Painting faux quartz countertops can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom while saving you money compared to installing real quartz. With some preparation and the right paint and technique, you can get a convincing, durable quartz look that holds up to daily use.

What You’ll Need

Paint and Supplies

• High adhesion primer – For best results, use a bonding primer designed for laminates and plastics
• Acrylic latex paints – Look for interior paints marked as kitchen/bathroom appropriate
• Paint tray, rollers, and brushes – Foam rollers work best for a smooth finish
• Painters tape
• Drop cloths
• 220-400 grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth

Quartz Paint Colors

• Solid whites, grays, and neutral tones mimic real quartz closely
• Metallic paints add convincing mica-like flecks
• Tinted glazes over a base coat create depth

Safety Gear

• Respirator mask
• Goggles and gloves

Prep Your Countertops

Proper preparation is crucial for paint to adhere correctly to laminate.

• Clean counters thoroughly with an all-purpose cleaner to remove grease and dirt
• Lightly scuff sand with 220 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface
• Wipe clean with a tack cloth to remove dust
• Use painter’s tape to mask off edges and wall boundaries

Check for any remaining glossy spots and sand again if needed. The goal is a uniformly dull, matte surface for paint to grip.

Apply Primer

Priming gives the topcoat paint something to bond to.

• Pour primer into a paint tray and load a foam roller
• Apply a thin, even coat using long, light strokes
• Let dry completely according to label directions
• Lightly sand again with 400 grit sandpaper and wipe clean
• Apply a second coat of primer the same way

Two coats ensure proper adhesion and coverage.

Paint Your “Quartz” Finish

Single Tone Quartz Look

• Choose a highly pigmented, matte or eggshell finish latex paint in a solid neutral hue
• Stir thoroughly before and during application
• Cut in edges and details with a brush, then roll paint onto the surface
• Work in 3×3 ft sections, maintaining a wet edge for an even look
• Let dry 4-6 hours then sand any drips or rough spots
• Apply a second coat, rolling perpendicular to the first coat
• Let cure fully 72 hours before use

Flecked Metallic Quartz

• Start with a base coat as above in a light neutral shade
• Once dry, use a large brush to randomly apply metallic glaze. Less is more.
• Immediately drag the brush across the glaze to create streaks.
• Work quickly before glaze dries. Soft, subtle flecks are the goal.

Depth and Dimension

• After base color has dried, mix a tinted glaze with paint and glazing liquid
• Roll glaze randomly over the surface for subtle variation
• Immediately drag a dry roller across to blend and soften
• Too much glaze looks unnatural so build up slowly if needed

Protect and Maintain Your Painted Quartz

• Use coasters under glasses and avoid abrasive cleaners
• Reseal every 1-2 years with satin polyurethane for added protection
• Spot treat stains quickly to avoid sinking into the porous paint
• Renew the look every 3-5 years by cleaning, lightly sanding, and reapplying paint

With the right prep and paint products, you can get years of enjoyment from painted faux quartz countertops for a fraction of the cost of natural stone. Approach the project with patience and care for best results.

FAQs About Painting Faux Quartz Countertops

What kind of paint should I use?

Use interior-grade acrylic latex paints designed for high-wear areas like kitchens and baths. Look for durable, matte finishes with high adhesion properties. Avoid vinyl paints.

Do I have to actually sand my counters?

Yes, light sanding is critical for proper paint bonding. Be sure to smooth any rough areas and wipe away dust before painting.

How long does the paint last?

With care, prepped and sealed painted quartz can last 3-5 years before needing renewal. Avoid abrasive cleaners and heat to maximize durability.

What’s the difference between quartz and solid surface?

Quartz is made of natural stone blended with resins while solid surface like Corian is an acrylic-based engineered material. Paint can mimic either look.

Can I use pearl or metallic finishes?

Yes! Specialty paints with pearl, metallic, or mica flecks can convincingly replicate the look of natural quartz and granite. Apply these as a topcoat over a base color.

Do I need to seal my painted quartz countertops?

Sealing is highly recommended every 1-2 years to protect the porous paint and prevent stains from sinking in over time with regular use.

What do I do if my paint gets damaged?

For small nicks and flaws, use a little touch-up paint blended to match your base color. For larger worn areas or to renew the whole look, clean, lightly sand, and repaint following the original steps.

Conclusion

With some careful preparation and the right selection of primer, paint, and technique, you can transform existing laminate or solid surface countertops into stylish, faux quartz counters. Take your time prepping the surface, apply multiple thin coats of paint, and protect your painted quartz with regular sealing. The end result is a custom look that mimics higher end natural stone at just a fraction of the price. Approach this project with patience and proper painting practices and you can fool even the most discerning eye with painted on quartz countertops.