I’m using Giani Granite Countertop Paint to finish my plastic laminate countertops. One countertop looks great, but the painter used a different sponge on the second countertop, and it looks awful. Can I sand it down and prime it again to start over? -Janie

Hi Janie,

Applying a faux granite finish, like Gianni Granite Countertop Paint, is a great way to breathe new life into old plastic laminate countertops. As long as the final poly clear coat hasn’t been applied, it’s no problem to refinish over the existing finish. Here’s how to go about it:

• Lightly sand the countertop.
• Wipe the countertop down with a damp rag to remove any dust.
• Apply a new coat of the Giani black primer to the counter.
• Apply the Giani faux granite finish.
• When you’re satisfied with the look, apply the clear poly topcoat.

If you want to refinish a countertop after the clear poly topcoat has been applied, you’ll need to use a paint stripper to remove the existing Giani finish, then start over from scratch.

Good luck with your project,

Further Information

• DIY Faux Granite Finish for Kitchen Countertops (article/video)
• Rust-Oleum Countertop Coating for Plastic Laminate (video)
• How to Hide or Repair Scratches in Plastic Laminate Countertops (article)
• Realistic Granite Plastic Laminate (video)

Tags: , finishing, how to paint plastic laminate, plastic laminate, refinish, refinishing

3 Comments on “How to Redo Giani Faux Granite Countertop Finish”

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1. ana Says:
   July 8th, 2011 at 12:28 pm

   please i need information about book or videos and materials thank

2. Nancy Williams Says:
   October 18th, 2011 at 6:30 pm

   I want to refinish both my countertops and my cabinets. Which do you recommend I do first? I plan to use the Rustoleum transformations for the cabinets and Giani for the countertops. Thanks.

3. karen Says:
   April 6th, 2012 at 9:43 am

   I applied a giani granite countertop and it turned out great the first time. The second time when it came time to apply the clear coat I could not get 1 side of the countertop to look shiney. I know it has to do with my application and I want to redo the topcoat. Can you give me any suggestions on how to apply a top coat with out leaving dull patches

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