The composite materials used to make Formica give it a unique look while providing durability to your countertop surface. After years of use or abuse, a Formica countertop can lose its attractive appearance. While buying a new countertop is an option, it's not an inexpensive one. If you're handy and enjoy DIY projects, you can resurface your Formica countertop with a bag of Quikrete cement to give your kitchen a whole new look.
The appearance of your countertop affects the appearance of your kitchen. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
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Things You’ll Need
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Goggles
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Rubber Gloves
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Acetone Cleaner
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Vacuum
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Painter'S Tape
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Plastic Drop Cloths
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Countertop Epoxy
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Buckets (2)
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Bonding Coat
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Paintbrush
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Trowel
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Cleaning Rags
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Face Mask
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Concrete Mixing Tool
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Primer Coat
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Paint Stirrers
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400-Grit Sandpaper
Step 1
Lay plastic drop cloths on the floor around the countertop area. Use painter's tape to secure drop cloths to your cabinetry and appliances where they meet the countertop. This helps catch most of the mess as you proceed with your project.
Step 2
Wear a face mask and goggles to keep concrete dust from getting into your eyes, nose and mouth.
Step 3
Rough up the Formica surface by sanding it with 400-grit sandpaper. Move the sandpaper back and forth until you've scoured the entire countertop surface.
Step 4
Remove any dust from sanding down the Formica countertop with a vacuum and a hose attachment.
Step 5
Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin. Pour acetone-based cleaner onto a cleaning rag.
Step 6
Wipe the roughened countertop surface with the rag to remove any remaining debris or residue. The primer, bonding material and Quikrete cement need a clean surface on which to stick.
Step 7
Fill a large bucket with the priming mixture to help the Quikrete bond to the surface better. Mix the primer with a paint stirrer, according to the packaging directions.
Step 8
Smooth the primer over the roughened Formica countertop surface with a trowel. Allow the primer to dry for six to eight hours before applying the bonding material.
Step 9
Mix the bonding coat materials, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a thin layer of the bonding coat over the primer and let it dry for eight hours.
Step 10
Pour Quikrete cement into another large bucket. Add water and mix it per the packaging instructions with a concrete mixing tool.
Step 11
Smooth the concrete over the layer of bonding material with the trowel. Apply approximately a 1/3-inch layer of cement to the surface. Allow the concrete to dry for eight to 10 hours before applying another layer, if desired. Apply one to three more layers, if needed, to achieve a smooth surface.
Step 12
Allow the cement to cure for 24 hours. Seal your resurfaced countertop with countertop epoxy applied in a thin layer with a paintbrush. Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours before using your countertop.
