The 5 Best DIY Countertop Refinishing Kits of 2023

Best Overall

DAICH SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit

4.6

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Our top pick is DAICH SpreadStone Mineral Select Countertop Refinishing Kit because it comes with thorough application guidance and is available in several colorways to fit any room's aesthetic. This low-VOC refinishing kit features three different coats, and the second coat is mixed with real stone for strength and a realistic finish. On top of providing a new finish to existing countertops in your kitchen or bathroom, this formula is also mildew and stain resistant, making it a great alternative to worn-down wooden countertops.

A roller, small detail brush, and sandpaper are included so you don't have to purchase any additional tools. However, if you plan on covering a tile surface, you'll need to purchase ElastoLock to apply two thin coats to the tile before your start the formal application process. The instructions offer clear guidance on prepping your workspace and surface and detail exactly how each coat should be applied. The final clear coat needs to cure for 24 hours before you resume the use of your countertops, but all of the layers will continue to cure for up to 7 days for extra durability. With a longer curing process, you should be careful to avoid cutting foods on the surface or placing hot pots or pans directly on your counter. While the thought of applying three separate paints may seem daunting, you'll be surprised by how simple the process can be and you'll be pleased to see all existing flaws and finish imperfections disappear from your counters to transform into a durable, even, semi-gloss stone surface.

Price at time of publish: $148

_{Application Method: Brush or roller | Dry Time: 24 hours | Coverage: 30-40 square feet | Surface: Composite, vinyl, concrete, masonry, and wood}

Best Budget

Rust-Oleum Countertop Coating Tint Base Countertop Resurfacing Kit

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If you're looking for a more affordable countertop refinishing option, consider picking up a can of Rust-Oleum Countertop Coating. It's formulated with epoxy and acrylic to restore laminate and other synthetic materials, leaving counters with a smooth, durable, scratch-resistant finish. The light base can be tinted to 12 different colors (just go to your local hardware store's paint counter to request a tint) or left as is for a white satin sheen. We appreciate that this coating is antimicrobial to resist moisture and daily wear in kitchens and bathrooms.

This formula is meant to be used on vinyl, metal, or wood, so you apply it to surfaces like laminate countertops, metal bar tops, or wooden workbenches. Keep in mind that you will need to prime wooden and metal surfaces with Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Flat White Primer or Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer. This formula covers as much as 25 linear feet, which is slightly less than what other refinishing kits can cover. It is dry to the touch in just an hour but requires 3 days to fully cure. This curing time is also longer than other formulas, but we still think the payout on this formula is worth the longer wait, especially given its simple roll-on application method.

Price at time of publish: $35

_{Application Method: Roller, brush, or sprayer | Dry Time: 3 days | Coverage: 25 linear feet | Surface: Metal, vinyl, and wood}

Best for Bathrooms

Beyond Paint Multi-Surface Sealer All-In-One Countertop Makeover Refinishing Kit

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If your bathroom counters could use a facelift, we suggest getting a Beyond Paint Countertop Makeover Refinishing Kit. The unique low-VOC, water-based formula is a bonder, primer, and finisher all in one and is supposed to be resistant to mildew and fading. This formula also has an impressive dry time of just 2 to 4 hours between coats.

You also don't have to strip or sand your countertops before starting the process—just be sure they're free of sticky messes or any other residue. Once the solution cures, you'll have a completely washable surface that imitates granite countertops thanks to the included countertop flecks. We are slightly skeptical of whether this formula is completely resistant to heat and chips, so we recommend being mindful of where you choose to apply this finish. This multi-surface product can also be used on cabinets, fixtures, and other bathroom accessories if you're feeling inspired to transform a whole space.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Application Method: Roller | Dry Time: 2-4 hours/coat | Coverage: 50 square feet | Surface: Not listed}

Best Granite Finish

Giani DIY Granite Countertop Paint Kit

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If you like the appearance of granite countertops, a Giani Granite Countertop Kit allows you to customize your counters without splurging on specialty cut granite. This kit is available in several finishes ranging from White Diamond to Bombay Black. It's compatible with an impressive list of surfaces, but you will have to sand certain surfaces before applying (Corian, wood, metal, culture marble, and ceramic tiles).

The application process for this kit is much more involved than the other products we've featured in this roundup, but Giani provides incredibly detailed instructions to guide users through the experience. Although daunting, we can appreciate the freedom that comes with creating your own "granite" sponge pattern across countertops. The high-shine finish is comparable to real granite, making this kit even more worth the effort. Keep in mind that the layers require 24 hours to dry to the touch (refrain from using your dishwasher during this time) and you can replace light appliances on your kitchen countertops after 3 days. The full cure time is 14 days, which is incredibly long, but ensures the formula completely dries and seals to withstand regular wear. Since this is a water-based formula, you can only use soap and water to clean it, and prolonged water exposure can result in the top coat dissolving. If this happens, allow the area to dry fully before touching it, and then reapply the top coat.

Price at time of publish: $110

_{Application Method: Roller and sponge | Dry Time: 14 days | Coverage: 35 square feet | Surface: Formica, Corian, laminate, backsplashes, primed plastic, fireplace mantels, wood, metal, cultured marble, ceramic tiles, real granite, real concrete}