Corian countertops are a classic, albeit, pricey way to spruce up the appearance of your kitchen. But what happens when you want to give your room a new look? Many people wonder, can you paint Corian countertops?
You can paint Corian counters. However, you will need to do some prep work such as cleaning and sanding the counter and using the proper epoxy paint. Depending on the brand of paint, you may need one or two coats.
We’re going to walk you through the step by step process of painting your Corian countertops. Painting is a cheap alternative to give your counters a different appearance without spending the money to replace them with new countertops.
What Are Corian Countertops?
Corian is a type of material initially created by DuPont in 1967. This material is made of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate (ATH) – which comes from bauxite ore.
The resins and pigments are mixed into a liquid form, which is then chemically reacted and poured into molds to cure into a hard, solid shape.
Corian is commonly used for countertops due to being stain-resistant and nonporous – meaning the surface is completely solid, without tiny holes where bacteria can grow. Nonporous is easy to clean and more hygienic than porous materials.
How to Paint Corian Countertops
Corian countertops are a solid smooth surface, typically with a speckled pattern that resembles the natural appearance of materials like granite.
Painting Corian countertops is possible, but it requires a lot of prep work, time, and attention. Because the paint pattern goes all the way through the Corian material, covering up the inlaid designs might be challenging.
You will need some extra materials, in addition to your paint, to complete your job correctly.
To paint your Corian countertops, you will need to have the following tools:
- Clean, warm water
- Clean clothes
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- Degreaser
- Paint
- Brushes
Now that you know what equipment you will need, let’s look at the steps you will take to paint your Corian countertops. The first thing you should always do is remove all items, so your countertops are bare.
1. Clean Your Countertop
Before you can paint your countertops, you first have to make sure they are clean and prepped. After removing everything from the surface, it’s time to wipe them down using a clean cloth and a high-quality degreaser.
You can find a degreaser at your local automotive store or find it at your local retail store. The products designed for removing automotive grease work best.
Many people like to use a nylon scrubber to make sure they get all the counters’ debris. Once through washing, rinse using a clean washcloth. You may want to rinse the counters two or three times to ensure you’ve removed all the soap residue.
See also: How to Clean a Corian.
2. Sand Your Countertop for Painting
Now that you have your countertops completely clean, it’s time to prep them for paint. To do this step, you will need to have sanding paper or a sander.
We recommend using sanding paper with a fine grit, such as #400. Sand the entire surface of the counters, keeping the sander moving so you don’t end up with depressions.
- 400 Grit
- For sanding between coats of varnish,...
- Silicon carbide abrasive, a sharp synthetic...
- Waterproof paper
For the edges and corners, you should sand them by hand so you can get a smooth surface. Many experts recommend wearing safety glasses and a respiratory mask, so you don’t breathe in the dust particles.
Once you are through sanding, use a vacuum to remove all the dust debris. Next, wipe down the surface using a rag wetted with clean, warm water. Repeat the rinsing process multiple times, being sure to clean the cloth often in between wipes.
3. Apply Paint to Your Countertop
After you’ve sanded your countertops down, wait for 12 to 24 hours before painting to give the dust time to settle. During this time, do repeat wiping of the surface to remove any dust that has collected.
It would help if you also did a final wipe down before you apply your paint. There are various options to choose from regarding the color of your paint. Look for a two-part epoxy. The color and stain (matte, gloss, high gloss) is a personal choice.
Before applying your first layer of paint, apply a coat of epoxy primer using a roller. A low nap is better for smooth, hard surfaces.
Once the primer has dried, apply your first layer of epoxy paint. Give this coat time to dry and then add a second layer to complete your look.
Be aware that although you can paint Corian countertops, the paint will wear out over time. And painted surfaces do not hold up well to frequent use. It is easy to scratch a painted Corian countertop, which will reveal the previous counter color.
Conclusion
As we’ve demonstrated, it is possible to paint your Corian countertops if you want a new look for your kitchen. But painting your countertops does not guarantee a better appearance than your original look, since paint does scratch and fade with use.
If your Corian countertops are looking worn and dated, you can buff them and add a layer of polish to keep the same color but make them look new again. We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to paint Corian countertops.
