Home and Auto Resurfacing Countertops - Page 2

**DaFace** · 03-31-2015, 02:42 PM

We have some 20ish year old Formica countertops that are ugly, but are otherwise in decent shape. We're redoing a lot of other stuff in the kitchen and are planning to do something to change the color of the countertops, but are debating what will be the best in terms of balancing budget, look, and durability.

In digging around online, it seems like there are a variety of options for basically painting them (with a variety of textures and such), though durability is a concern. Re-laminating them is technically an option, but sounds like a giant pain in the ass.

Or we could just bite the bullet and replace them entirely.

Anyone done it recently and have any recommendations? Specific options we are considering:

Giani Granite Paint (DIY) - $150ish
Rustoleum Countertop Transformations (DIY) - $250ish
Miracle Method (pro) - $900ish

**Trivers** · 03-31-2015, 04:50 PM

My wife works for Formica. PM with what laminate you want; and what you need. I'll see what deal she can get.

Google 180FX. Amazing stuff. At tradeshows, they ask people to pick between a slab of the 180FX and real granite. Majority of time, 180FX wins.

**DaFace** · 03-31-2015, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trivers

My wife works for Formica. PM with what laminate you want; and what you need. I'll see what deal she can get.

Google 180FX. Amazing stuff. At tradeshows, they ask people to pick between a slab of the 180FX and real granite. Majority of time, 180FX wins.

Cool - PM is on the way.

**Buehler445** · 03-31-2015, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

My main concern is the durability. I've seen enough pictures online at this point to be confident I would like the look, but I don't want to be tearing them out two years from now because they're peeling and chipping all over the place.

That's why I mentioned the 3 years deal. I figured you might want to see what 3 years of wear looks like.

milehighkcfan · 03-31-2015, 05:39 PM

I resurface countertops for a living in Denver and it can be a good option if you don't want to spend the money. First of all, do not use Miracle Method. They suck so much. And if they are charging $900, you may as well replace. I charge about $200 for a set of counters. They can look nice if you take your time and do a good job. They also can last if you prep out the counters properly and apply a strong clear coat. If you think you can take care of them nicely then go ahead and do it yourself, but if you have kids or think you'll be rough on them just replace.

**Trivers** · 03-31-2015, 05:45 PM

http://www.formica.com/en/us/homeown...AC0698DFF41001

Is my current fav.

Making a conference table out of it.

Pick anyone you want on the Formica site, and have milehighkcfan install for you.

stevieray · 03-31-2015, 05:49 PM

Any high end faux artist could make then look like marble, granite, etc.

...if I was still in Denver, I would HOOK you up.

stevieray · 03-31-2015, 05:57 PM

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-31-2015, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveNull

Check out stainless steel. It's great, but might not work in every situation.

This.

My company makes, among other things, s/s counter tops all day and they are tough as **** and gorgeous to behold.

A little Zep polish every 90 days, and they will look great for life. Plus, common wear and scratches can be polished out with ease and low cost as the units age.

jspchief · 03-31-2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milehighkcfan

I resurface countertops for a living in Denver and it can be a good option if you don't want to spend the money. First of all, do not use Miracle Method. They suck so much. And if they are charging $900, you may as well replace. I charge about $200 for a set of counters. They can look nice if you take your time and do a good job. They also can last if you prep out the counters properly and apply a strong clear coat. If you think you can take care of them nicely then go ahead and do it yourself, but if you have kids or think you'll be rough on them just replace.

Daface is in Denver iirc.

Now kiss....

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-31-2015, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

Daface is in Denver iirc.

Now kiss....

I'm in New Mexico, and can/will ship to your home.

**Trivers** · 03-31-2015, 06:13 PM

SS is very, very modern!

Love the look.

Most home owners don't think outside the traditional box of granite, lam, and solid sur.

I wanted a mix of concrete and SS in our current house. But the Formica wife obliviously said no.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 03-31-2015, 06:18 PM

You're in luck ! I'm taking some great looking countertops out of my AI Lab. Was going to dump them in the burying hole but you can have them for nothing.

**bevischief** · 03-31-2015, 06:37 PM

I did the Miracle Method (pro) and liked it alot and cheaper than what Home Depot wanted to replace it.

**DaFace** · 03-31-2015, 07:00 PM

Time for a slew of replies to catch up...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

That's why I mentioned the 3 years deal. I figured you might want to see what 3 years of wear looks like.

Ah, didn't realize it'd been that long. I don't need pics necessarily, but I'm definitely curious to know if it's "like new," "showing a little wear," or "looks like ass" at this point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by milehighkcfan

I resurface countertops for a living in Denver and it can be a good option if you don't want to spend the money. First of all, do not use Miracle Method. They suck so much. And if they are charging $900, you may as well replace. I charge about $200 for a set of counters. They can look nice if you take your time and do a good job. They also can last if you prep out the counters properly and apply a strong clear coat. If you think you can take care of them nicely then go ahead and do it yourself, but if you have kids or think you'll be rough on them just replace.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

Daface is in Denver iirc.

Now kiss....

This is correct. PM incoming.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieray

Any high end faux artist could make then look like marble, granite, etc.

...if I was still in Denver, I would HOOK you up.

I have no doubt you could, Stevie.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Daddy Williams

This.

My company makes, among other things, s/s counter tops all day and they are tough as **** and gorgeous to behold.

A little Zep polish every 90 days, and they will look great for life. Plus, common wear and scratches can be polished out with ease and low cost as the units age.

While that would be cool, I'm looking at budget options here, and it doesn't appear that SS would fit the bill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bevischief

I did the Miracle Method (pro) and liked it alot and cheaper than what Home Depot wanted to replace it.

How long ago? And has it held up?

**DaFace** · 03-31-2015, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milehighkcfan

I resurface countertops for a living in Denver and it can be a good option if you don't want to spend the money. First of all, do not use Miracle Method. They suck so much. And if they are charging $900, you may as well replace. I charge about $200 for a set of counters. They can look nice if you take your time and do a good job. They also can last if you prep out the counters properly and apply a strong clear coat. If you think you can take care of them nicely then go ahead and do it yourself, but if you have kids or think you'll be rough on them just replace.

On second thought, doesn't look like you can PM since you're a n00b still. I dropped my email address in your rep (go to your UserCP), so feel free to get in touch if you'd like to chat.

03-31-2015, 02:42 PM
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $576899	Resurfacing Countertops We have some 20ish year old Formica countertops that are ugly, but are otherwise in decent shape. We're redoing a lot of other stuff in the kitchen and are planning to do something to change the color of the countertops, but are debating what will be the best in terms of balancing budget, look, and durability. In digging around online, it seems like there are a variety of options for basically painting them (with a variety of textures and such), though durability is a concern. Re-laminating them is technically an option, but sounds like a giant pain in the ass. Or we could just bite the bullet and replace them entirely. Anyone done it recently and have any recommendations? Specific options we are considering: Giani Granite Paint (DIY) - $150ish Rustoleum Countertop Transformations (DIY) - $250ish Miracle Method (pro) - $900ish
Posts: 52,308

03-31-2015, 04:50 PM	#16
Trivers Always ask 'Why?" Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Two Rivers, Wisconsin Casino cash: $1072400	My wife works for Formica. PM with what laminate you want; and what you need. I'll see what deal she can get. Google 180FX. Amazing stuff. At tradeshows, they ask people to pick between a slab of the 180FX and real granite. Majority of time, 180FX wins.
Posts: 2,956

03-31-2015, 05:39 PM	#19
milehighkcfan Rookie Join Date: Jul 2013 Casino cash: $8277317	I resurface countertops for a living in Denver and it can be a good option if you don't want to spend the money. First of all, do not use Miracle Method. They suck so much. And if they are charging $900, you may as well replace. I charge about $200 for a set of counters. They can look nice if you take your time and do a good job. They also can last if you prep out the counters properly and apply a strong clear coat. If you think you can take care of them nicely then go ahead and do it yourself, but if you have kids or think you'll be rough on them just replace.
Posts: 11

03-31-2015, 05:45 PM	#20
Trivers Always ask 'Why?" Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Two Rivers, Wisconsin Casino cash: $1072400	http://www.formica.com/en/us/homeown...AC0698DFF41001 Is my current fav. Making a conference table out of it. Pick anyone you want on the Formica site, and have milehighkcfan install for you.
Posts: 2,956

03-31-2015, 05:49 PM	#21
stevieray best in the biz Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Under Pressure Casino cash: $1135273	Any high end faux artist could make then look like marble, granite, etc. ...if I was still in Denver, I would HOOK you up.
Posts: 72,515

03-31-2015, 05:57 PM	#22
stevieray best in the biz Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Under Pressure Casino cash: $1135273	... Attached Thumbnails
Posts: 72,515

03-31-2015, 06:13 PM	#26
Trivers Always ask 'Why?" Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Two Rivers, Wisconsin Casino cash: $1072400	SS is very, very modern! Love the look. Most home owners don't think outside the traditional box of granite, lam, and solid sur. I wanted a mix of concrete and SS in our current house. But the Formica wife obliviously said no.
Posts: 2,956

03-31-2015, 06:18 PM	#27
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $280477	You're in luck ! I'm taking some great looking countertops out of my AI Lab. Was going to dump them in the burying hole but you can have them for nothing.
Posts: 40,758

03-31-2015, 06:37 PM	#28
bevischief .... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somewhere Kansas Casino cash: $8389352 VARSITY	I did the Miracle Method (pro) and liked it alot and cheaper than what Home Depot wanted to replace it.
Posts: 27,738