How To Revamp and Redesign Old Kitchen Worktops And Surfaces?

There are many ways you can revamp the look of your kitchen worktops. Some are more popular than others, but the more popular methods tend to require more skill.

Before deciding how to improve your kitchen worktops make sure you understand how the process works.

Practise and get the process correct before you DIY your kitchen worktops.

I have seen some disasters in my years and would advise you to use the method you are comfortable with.

Best Methods To Update Kitchen Worktop

Listed below are the best ways to revamp your kitchen worktops.

They all require preparation and some DIY knowledge, remember that the more preparation the better the job.

1. The Painting Method
2. Tiled Worktop Method
3. Epoxy Resin Method
4. Re-varnish Woodblock
5. Stone Clad Your Worktops
6. Make Your Own kitchen Worktops

1) Paint Your Kitchen Worktops

Painting your kitchen worktops with specific worktop paint is the easiest way to succeed at improving your worktops.

Our recommendation for this is rust-Oleum worktop paint. It works every time and will not peel or crack if prepared correctly.

When it comes to prepering your worktops you must:

1. Tape the outside of your worktop for sharper lines
2. Lightly sand and create a key
3. Use sugar soap to remove grease
4. Apply your paint with a brush and a roller
5. Use a paintbrush for smaller areas
6. Use a roller for larger areas
7. Leave to dry overnight

2) Tiling Your Kitchen Worktops

Using tiles to revamp your kitchen worktops is a great option that creates a new feel to your kitchen.

There are so many options when it comes to tiling such as mosaic tiling which is a popular choice. Mosaic tiles are small and grouted once the adhesive has set.

Tiling kitchen worktops is a simple process:

1. Clean & sand your worktops so the tile adhesive will have something to grip against when set
2. Use a tile adhesive to set them to the kitchen worktop
3. Once the adhesive is set spread your tile grout with a rubber grouter making sure you have filled all gaps.
4. After your tile grout has started to set use a sponge to wipe clean any tile grout on the face of your new tiles.

This method works for all tile types big or small, just make sure your kitchen worktop are flat and have no movement because the tiles will crack after a while.

3) Use Epoxy Resin

Epoxy Resin is the new way to revamp your kitchen worktops. It has amazing effects and offers value for money.

We love this method because you can use glitter and any colour you can imagine.

It is a simple process that will create a unique kitchen worktop that you create and design yourself. If you have never used epoxy resin then we would suggest you practise on a board before trying your hand at using epoxy resin on your worktops.

How to apply epoxy resin on kitchen worktops

Cover the whole kitchen with tape and sheeting because this stuff makes a mess. But the results are very good and you can transform all your worktops in a day.

Once this stuff has dried it will feel like a new worktop has been installed with the colours of your choosing.

You simply spread it out with a roller and leave it to set. Some people will activate this stuff with a blowtorch but this creates bubbles.

You should let this stuff dry normally overnight.

4) Re-Varnish Your Woodblock Worktops

Woodblock kitchen worktops are very easy to revamp and improve. Over the years woodblock absorbs moisture if not oiled correctly.

If you leave this to continue then your woodblock will start to rot and go soft in places.

As long as your woodblock has not gone past the point of no return then you can make it look like new. Just simply sand about 2/3mm from the surface and you will be presented with a natural woodblock.

If your woodblock still has split or you can see the separate pieces of timber then continue to sand until the woodblock is the same all over!

This will need to be completed with a sander.

1. Start with a rough sand pad then reduce to very fine pad
2. Once sanded use a worktop oil and rub it out with a cloth
3. Continue feeding your woodblock with oil for a few days
4. Then apply worktop oil once a month to preserve your woodblock

5) Use Stone/Quartz Cladding

Using pieces of cut stone, quartz or even slate to clad your kitchen worktops is a much cheaper way than buying a solid piece of quartz or stone.

You can buy 6/7/8/9mm worktop offcuts that you can clad your kitchen worktops. It is very similar to tiling but on a larger scale.

The process needs to be planned and measured correctly because you cannot cut stone or quartz with standard household tools.

1. Measure your kitchen worktops
2. Allow for a lip/overhang for edges
3. Degrease your worktops and lightly sand
4. Apply adhesive and your sheets should fit like a puzzle

TOP TIP: DO not leave a gap between the cladding, so your quartz or stone will touch when completed.

6) Make Your Own Kitchen Worktops

When it comes to making your kitchen worktops then concrete is the most reliable, cheapest and successful way to make your own worktops.

Listed below is the process of making your kitchen worktops. These can be clad with stone or quartz, tiled or painted.

It is the perfect base to start making your very own kitchen worktops.

1. Make a kitchen worktop mould out of timber and sterling board
2. Rub oil around the mould so your mould comes away from the timber
3. Fill the mould with steel 3mm polls to give strength to the worktop
4. Pour the concrete mix into the mould and tap the side to help remove any air bubbles.

Once your concrete mould is dry carefully pull away from the sterling board and timbers.

If you oiled the mould before you poured your concrete then it will come away easily. Carefully move your worktop in place and fix it to your cupboards.

Conclusion

All the kitchen worktop methods above will take research and planning.

My favourite option is the epoxy resin option because it’s unique and different every time.

Designing and planning is a must when it comes to kitchen worktops because you only get one chance.

All the options will save you money and make it cheaper to redesigning your kitchen for the better.

Happy Revamping 😉