Countertop makeover

Q - My kitchen worktops need a good refinishing. They are made of laminated material, and through the years of wear the pattern has become worn. Can I paint them? - Carole

A - Yes, you can make over your work surfaces. Here's how:

Start by cleaning your surface well.

Coat the surface with a non-porous paint called Kilz or Bin, and let dry overnight. Now you have a blank canvas to start again.

With ordinary house paint in three subtle colours (beige, dark beige and white; sage, pale green and cream; or any colours you want), you can create a marble effect or sponge your surfaces with colours that will blend into your room's palette.

Let dry overnight.

Coat with non-yellowing polyurethane. Let dry.

Then add an additional four coats (dries in about 45 minutes). After the first coat, lightly sand to re-tooth the surface with just the weight of your hand, wipe clean and continue your additional coats of poly.

There are a variety of ways to sponge and or create different effects, depicted in hundreds of craft books, if that's what you choose to do. Find a look you think you can achieve.