I'm not sure that I would necessarily recommend this for everyone. I admit painting a bathroom counter is an unconventional redecoration solution. But I'm fearless when it comes to paint. If you're itching for a change in your bathroom or kitchen, give yourself about 1/2-full day to accomplish this.
First, you have to really hate your countertops. Second, you have to be o.k. with this solution not being permanent. I can't tell you how long the surface will last, but if you take care of it properly, I'd guess you can get a few years out of it. Third, you need patience and attention to detail. Since the countertops must be sprayed with an oil-based paint, absolutely everything in the vicinity of the countertops has to be protected. If you use anything other than an oil-based spray paint, you'll see brush strokes. So I taped and papered everthing. The entire sink had to be covered as well as the hardware. I also made sure that all of the areas surrounding the countertop were protected. Finally, you'll need ventilation and a good ventilation face mask. You'll need to leave the windows open for 24 hours. I also don't recommend you do this when it's humid out --- nothing will dry and the extra moisture in the air will affect the look.
So...if you're willing to do what it takes, I think it's a great solution to a decorating problem and I'm thrilled with the way mine came out.
Once everything is protected, give the countertop a light sanding with a 150 grit paper. This helps rough up the surface and gives the paint a little "tooth" to hang onto better. Clean up the dust from the sand paper. Then spray on 2 coats of Kilz. Let each coat dry thoroughly.
I can't tell you what effect each paint will give you. My gut said to buy a paint with a texture to hide any problems. My gut served me well. I purchased a black hammered-texture spray paint. I bought 3 cans, more than enough. This product proved a little tricky, though. You need to shake it a lot. When my first can clogged up, I had the brilliant idea to stick a pin through the spray hole. It promptly sprayed me in the eye (I was fine, except for a spray painted black eye)! So...if the paint can gets clogged and you want to puncture the clog with a pin, point it away from you! Spray light sprays and let dry in between coats. Drying time is about 1/2. You should have full coverage. Maybe 3-4 coats. Let dry, remove protection and enjoy.
