How to Resurface Countertops: Low VOC & Low Cost

On a budget? Learn how to resurface your countertops with this Low VOC, Low Cost kit. You can have stone surface in less than 48 hours!

If you have been looking for a way to update your countertops without spending a ton of money there is a way! I just updated my laminate countertops in about 48 hours and for under $140! There was little to no smell, and minimal mess! I now have a stone looking countertop and it didn't cost me thousands! Learn what I used and how to resurface countertops quickly and easily to give your kitchen a fast face lift.

Background

When you buy an older home, renovations happen in little chunks. This kitchen is going to be the death of me. Just to recap, when we moved in we planned a full reno, but we had some unexpected expenses that blew our renovation budget. So then, I did a low cost kitchen makeover by painting the cabinets and walls. Last update, involved me pulling down an upper cabinet,  and adding some open shelving and changing out a light fixture.

I still plan on a full kitchen redo at some point, but right now we are trying to make this kitchen work for us for as long as possible, because kitchens are expensive.

SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit

what it covers

As a blogger, I get a ton of emails about new products, but when I saw this one it peaked my interest. SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit. It claims that it is an easy DIY project that transforms old countertops made of laminate, Formica, plywood and other surfaces into a real stone finish. I knew I had to give it a try. If anyone needed to resurface countertops it was me.

what colors

SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit comes in several different colors. I chose Natural White, but now that I am done, I almost wish I would have gone with a darker color (more on that later).

how much does one kit cover

One kit will cover 40 square feet of counter top, which crazily enough was exactly what I have, in fact, I had a little left over. The kit also comes with everything you will need; the paint for every step, brushes, tray, dust masks, & sand paper.

does it smell?

This was a big reason that I chose DAICH Spread Stone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit. It is Low VOC. Which means little to no smell. In fact, I didn't smell ANYTHING until I got to step three, which was the clear coat. Even then, it was very minimal. I did this project with my kids and pets in the house and didn't have any issues.

how long does it take

The work on the countertop itself isn't time consuming. It is the patient parts, like waiting for it to dry. I started resurfacing the countertop at 1 pm on a Thursday and it was completely done and dry to the touch at 3 pm the next day. The kit does say to allow at least 24 hours for the top to cure, but I had no problems carefully putting things like my coffee pot back because the counter was dry to the touch. I mean, coffee is a priority.

Coupon Code

Right now Daich Coatings is having a sale where you can snag a SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit for 15% off plus free shipping! Just use coupon code XMAS15 and have a new countertop before you family visits for the holidays! This code makes each kit $106.55! That is a fabulous deal!

Things I learned

First of all for the price, this countertop resurfacing kit is fantastic. It creates a much better finish than any other option out there for affordable countertop refinishing. The fact that it doesn't smell and takes a small amount of time is an added bonus. If I had to do this again, which I would, here are things that I learned.

Use an orbital sander

While the kit is all inclusive and included sand paper, go to the hardware store and buy an orbital sander. It doesn't have to be fancy but your life will be 10 times easier. There are a few times you have to sand your countertops and this makes the process faster.

Hand Sand The Edges

The Orbital sander is great, but use a piece of sandpaper and hand sand the fronts of your counters. Otherwise you may sand the finish right off, and have to do that part over again. (Speaking from experience).

Do a Third Coat if needed

I was worried about having enough product to cover the counter and I shouldn't have been. There are 3 steps and I feel like I could have gone a little heavier or done a third coat on steps 1 & 2. Step 2 is the stone coating with flecks in it. Don't be scared to really go crazy and cover it well. Even if it looks like there are a lot of flecks because you will be sanding. Just try to spread them out evenly.

Dust is real

Again, the kit comes with everything including a dust mask. WEAR IT! When you sand the counters for step 2, (after the stone coat dries). It is very dusty. You don't realized how bad at first, but it seems to settle everywhere. I had to give everything a good cleaning when I was done.

The Final Finish

I saw a lot of reviews that wanted a smoother final finish. While the final finish is slightly textured it is rather smooth to the touch. If you really do a thicker coat of step 1 & 2. You will be able to sand a smooth finish at the end with no problem.

I think when you go light on step 1 & 2 when you get to the sanding you can't sand as much without removing the finish. That is why you end up with a little more texture. So, if you are looking for a super smooth finish go a little thick with your coats so you can sand more at the end.

Personal Opinion

For the cost, this option can't be beat. At the end of the day my countertops look worlds better from the weird vintage green worm laminate pattern that was there.

My only complaint is I chose Natural White and I feel like I got more of an Oyster color finish. It looks worlds better than what was here, and I am still happy with it. We have been using the counters for a week now and I haven't had any problems with clipping, staining, or marks of any kind. They look just as great as the day I finished them. I am so glad I chose to resurface my countertops, it will make my kitchen a little more usable until we can redo the entire thing.

Giveaway

One lucky A Few Shortcuts Reader will win a SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit to try in their own home. Just enter using the widget below.

I was provided a SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit for review purposes. All opinions are my own.