Painted Formica Counter Tops Part I

We had really plain, white formica counter tops in our pantry.

And, if you know me, you know I am not really into plain.

I have always loved the look of aged copper, that has lovely green patina, and warm brown tones.

After tackling the counter tops in my studio I felt very comfortable painting these.

Pretty boring:

I taped off all the areas to be painted and then protected the floors and cabinets with newspaper.

I used grey primer. The inexpensive, spray kind.

I then used a stencil and some drywall mud, to make a 3D pattern on the back splash.

Very easy, just trowel it on to desired thickness and pull the stencil straight out.

I have also been curious to try the new Fusion spray paint for plastic. It claims to bond directly with all types of plastic. (I used the hammered copper.) Went on amazingly smooth and easy. Took less then a can and a half. T0 get a more uniform hammered metal look, make sure and start outside the surface you plan to spray and continue off the surface. In other words, try not to start spraying in the middle of the surface.

I used a paper towel and smeared green craft paint to look like the aged patina. On the back splash I let it drip down the texture.

Then with an old sock I randomly rubbed raw umber.

Products I used:

I applied two coats of polyurethane (which completely stinks up the house) and let it dry for a few days. A good trick my Dad taught me, (which would go against everything I would have thought....) is to use candles. Not right away (or next to an open can of flammable liquid!!!), but wait a few hours and then light them. The flame eats the vapors. It works, and quickly.

Ta Da: