been trapped. Make it flat and even.

10. Cut any of the excess laminate. Then work on the strips to be placed on the sides of the counter. All is done! You now have a newly resurfaced kitchen top.

Making your kitchen look all brand new is not all that difficult to do. There are even various styles and materials to choose from. Plan your color scheme and choose variety of styles and designs to give your countertops the look that you want. Make sure that it complements the other elements in your kitchen. Don’t believe you can do it? Well give it time and see how easy it’s to learn how to resurface kitchen countertops.