refinishing a countertop?

[and_suddenly]

in my apartment, we only have one kitchen counter, under our cabinets. the only problem is that it is basically unusable since it has been covered with several layers of contact paper, some of which are peeling up

Comments

[snuck]

How big is it? You might find it easier and cheaper to just buy a new length - especially if it's a neat size and shape.

How to strip contact? No idea - I guess you need to just pull it off and if necessary use something to strip the glue - but what? given it's a food prep surface you won't want anything too toxic (and eucalyptus oil etc is toxic in those quantities) - you could try sanding it back and see how that goes but you'll go through a heap of sand paper. And it could be really crappy wood underneath. Can you see the underneath of the bench from inside the cupboards? Is it nice, MDF, ply etc?

If it's ugly and you don't want to buy new could you tile it?

[candyaddicted]

I would definitely do tile if possible. I have seen some gorgeous and unique inexpensive tile counters on pinterest. With tile, it is a fairly easy beginner job or cheap hire someone job, Plus, you can choose the pattern/colors that you like best!

[and_suddenly]

I love the idea of tile but I'm a hair too cheap, from what I suspect the cost would be. I'm hoping to keep the whole project under $50 or so, which really limits my options.

Thanks for the suggestion! :)

[candyaddicted]

I am a cheapster too! We should have a cheapster facebook page =P I like the below restoleum counter top link! I didn't know about that, but it looks cheap, durable and pretty. That's why I like this community, people always have interesting and helpful ideas!

[eightydollsyell]

I have no clue how to strip the contact paper. My first thought is goo-gone.

once you get it stripped if you want to refinish it without replacing it we had good luck with this kit: http://countertops.rustoleumtransformations.com/ but i think it only works of laminate or bondo (or your choice of 2 part epoxy).

[and_suddenly]

Ooh, thank you for the Rustoleum link - I'll look into it!

I think I'll just start peeling up the paper and go with a combination of goo gone and sanding after that to see where I get.

Thank you!

[rainarana]

I would start with the peeling sections and start peeling, as if there are layers of it it will likely have to come up manually. You may need to get something in there, like a chisel, to help separate it from what's underneath. First, though, I'd do just enough to see what's underneath. Highly unlikely it's any kind of wood that you would want to use as the final counter, as that's not the most common counter surface and likely wouldn't be covered with a bunch of contact paper if it was or was in salvagable condition. I agree with snuck, that either tiling or looking for a new length. You can often find liquidation places that sell tile pretty cheap or sometimes even sections of formica. If the section is simple, no cut outs, and you can find somewhere to buy Corian or another similar solid surface remnant, it's really easy to finish, especially if you don't have to join it anywhere. I make Corian table tops all the time and it's just a matter of going through the grits, sanding it up to a smooth finish.

[rainarana]

Oh, I was thinking the papery stuff that petrifies.

[couchtiger]

Honestly, it sounds like it's been harboring grossness. I would just replace it. Laminate countertop is particularly inexpensive - I just installed a 9 foot long piece of laminate in a workspace area and the piece cost just over $100. I think you would spend enough time and money in effort as you might to just buy an inexpensive new piece. If you get it at a big-box store, they should install and haul the old one away for you.

If you can't get it off and really want to keep it, Rustoleum makes a a countertop refinishing kit. It can be done on laminate or solid surface, I don't know about bare wood though.

[jodys_wife]

I agree just replace it. Laminate is super cheap. You might be able to find someone who does counters as a side job. We redid a whole kitchen's worth of counters and one of them was a huge island and it cost about $600 installed.

[and_suddenly]

I'm only really hesitating on buying a new piece because of the place being a rental, but maybe I'll look into the cost and talk to the landlord.

Thank you for the Rustoleum suggestion - that sounds like my best option if it's anything but wood underneath.

[and_suddenly]

Thank you! I think I will do exactly this. :)