Design Vogue

Dated laminate countertops can give your kitchen a tired look. But if you're a renter on a budget or don't have the means to replace them, there are some easy and affordable ways to upgrade them in the meantime.

From paint to contact paper and more, read on to discover ways to update old laminate countertops without renovating.

Wrap Them in Contact Paper

Transform dated laminate countertops by wrapping them in colorful or patterned contact paper or removable vinyl wallpaper. This renter-friendly DIY allows you to give old countertops a new lease on life without a large investment.

One of the benefits of using affordable contact paper to renovate countertops is the fact that it is easily removable. Stubborn bits can be lifted by applying heat with a hair dryer, and any sticky residue can be cleaned up with a sponge soaked in mild detergent.

Source fun designs like the faux terrazzo tile pattern seen above at big box retailers or online sites such as Etsy.

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Paint Them

Paint laminate countertops for an easy and budget-friendly DIY makeover that is more permanent than contact paper. Choose white for a clean look, or pick up a specialized countertop paint kit to give countertops a more decorative faux concrete or marble finish.

Be sure to thoroughly clean, sand, and prime countertops before painting them, and to seal and cure them once painted. Choose a durable paint that is purpose made such as Rust-Oleum Countertop Coating to ensure that the paint will stick and stand up to daily use.

Top Them With Butcher Blocks

Another way to cover up dated laminate countertops is to top them with butcher blocks. The natural wood grain will add warmth to modern, farmhouse, traditional, or rustic kitchens.

If you're an advanced DIYer, this is a project that you can tackle yourself. Seal butcher block countertops to keep them looking good for years to come.

Clean Them

If you're a renter whose landlord won't allow you to make renovations without losing your security deposit, there are ways to make the best of laminate countertops.

Start by giving them a thorough deep clean using a soft microfiber cloth and plenty of dish soap and warm water. Next, style and organize kitchen countertops to make them as functional and attractive as possible.

Decorate them with coordinated storage containers, plants, cookbooks, a bowl of fruit, or essentials like cutting boards.

Try a Faux Concrete Feather Finish

Give laminate kitchen countertops a more modern or industrial look with a faux concrete finish. Try a feather finish for an easy and budget-friendly DIY.

This technique involves roughing up laminate countertops with sandpaper, cleaning them, then applying a thin layer of a product such as Ardex Feather Finish or Henry Feather Finish with a putty knife. The quick-drying product allows you to build up layers for a textured faux concrete effect that's easy for a novice DIYer to achieve.

Be sure to seal the countertops before putting them to use.