Covering A Laminate Backsplash

Question:

My daughter and son-in-law have recently purchased a home built in the 70's with a green swirl countertop with matching backsplash going up to meet the cabinets. Our local cabinet maker has informed them that they will tear the wall up trying to take it down. 

They feel they can live with the countertop for a while longer if they can tone the backsplash down either by wallpapering or painting? Is this possible and what are the steps involved. 

Thank you for your suggestions.
Richard L.

Reply:

Apparently it is possible to paint or wallpaper over laminate (countertop material such as Formica) as long as the right primer is used.

Some technical literature from Zinsser states that their BIN Primer Sealer will adhere to laminate, and no sanding or de-glossing is required. I use their BIN Primer a lot and it's a good product.

Whether they want to paint or wallpaper, the backsplash should be primed first.

Proper surface preparation is critical. Zinsser recommends wiping the area with a clean rag soaked in mineral spirits, and then washing the surface with a 50-50 solution of household ammonia and water. Then let the surface dry at least 30 minutes, then apply one coat of BIN Primer. A quart of this primer (which costs about $6) should cover about 100 square feet.

A Tip: BIN Primer is unusual because it's alcohol-based, not oil-based or latex-based. Brushes CANNOT be cleaned up in water, but they recommend using full-strength ammonia to clean brushes, and it works well. The ammonia kinda stinks, that's the only drawback. You can also use denatured alcohol, which costs several times as much.

Bruce W. Maki, Editor.