Hey there! If you‘re reading this, you‘re likely a homeowner considering painting your dated or damaged Corian countertops for an affordable kitchen or bathroom makeover. With the right approach, you can easily transform your countertops without the cost of full replacement.
As a home improvement expert who has helped hundreds of clients update their countertops over my 10 years in business, I‘m excited to provide you with a complete guide to DIY painting your Corian surfaces. I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know, from proper prep and paint selection to application techniques and long-term care.
Let‘s get started!
Overview of Corian Material
Before we dive into the painting process, let‘s quickly go over what exactly Corian is made of so you understand how to prep and paint it properly.
Corian is a solid surface material composed of:
- Acrylic resin – makes up about 2/3 of its composition
- Aluminum trihydrate – comprises about 1/3
- Pigments – added for color
It was first created by DuPont in 1967 and has been popular for countertops ever since.
Here are the main pros and cons of Corian:
Advantages
- Available in over 100 colors and styles
- Resists heat up to 350°F
- Non-porous – won‘t harbor bacteria
- Easy to clean
- Seamless appearance
- Repairable – scratches can be sanded out
Disadvantages
- Expensive – higher cost than laminate
- Can stain from harsh chemicals
- Matching discontinued colors is impossible
- Acrylic composition less durable than natural stone
- Limited color selection compared to quartz
Now that you know the basics about Corian, let‘s talk about why painting it is a great option versus replacing your counters entirely.
Why Should You Paint Your Corian Countertops?
For homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens or bathrooms on a budget, painting Corian delivers excellent bang for your buck.
Here are the top reasons to paint your Corian rather than replace:
1. Cost Savings
- Painting Corian costs $100-$300 on average
- New installed countertops run $1,500-$5,000
- You save over 80% by painting your existing counters!
2. Customize the Color
- Paint allows you to choose any color under the sun
- Much wider selection than new prefab countertop options
- Match your cabinets, backsplash, or overall design scheme
3. Less Disruptive Installation
- Painting can be completed over a weekend
- New countertop installation takes 5-7 days
- Avoid the dust and demolition of ripping out your current counters
4. Quick Facelift for Dated Counters
- Breathe new life into old, outdated Corian
- Popular paint colors include white, gray, navy and black
- Cover up scratches and stains at the same time
Painting your existing Corian delivers a fast, affordable kitchen or bath facelift!
Countertop Painting – Step by Step
If I’ve convinced you to paint rather than replace your Corian, let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to do it right.
Follow these steps closely for professional-quality results:
Supplies You‘ll Need
- High adhesion primer
- Interior latex or specialty countertop paint
- Foam rollers and angled paintbrushes
- Sandpaper – 120, 220 and 400 grit
- Tack cloths
- Drop cloths
- Painter‘s tape
- Clear acrylic sealer
Step 1 – Clean and Sand
- Clean counters with a degreaser or mild soap solution until spotless
- Sand entire surface with 120 grit paper until dull and rough
- Wipe away all dust with tack cloth
Step 2 – Apply Primer
- Coat entire countertop with a thin layer of primer
- Use a brush or roller evenly across the surface
- Allow primer to fully dry
Step 3 – Sand Primer Coat
- Gently sand the primed counters with 220 grit sandpaper
- This helps the paint bind tightly to the primer
- Wipe away all sanding dust with a dry tack cloth
Step 4 – Paint First Coat
- Using a small foam roller, apply the first coat of paint
- Use an angled brush for hard to reach spots
- Allow paint to dry fully before second coat
Step 5 – Sand and Repeat Paint Coats
- Lightly sand dried paint coat with 400 grit sandpaper
- Remove all dust with a tack cloth
- Apply second coat of paint and allow to dry fully
- Repeat for third coat if needed for full coverage
Step 6 – Cure and Seal
- Allow paint to cure for 3-5 days before use
- Apply 2-3 thin coats of clear acrylic sealer
- Sealer protects paint and makes cleaning easier
Take your time with each step and your counters will look professionally painted!
Painting vs. Replacing Corian Countertops
Deciding whether to paint or replace your counters comes down to 3 main factors:
| Factor | Painting | Replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100-$300 | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Time | 2-3 days | 5-7 days |
| Durability | 5-10 years | 15-25 years |
As you can see, painting is significantly quicker and cheaper than replacement, though doesn‘t last quite as long.
Many homeowners paint first to get an immediate upgrade, then later replace down the road when time and budget allow.
Tips to Make Your Painted Counters Last
I‘m sharing my pro tips to get the longest lifespan from your painted Corian:
- Use high quality primer and paint designed for countertops
- Allow several days for proper curing before use
- Reseal with acrylic sealer every 2-3 years
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads
- Use cutting boards and trivets for protection
- Immediately clean spills to prevent stains
Follow these best practices and your painted counters will maintain their freshly updated look for years to come!
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
I know you probably have plenty of questions about the specifics of painting your Corian counters. Here I‘ll answer some of the most common questions I receive:
What types of paint work best?
I recommend a high quality interior latex or specialty countertop paint. Stay away from all-in-one paint+primer options.
How long does the paint need to cure?
Plan on allowing the paint to cure and harden for 3-5 days before regular use of your countertops.
Do I really need primer?
Yes, primer is mandatory! It allows the paint to properly adhere to the Corian surface.
Can I use darker colors?
Darker colors will show scratches and wear sooner than lighter colors. I‘d recommend staying away from black and choosing a medium tone for best durability.
How long will it last?
With proper care and maintenance, painted Corian countertops can last 5-10 years before needing touch up. Resealing every 2 years helps prolong the life.
Give Your Counters a Makeover!
As you can see, painting your Corian delivers an affordable kitchen or bathroom update that looks fantastic. With the right materials and some elbow grease, you can upgrade your space in just a weekend.
I hope this guide gives you everything you need to feel confident tackling a DIY Corian paint job. Don‘t hesitate to reach out if any other questions come up along the way! I‘m always happy to help.
Wishing you the best of luck with your countertop painting project!
Jill Gabler
Home Improvement Expert
