How to refinish a laminate or mica countertop using the Surbond ultra-spatter finish.

This process can also be applied to ceramic floor tile, wall tile or other flat surface materials that need texture finishes. There is no overcoat needed with this system which is a huge advantage over other water based multi-speck coating.

Begin by cleaning the surface by with a scrubbing pad and an ajax type cleaning agent to help clean off oils and dirt as needed. If necessary, wet sand the surface using 220 grit sandpaper. Thoroughly rinse away all cleaners. TSP is also a great grease cutting cleaner. This should be available at any local hardware store. Using half or 3/4 inch masking tape, tape off the sink and fixtures where they meet the counter. Using a portable masking machine, place paper around the sink walls and fixtures. Using clean tech cloth, perform a final cleaning of the surfaces, to remove any foreign materials. The counter surface should now be clean, smooth and ready for spraying.

PRep the surface for spraying by wiping on clear primer with painters cheese cloth or soft paper towel. Only a light clear finish is necessary, allow 5 minutes for drying. Spray on a light coating of primer based M1600, and primer based hardener M1601 at a 4 to 1 ratio. Using your compressors air hose, spray the surface with air to speed up the drying time. This should take about 5 minutes. While waiting for the primer to dry you can mix 5 parts Surbond Ultraglass 2000 base coat with 2 parts M1500 Ultra glass 2000 hardener. This is the same based product used for both bath tub and tile applications, it will be used over the primer as your based color before spraying on the ultra spatter finishes. Mix up 4 ounces of Ultra glass 2000 with 2 ounces of the ultra glass hardener. The special ultra spatter hardener has the spatter texture already in the mixture.

Next begin spraying on your based coat for the background based finish. Let this dry for 15-20 minutes. Finally, spray on your spatter finish. White speckle will work well. Adjusting your spray gun airflow and the amount of topcoat, will help determine the desired texture, adding more solvent and increasing the airflow will allow for larger speckled particles and a smoother finish. the opposite will give you a rougher finish. In the event you spray on to much white, you can simply spray on more of the darker color to balance.

The countertop should be allowed to dry for 24-48 hours before removing the tape and paper.