We Asked Contractors What to Do When Your Kitchen Counters Feel Dated (But You Can’t Rip Them Out)

If you have an outdated kitchen counter, there are many ways that you can rejuvenate it so you can keep using it for years to come—without making your kitchen look bad.

In fact, many of these ways offer you a great opportunity to refresh the look of your kitchen, making this an excellent option for homeowners on a tight renovation budget.

We consulted with professional contractors to find out how you can improve the appearance of old countertops without investing in a replacement project. Find out what they had to say below.

Update Them With Paint

One of the easiest ways to refresh the appearance of your countertops is to use paint.

“Just buff out any scratches, fill in gaps or chips, and then paint over it in the color of your choice,” says Rick Berres, Contractor and Owner of Honey-Doers. “Presto, a glossy new countertop.”

Chalk paint works well on laminate countertops, acrylic paint is a budget-friendly option that is available in a range of color choices, and epoxy paint offers the best durability of the three.

Before you begin painting, make sure to take the time to lightly sand and thoroughly clean the surface of the countertop for the best possible results. This simple step will help ensure proper adhesion when you are painting. You can also finish the painted countertop with a sealer for added durability and protection.

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Resurface With Overlays

While it takes a bit more work and may require the help of a professional, you can apply an overlay to resurface the existing countertop. You can find engineered stone surfaces, like quartz, concrete, or you can even tile over tile to refresh the look of the countertop.

“For butcher block fans, a thin overlay of wood or even sanding and sealing an existing laminate top can bring warmth and a modern feel,” says Eric Kotlyar, Contractor and Home Renovation Expert at True Form.

While tiling over tile is relatively straightforward, other overlay choices, like applying a thin layer of feather-finish cement, are not as easy to accomplish. Don’t jump into a project that may be beyond your skill level, otherwise it could end up costing you more in the long-run.

Cover With Film or Contact Paper

Another option that involves covering up the existing countertop is to use peel-and-stick film or contact paper.

“You can easily cover it up with a vinyl sticker to make it look new, it’s truly the lowest effort and probably lowest cost avenue to a countertop that looks brand new and fresh,” Berres says.

For an affordable, albeit temporary, fix, you can invest in simple peel-and-stick film, which comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including faux marble and granite.

While this option won’t be as durable as a full overlay, it is a great choice for a quick repair to help the kitchen look presentable while you save for a full countertop replacement.

You can also use thick vinyl film, which tends to be the best peel-and-stick choice for both durability and concealing imperfections. This choice is often used for renters because you can simply remove the film when you are moving out of your current apartment.

Refinish the Existing Material

Depending on the type of material, you may be able to refinish the existing surface of the countertop.

“For solid surface or wood, sand lightly and re-sealing can actually make them new again,” Kotlyar says. “I also suggest using repair kits that are color-matched to your surface to cover chips and scratches so it will look newer and be less susceptible to damage in the future.”

If you have natural stone countertops, like granite or marble, you may be able to rejuvenate the counters by filling minor scratches and polishing the stone. This can typically be accomplished with a DIY kit, but if you aren’t comfortable tackling this job, it’s worth it to hire a pro to handle it properly.

Improve the Surrounding Elements 

Changing the appearance of the countertop is always an option, but in some cases it may be more efficient to focus on the surround elements, such as the cabinets, cabinet hardware, and the walls behind, above, and beside the countertops.

“Replacing the backsplash can instantly take the focus away from the outdated countertop and create a more cohesive look,” Kotlyar says. “Adding good under-cabinet lighting will also have a big effect, since warm, bright light makes surfaces appear cleaner and newer.”

It’s also recommended to paint or reface the cabinets, which can shift the entire feel of the kitchen and make old countertops look new again.

Replacing old, aged cabinet knobs, pulls, or even faucet fixtures, can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic of the kitchen without ever needing to touch the countertops.