Painting a formica counter top

[doingit832]

I would like to paint my ugly wine color formica counter tops in the kitchen. please advise,

[mrcaptainbob]

Wash and dewax/grease it really well. Break the surface with a scrubby sponge and use a tack cloth to clean it prior to painting. Mask off the whole area and paint it. It would be best in warmer weather so windows could be open and furnace wouldn't suck the fumes throughout the house. By the way, make sure the fumes are all gone before the dryer gets used!

[smileygirl]

what is used to seal and give the surface a protective coating that can withstand the wear and tear of kitchen life?

[mrcaptainbob]

A ceramic cutting board. Other than that, Formica is pretty easily scratched and cut. Carnuba wax is good for restoring the luster, but won't hide a bunch of knife marks.

[HayZee518]

Eventually ANY finish id going to wear off unless it is original and then still, formica can get dull and lose its color if kitchen work is concentrated in that area ( knife cutting, cleaning with an abrasive cleaner etc)
Two part epoxy paints are good but they have their limits. After you treat your formica counter top you might think of installing a stainless steel sheet where you do most of your prep work.