Hello everyone, I am currently planning to install an IKEA Metod kitchen and am facing the decision of how to further finish the countertops myself to improve both their appearance and functionality. Specifically, I am interested in which methods and tools you use to sand, seal, or paint the countertops without damaging the surface. Are there established techniques that work well with melamine or plastic coatings? Or is it better to sand certain areas first and then treat them with a special paint? Additionally, I would like to know how to make the edges significantly more resistant to water and impact. Do you have any tips on products that work well without compromising the look? I look forward to your experiences, thanks in advance!
Declan55 schrieb:
If you like, you can also finish with hard wax oil; it makes the surface very durable and gives a nice sheen. Oh yes, hard wax oil! I used it as well and I’m absolutely thrilled! 😊 The surface feels really premium afterward, and you can hardly see any difference from the original. Before treating, I thoroughly sanded all edges and surfaces—preferably with an orbital sander and fine sandpaper—so everything becomes smooth. Then I applied it in several thin layers, allowing it to dry between coats. The result is very durable, even if water sits on it occasionally. Be sure to wear gloves and ventilate well, but it’s definitely worth it! Sticking with it pays off—you’ll immediately feel more comfortable in your kitchen!
arminbar schrieb:
Also, I’m curious about how to make edges significantly more durable against water and impact.For extra protection on the edges, I used flexible edge protection strips from Ikea. They are quite affordable, easy to cut to size, and can be glued on. This not only makes the edges more durable but also looks quite neat. If you want something a bit more elegant, many hardware stores offer aluminum profiles that can be carefully applied. Overall, it’s better to put in a little extra effort on the edges—otherwise, the durability really suffers quickly. And hey, a bit of fun while working never hurts 😉