Refinishing a Corian countertop can breathe new life into your kitchen or bathroom space, restoring its original luster and beauty. Corian is a solid surface material known for its durability and versatility, making it a popular choice for countertops. Over time, Corian countertops may develop scratches, stains, or dullness due to regular usage.
Fortunately, refinishing offers a cost-effective solution to address these issues and revitalize the appearance of your countertop. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and tips on how to refinish a corian countertop, providing you with the knowledge to undertake this task and achieve a refreshed, elegant surface.
Reasons for Refinishing Corian Countertops
When it comes to home improvement projects, refinishing a Corian countertop is often overlooked. Many homeowners opt for replacing their old countertops with new materials instead of refinishing them. However, there are several reasons why refinishing your Corian countertop is a better option than replacement.
Cost-effective
Refinishing your Corian countertop can save you a significant amount of money compared to replacing it. The cost of a new countertop can add up quickly, especially if you have a large kitchen or multiple bathrooms.
Refinishing, on the other hand, involves sanding down the surface and applying a new layer of finish, which is significantly less expensive than purchasing and installing a brand new countertop.
Eco-friendly
Refinishing your Corian countertop is also a more environmentally friendly option compared to replacement. Replacing a countertop involves removing and disposing of the old material, which can contribute to landfill waste. Refinishing allows you to keep your existing countertop and simply refresh its appearance, reducing the impact on the environment.
Customization
By refinishing your Corian countertop, you have the opportunity to customize its color and finish. You can choose from a variety of colors and finishes to match your personal style and home decor. This gives you more control over the final look of your countertop, unlike replacement where you are limited to the options available on the market.
Time-efficient
Refinishing your Corian countertop is a relatively quick process compared to replacement. While replacing a countertop can take several days or even weeks, refinishing can be completed in just one day, depending on the size of the countertop and the extent of the damage.
This makes it a convenient option for those who don’t want to disrupt their daily routine with a lengthy renovation project.
10 Methods How to Refinish a Corian Countertop
1. Gather Supplies
Before beginning the refinishing process, you will need to gather all of the necessary supplies. These include a Corian countertop cleaner, a soft cloth, sandpaper, a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose, mineral spirits, painter’s tape, a paintbrush or foam roller, and a can of Corian countertop refinishing paint.
It is important to note that Corian countertops are not suitable for high heat or abrasive cleaners, so be sure to use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for Corian surfaces.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to wear protective gloves and safety glasses when handling any chemicals.
2. Clean the Countertop
The first step in refinishing your Corian countertop is to thoroughly clean it. Start by wiping down the surface with the Corian countertop cleaner and a soft cloth.
Make sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies so that all dirt and debris are removed from the surface. Once you have finished cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose to remove any remaining debris from the surface.
Next, mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap in a bucket. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface of the countertop, paying extra attention to any stubborn stains or buildup. Rinse the countertop with clean water and dry it with a towel.
3. Sand Surface
Once you have finished cleaning your Corian countertop, it is time to sand it down in order to create a smooth surface for painting. Start by using coarse-grit sandpaper and slowly work your way up to finer grits as needed until you have achieved a smooth finish on the entire surface of the countertop.
Make sure that you are wearing safety goggles during this process, as particles may fly up into your eyes while sanding.
It is important to note that sanding Corian countertops should be done in a progressive manner, meaning you should start with the coarsest grit and gradually move up to finer grits.
This will ensure that the surface is properly prepared for painting and will help avoid any noticeable scratches or inconsistencies once the paint has been applied.
4. Remove Dust
After sanding your Corian countertop, it is important to remove any dust or debris from the surface before applying paint. Use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose or a damp cloth to remove any dust particles that may be left behind after sanding.
If there are still some stubborn particles left behind on your countertop after vacuuming or wiping down with a damp cloth, try using mineral spirits on them before proceeding with painting. This will ensure a smooth and clean surface for the paint to adhere to.
5. Tape Edges
Once you have finished removing dust from your Corian countertop, use painter’s tape to cover any edges that you do not want to be painted over (such as around sink fixtures).
This will ensure that these areas remain unpainted when applying paint later on in the process. However, if you are planning to refinish the edges of your Corian countertop as well, then there is no need to use painter’s tape.
6. Apply Primer
Before applying paint directly onto your Corian countertop, you should first apply primer in order to help ensure better adhesion between the paint and the surface of the countertop itself.
Use either a foam roller or brush, depending on what type of primer you are using, and make sure to cover every inch of the exposed surface evenly for best results when painting later on in this process.
If you are unsure of what primer to use, consult with a home improvement professional or research online for recommendations based on your specific project needs.
7. Allow Primer To Dry
Once you have applied primer onto your Corian countertop, allow it ample time to dry completely before proceeding further in this process (usually at least 2 hours).
Doing so will help ensure that paint adheres properly once applied later on in this process. It is also a good idea to clean your brushes and rollers with warm soapy water, which can be easily done while waiting for the primer to dry.
8. Apply Paint
After allowing primer enough time to dry completely, it is now time to apply paint directly onto your Corian countertop’s surface. Use either a foam roller or brush, depending on what type of paint you are using, and make sure to cover every inch of exposed surface evenly for best results when painting.
If you are using a foam roller, start by dipping it in the paint and gently rolling it onto the surface of your countertop. If you are using a brush, dip it into the paint and then use broad strokes to apply the paint.
9. Allow Paint To Dry
Once you have applied paint onto your Corian countertop’s surface, allow it ample time to dry completely before proceeding further in this process (usually at least 4 hours).
Doing so will help ensure that final coatings adhere properly once applied later on in this process. If you are able to, it is recommended to leave the countertop untouched for at least 24 hours to ensure that it is completely dry.
10. Apply Final Coatings
After allowing the paint enough time to dry completely, it is now time to apply any additional coatings, such as sealers or waxes, directly onto your Corian Counter top’s painted surfaces.
Make sure not only to cover every inch of exposed surfaces evenly but also to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application techniques for the best results when completing this step.
Remember to always buff out any excess coatings for optimal finish, and most importantly, allow the coating to cure properly before using your newly refurbished Corian Countertop again. This final layer will ensure long-lasting protection and a beautiful shine for years to come.
Conclusion
Refinishing a Corian countertop is not an easy DIY project, but determining the process and how to do it is not impossible. When done correctly, every detail can make a difference in the finished result.
With knowledge of the materials to use, tools needed to execute the job, and proper care and preparation beforehand, any homeowner can have a successful result. It is important to follow all directions carefully in order for your Corian countertop refinish to be truly successful.
Taking the time and patience to do carefully complete each step of the process will give you a beautiful countertop that will last for many years. Now that you know how to refinish a Corian countertop, try it out on your own project!
If you ever find yourself stuck or overwhelmed along the way don’t hesitate to ask for professional help so that your new finish will be perfect.
