15 Ways to Update Your Kitchen with Paint

If your vinyl flooring isn't chipped and cracked, you can give it a whole new look with paint. The key is to use a liquid deglosser and a latex stain-blocking primer formulated for glossy surfaces. These two steps provide for better paint adhesion. Apply a modified epoxy latex paint, which is formulated with a harder binder than wall paint and, when properly applied and cured, can stand up to normal traffic.

Finally, protect the painted surface with clear polyurethane. Painting laminate counters is a more temporary measure because countertops receive so much use, but until you can afford to replace laminate countertops, give them a facelift with a specialty primer for nonporous surfaces and two coats of acrylic latex enamel. Primers and paints for vinyl and laminate are available at most home improvement centers. (For a faux granite paint finish that works on laminate, visit liquidstainlesssteel.com.)