Are Granite Worktops in the Kitchen Paintable? (What You Should know)

My visitors keep asking this often whether they can paint over granite countertops in their kitchen.

To be frank, granite is a stone with natural beauty, and it is not easy to cover it with paint.

IMO, painting granite countertops is not a recommended method to change their look because it will only last for a short time before peeling off. Also, the paint job will be challenging to achieve a professional-looking finish.

But if you still insist, you can go ahead with a few conditions…

• Firstly, the countertop must be well-sealed so the paint can adhere to the surface better.
• Secondly, you will need to use a high-quality primer and paint so that it can last longer.
• Lastly, you should seal your freshly painted job with the right kind of sealer to protect the paint job and make it look shiny.

With that said, below, I will detail the step-by-step guide on how to paint granite counters, along with a few other questions you may have.

Painting Granite Countertops

Countertop painting is not easy but can be done if you want to change the look of your kitchen or bathroom.

Here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1) Clean

The first thing that you need to do is to clean the countertop thoroughly. Before painting, you need to ensure that there is no grease or dirt on the surface.

Start by cleaning the surface with a degreaser and scrubbing it with a brush. Once you are done, rinse it with water and let it dry completely.

Step 2) Sand the Worktop

After cleaning, the next step is to sand the granite countertop. This will help roughen the surface so the paint can adhere to it better.

Use sandpaper with a grit of 120 to 150. Sand the surface in the same direction as the beautiful grains of the stone. This will make the finish look like marble.

Once you are done, wipe off the fine dust with a clean cloth.

Step 3) Apply Painters Tape

The next step is to apply painter’s tape around the edges of the kitchen countertop.

Be sure to use good-quality tape so that the paint does not bleed through.

This will also help to create a clean line when you are painting.

Step 4) Apply the Primer

Once you have applied the painter’s tape, the next step is to apply a primer to the surface.

Kilz Adhesion primer worked very well for me, and you can use the same for priming glossy surfaces such as granite.

The good thing is you can even have it tinted to match the color of the paint you are using, which will help to reduce the number of coats you need to apply.

Apply the primer evenly on the surface with a brush or roller. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 5) Paint the Surface

After the primer has dried, it’s time to apply the paint to the granite surface.

Acrylic latex paint is a fantastic option to coat granite because it can withstand heat and moisture – the two main features to consider when painting your granite worktop in the kitchen or bathroom.

Alternatively, you can use epoxy or acrylic paint that will have an in-built staying power for the future.

Just keep in mind that if your granite top is near a fireplace in the kitchen, always test the heat resistance of the paint you are using.

Once you are ready with the correct paint type, you can paint the surface in long and even strokes as you have applied the primer.

Be aware that it will take a long time for the paint to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the next step of the procedure.

Also, you may not be able to use your fireplace for a few days, and your cooking time will also be restricted for a few days until the procedure is finished.

Step 6) Seal Up Your Paint Job

After the paint has dried, it is time to protect your new paint job with a sealer.

Keep in mind that ordinary wood sealers, such as polyurethane, lacquer, etc., will not work for granite stone because they cannot stand up to the heat and moisture in the kitchen.

So, ensure you use a good quality granite sealer explicitly designed for stones, marbles, and granites.

Some of the best high-quality ones include:

1. Weiman Granite Sealer
2. Granite Gold Spray Sealer
3. Black Diamond Stoneworks Sealer

Whichever product you choose, follow the instructions on the label carefully before applying it to the surface.

After you have applied the sealer, let it dry completely.

Once dry, your newly painted granite countertop will be protected and ready to take on anything your kitchen can throw.

Precautions and Tips

To keep yourself protected, you should keep a few things in mind before starting the project. These include:

• Work in a well-ventilated area because the fumes from the primer and paint can be dangerous.
• It is also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals.
• In addition, I would also recommend using a respirator or mask to avoid inhaling the fumes.

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Can You Use Chalk Paint on Granite?

Chalk paint is not designed to adhere to smooth surfaces like granite and will not provide the necessary coverage or protection.

Unlike acrylic latex, chalk paint comes with a matte, chalky appearance which is suitable for giving your wood furniture, craft, and other home decor objects a rustic, vintage look.

Since chalk paint does not work well on stones such as granite and quartz, it’s better to use a special granite paint kit explicitly designed to redo your granite countertop.

Alternatively, it is possible to stain granite countertops with a darker color.

However, you will need to use a specially designed stain that can penetrate the granite’s surface.

It’s important to note that staining granite is a more permanent solution, so make sure you are happy with the new color before proceeding.

Although not recommended, you can also cover your granite countertops with wallpaper if it’s heavy-duty wallpaper designed for kitchen use.

While doing so, you will also need to apply a layer of clear sealant over the wallpaper to protect it from stains and moisture so that it lasts for a long.

Using Granite Countertop Paint Kit – Is it Worth it?

Granite countertops can be permanently sealed with a factory seal from a few businesses; other companies, on the other hand, provide kits that may permanently seal your granite counters.

If you want a professional-looking paint job, then a do-it-yourself granite countertop paint kit is a good idea.

These kits are highly rated and include almost everything you need to complete the granite paint job.

Giani brand paint kit, for example, includes sponge cleaner, mineral paint, primer, topcoat, and more.

You can pick from varied color options such as White Diamond, Bombay Black, and Slate.

Some of these kits even contain a video tutorial so that you can follow the instructions easily and paint your granite countertop like a pro.

The only drawback of these kits is they can sometimes be complicated to follow and costly.

Also, not all of them are readily available through typical outlets, but with only specialty shops.

Overall, if you are looking for an easy and hassle-free way to paint your granite countertop, then using a kit is the way to go and get incredible results.

Make sure you get one from a reputable brand to avoid any issues.

How Often Should You Seal Your Granite Countertops?

You should consider sealing your granite countertops once in 2-3 years to keep them looking new and protected from stains.

If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to seal them more frequently.

You can easily check whether your countertop needs to be sealed by performing the water test.

Pour a few drops of water on the surface and wait 10 minutes. If the water droplets darken the granite, your countertop needs to be sealed.

On the other hand, if the water droplets sit on the surface without darkening it, your countertop is already sealed, and you don’t need to do anything.

Should Your Kitchen Worktop Match with Bathroom Countertops?

Matching countertops with your kitchen island or throughout the house is often a personal choice.

Some people like to have all their countertops in the same material to create a cohesive look.

Others like to mix and match different materials and colors to create a more unique and exciting look.

When recoloring, the good thing is you can even paint over existing granite countertops if the paint is in good condition.

However, it’s recommended to peel away and sand any existing paint nicely before painting over the granite.

This will ensure that the new paint job adheres appropriately and doesn’t chip or peel away.

The Bottom Line

Painting your granite kitchen worktop with acrylic latex is a great way to give it a new lease of life without spending a fortune.

And with the right products and a little elbow grease, you can achieve professional-looking results that will last for years.

Do your research and follow the instructions carefully to get the best results.