How to Remove Paint From Countertops

Countertops can make or break a kitchen or bathroom. A shiny, clean, and attractive countertop screams luxury and keeps your home hygienic. If you’ve accidentally spilled paint or want to update a paint job, you’re probably wondering how you can make your countertops look new again.

To remove paint from laminate, wood, or concrete countertops, you can use a paint stripper and a paint scraper. You can use lacquer thinner or paint, a paintbrush, and isopropyl alcohol on marble or granite countertops. Olive oil and a paint scraper can be used on acrylic or wood countertops.

In this article, we’ll look at the properties of all the common materials used in countertops. We’ll also explain how you can remove paint from these surfaces without damaging them and outline some safety steps so you can remove paint without hurting yourself.

Removing Paint From Laminate Countertops

Laminate is one of the most popular materials for kitchen countertops. It’s affordable but durable and practical. Paint generally doesn’t stick well to laminate, so it’s not too difficult to remove it.

Here are the steps:

1. Find an old paintbrush and use it to spread paint stripper over the affected area of the countertop.
2. Wrap aluminum foil over the top of the paint stripper and keep it covered for 30 minutes.
3. Use a paint scraper to scrape off layers of paint, taking care not to damage the countertop.
4. Cover steel wool in a paint stripper and rub any remaining spots of paint.
5. Clean the counter completely with water and soap to remove the paint stripper.

We recommend this paint remover from Dumond Chemicals for its environmentally-friendly formula.

The following video shows you the correct technique for a paint scraper:

You may also want to read: How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Laminate Countertops

Removing Paint From Marble Countertops

Marble is a top-end natural stone that is commonly used in premium countertops. This natural stone is softer and more porous than other natural stone materials, making it easier to stain and damage.

It can be more difficult to remove paint from marble. We recommend the following steps only for smaller stains. Do not use strong paint stripping chemicals or rough surfaces. If there is a very large stain, it is better to use a professional marble cleaning company.

Here are the steps:

1. Use a soft paint brush or sponge to cover the affected area in the paint stripper. We recommend the paint remover by Sunnyside for marble.
2. Use a large, soft brush to scrub the paint stripper into the marble.
3. Leave the surface to dry for an hour.
4. Make a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water. We recommend Regalia Isopropyl Alcohol.
5. Soak a clean rag in the solution and scrub any paint remains.
6. Wipe clean with water and repeat steps 4-5.
7. Allow the surface to dry for 24 hours.

Removing Paint From Acrylic Countertops

Acrylic is a common low-cost option for countertops. The plastic surface is very resistant to stains, scratches, and other visible damage. There are a few different methods you can use to remove paint from acrylic.

Here are the steps:

1. First, try washing the countertop with soap, water, and a clean rag.
2. If this is unsuccessful, cover a rag in olive oil and scrub the paint.
3. Use a paint scraper to slide from the corners of the paint. Use firm pressure but take care not to scratch the acrylic.
4. Dip a rag in a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water and scrub the paint vigorously.

Removing Paint From Granite Countertops

Granite is a premium material used to make high-end countertops. It’s a natural stone that is glossy and resistant to stains.

When removing paint from granite, you need to be careful not to use harsh or acidic chemicals. These can damage the granite and destroy its glossy finish. If you need to remove a large quantity of paint, you should consider employing a professional company.

Here are the steps:

1. Use a sponge or paintbrush to spread lacquer thinner over the paint. We recommend the Nanoskin Lacquer Thinner.
2. Allow it to dry and use a clean rag to rub the affected area.
3. Allow it to dry and make a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water.
4. Soak a cloth in this solution and cover the entire affected area.
5. Allow it to dry and clean it with soap and water.
6. Leave the surface clean and dry for 24 hours.

Removing Paint From Concrete Countertops

Concrete counters are contemporary and visually stunning. They often have a sealed surface to prevent stains but are vulnerable to cracking.

Removing paint from concrete countertops takes several hours. It’s not technically hard, but you will have to exert effort to remove the paint effectively.

Here are the steps:

1. Use a wet cloth to wipe any surface residue off the concrete.
2. Use a brush to clean the concrete with a solution of soap and water.
3. Allow it to dry for up to 3 hours.
4. Coat the surface in a paint stripper and leave it to dry for up to 8 hours.
5. Use a wire brush or paint scraper to remove the residue.

Removing Paint From Wood Countertops

Wood countertops are an excellent option because of their antibacterial properties. Depending on the amount of paint you want to remove, you can use a couple of methods for wood countertops.

How to remove small spills:

1. Use the corner of your credit card to try to loosen up the paint spots.
2. Wet a cloth with soap and water and use it to rub the paint. Dry the surface.
3. Wet a rag with olive oil and rub it in circles over the paint.

If this is unsuccessful or you want to remove large quantities of paint, then there are alternative methods.

How to remove with chemicals:

1. Use light sandpaper on the painted surface.
2. Use a paintbrush to cover the painted surface in the paint stripper.
3. Wait 20 minutes and use a metal or plastic paint scraper.
4. Use a rag to wipe the surface and repeat steps 2-3 if necessary.
5. Use sandpaper while the surface is still wet to remove any residue.

If you prefer to avoid using chemicals, you can remove the paint with heat. You have the option of using either a heat gun or a water vapor stripper. We recommend the SEEKONE Heat Gun or the McCulloch MC1275. 

However, you need to be careful with these tools. The vapor stripper can add extra moisture to your countertop, while the heat gun can accidentally burn it.

How to remove with heat:

1. Clean the painted surface with water and soap, then allow it to dry.
2. Use the heat gun or vapor stripper until the paint starts bubbling.
3. While still hot, scrape the paint off with a metal scraper.
4. Use sandpaper to scrape the remaining layers of paint and leave to dry.

Conclusion

In summary, you need to use different methods to remove paint from countertops of different materials. You can use a paint stripper and a paint scraper with laminate, concrete, and some wood surfaces.

Stone surfaces like granite and marble need a gentler process with lacquer paint or paint stripper. You should apply it with a sponge and use isopropyl alcohol, water, and a rag to finish the job. Acrylic and some wood countertops are easier to clean with common household items like soap, water, olive oil, and a paint scraper.

Always remember to wear protective equipment like rubber gloves and a respirator or face mask if you are using a paint stripper. This will protect you from toxic fumes and burns on your skin. It’s also best to open your windows to allow proper ventilation.

Related: How Durable Are Painted Countertops?