Refinishing your countertops can provide a new look for your kitchen or bathroom, but it also can have some major benefits. Countertop refinishing is the process of removing the old finish from countertops and applying a high-quality sealant to protect them against stains, scratches, mold growth, and other potential problems.
Here, we will provide tips on how to find qualified professionals who are certified in this type of work and what you need to know before getting started.
Protects Your Countertops
Over time, your countertop finish can get scratched, chipped, or stained, damaging the surface underneath. This can cause mold spores to start growing, and it may even affect the structural integrity of the surface.
Applying a new high-quality sealant to protect them against food spills and other potential hazards is essential for maintaining kitchen and bathroom counters. It can keep your countertops looking new for many years to come. Also, many contractors will offer their warranty for this type of work, providing extra security.
You Can DIY It
Many people choose to refinish their countertops themselves to save money and feel confident that they can complete the project without causing any damage. However, this task should not be done without proper training and special tools.
Also, it’s essential to do your research and find out if the supplies you plan on using will work for your countertops. If you follow all of the rules and tips we provided, there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to do it yourself.
Low-Cost Alternative to Countertop Replacement
If you’ve recently moved into a new place or if you bought an older home, then there’s a good chance that the finish on your counters has seen better days. While you might consider replacing them altogether, this can cost a small fortune, and it will require a lot of work on your part. In some cases, refinishing your countertops can be a direct replacement for this process, and it’s typically much less costly in terms of both time and money.
Improves the Kitchen’s Aesthetic
Several benefits can come from countertop refinishing. When done correctly, it will provide you with a brand-new sheen on your old counters, and they won’t have those pesky watermarks or scratches. It’s also possible to give them a completely new color or bring their original color back. This is a great way to improve your kitchen’s overall look and feel if it’s in desperate need of an update. This is also a great way to add value to your home if you decide to sell.
Varying Finishes to Choose From
Three main types of finishes are available for countertops. The first is a polished finish, which will provide you with the most shine. It’s also more likely to get scratched or stained because there is no coat of protection on top of your counters. This type of finish is typically made with lacquers.
A matte finish provides your counters with a smooth, velvety feel, and it is less likely to get scratched or stained than one that has a polished finish. This type of countertop usually gets sprayed by professionals, and it’s not recommended for DIY work because the results can be unpredictable.
Finally, there is what’s called an “eggshell” finish somewhere between the first two options. It’s slightly more protective than a polished finish, but it still doesn’t have any sealant on top of it.
A Few Risks are Involved
While refinishing your counters is very simple, there are some risks that you’ll have to consider before you begin. It’s possible to damage the existing finish if it’s not removed carefully enough, and this can cause problems with mold growth or water damage. Also, using certain chemicals can irritate people who suffer from respiratory issues, allergies, or asthma.
If you have any of these conditions and if the fumes become too much for you, then it’s best to leave this type of project up to a pro. You don’t need to worry about the dangers of refinishing your bathroom counters because they usually aren’t exposed to water.
Remember to Use the Right Tools
If you want to refinish your countertops yourself, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right tools and supplies first. You should never use any power tools because they can damage the surface if it’s not under the right amount of pressure.
This type of work is best done with a mini sander, and you should make sure that you get one with wonderful grit. The higher the number, the finer the surface will be, which means that it will take less time to finish your project.
Conclusion
If you have some countertops that are in desperate need of an update, then refinishing them yourself might be the right option for you. It’s typically much less expensive than replacing them altogether, and it can offer your kitchen a brand-new look.
