1960s laminate with a built-in backsplash
Original 1960s laminate is a good candidate when it's solid. We coat the top and the integral splash together.
Serving Des Plaines & nearby Mount Prospect, Park Ridge
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing in Des Plaines, IL
Laminate, cultured marble and tile counters in Des Plaines resurfaced with a new stone-look or solid-color coating, no tear-out.
- Crews working in Des Plaines ZIP 60016, 60018
- Most jobs done in days, with your kitchen still usable
- Samples and a written quote before we start
Countertop surfaces we resurface in Des Plaines
We refinish dated counters in Des Plaines kitchens in place: the cabinets, sink and backsplash stay where they are. Prep and repairs come first, then the base and finish coats, and the counter cures before it goes back into daily use.
A previous paint job that is peeling
Peeling DIY coatings come off first. Then we prime for adhesion and build the finish in the right number of coats.
Matching new cabinet paint
When the cabinet color changes, old counters often clash. A new counter finish ties the two together.
A kitchen you plan to sell soon
Before listing, a resurfaced counter is a short project that removes one dated feature buyers notice.
Tile counters with grout that won't come clean
Tile counters can be coated over so the dark grout lines disappear under one smooth finish, after loose tiles are reset.
Counters in a rental unit
For rental kitchens with sound but worn counters, recoating is a quick refresh between leases.
Formica in a color you are tired of
When the laminate is in good shape but the color dates the room, resurfacing changes it in a couple of days without new tops.
Chips and loose edges before coating
Edge damage is part of our prep. We fix it, sand it smooth and then coat the whole top including the front edge.
What we do on the job
- Masking and ventilationWe tape off and cover everything around the counters and set up airflow for the coatings.
- Deep cleaning and degreasingGrease, soap and silicone residue are removed so primer can grip the surface.
- RepairsDamage is fixed and sanded flush before any coating goes on.
- Sanding and primingA sanded profile and a bonding coat give the finish something to hold.
- Base and pattern coatsWe build up color in layers, plain for a solid finish or speckled for a granite look.
- Clear topcoatA durable clear coat seals the color and gives a satin or gloss sheen.
- Cure-time and care instructionsYou get written care tips and the wait times before heavy use and cleaning.
Finishes we offer
Laminate (Formica)The most common base; it coats well when the particleboard underneath is dry and flat.
Cultured marbleMolded marble-look surfaces that can be refinished in place.
Stone-look finishesSpeckled or flecked coatings that read like granite or other natural stone.
Ceramic tileTile counters can be coated over once grout lines are filled and loose tiles fixed.
Solid colorsPlain white, gray, black or warm neutrals for a simple, modern look.
Before and after: kitchens near Des Plaines
Before
AfterBefore and after: a postwar Cape Cod in Des Plaines
This one is a postwar Cape Cod in Des Plaines. The kitchen as it was: light beige laminate. What bothered the owners most: tired, stained laminate. After: the same counters resurfaced with a smooth stone-look coating, edges and sink area included. The job covered repairs, base and pattern coats, plus clear topcoat.
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1950s ranch in Mount Prospect
This one is a 1950s ranch in Mount Prospect. What we started with: laminate with an aluminum edge band. What bothered the owners most: laminate worn through near the sink. Finished kitchen: the same counters resurfaced with a smooth stone-look coating, edges and sink area included. The job covered repairs, sanding and priming, plus clear topcoat.
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing in Mount Prospect →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a postwar Cape Cod in Glenview
The site: a postwar Cape Cod near The Park. Before: speckled laminate. The main complaint was laminate worn through near the sink. After: the same counters resurfaced with a smooth stone-look coating, edges and sink area included. The job covered sanding and priming, base and pattern coats, plus cure-time and care instructions.
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing in Glenview →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1960s ranch in Des Plaines
What changed: warm walnut butcher block countertops with a tight seam, an undermount sink and a new faucet.
Countertop Fabrication & Installation in Des Plaines →
Before
AfterDes Plaines kitchen, postwar bi-level: kitchen remodeling
Cabinets in light butter yellow with satin brass pulls, creamy quartzite-look quartz counters, a green zellige-look tile backsplash, warm oak luxury vinyl plank flooring and a flush drum fixture and under-cabinet lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Des Plaines →How your countertop resurfacing goes
- Photos and a quick checkA few photos tell us the material and whether resurfacing is likely to work.
- Color and finish choicePick a stone-look or solid color from samples, plus satin or gloss.
- Prep and coatingWe prepare the tops and build the coating system in stages.
- Cure, then back to useThe finish needs time to harden; we tell you when light use and full use are safe.
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing questions from Des Plaines homeowners
Can tile countertops be resurfaced?
Yes. We fill the grout joints, secure loose tiles and coat over the whole surface for a smooth, single finish.
How soon can I use the counters?
You can set things down fairly soon, but heavy use, scrubbing and wet items should wait until the full cure time we give you.
How long does a resurfaced countertop last?
There's no fixed number. A coating on a well-prepared top, used with care, can look good for a long time; damage spots can be touched up.
What does countertop resurfacing cost?
It depends on the square footage, the base material, how much repair is needed and the finish you choose. We give a written, itemized estimate after the visit.
Is it the same as painting my countertops?
Similar idea, different materials. Our coatings are made for countertops and are applied in several coats over a primed surface.
Des Plaines contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
Contractors must register with the City (via the online portal); registrations expire Dec 31. We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for countertop resurfacing in Des Plaines?
It depends on the scope. Des Plaines's rule in short: A building permit is required for any residential kitchen remodel; non-structural work uses the Kitchen/Bath Non-Structural permit ($150 fee, rough and final inspections). We handle the permit when one is needed with Community and Economic Development Department - Building Division.
Do you work in my part of Des Plaines?
Yes. Our crews work across Des Plaines — ZIP 60016, 60018 — and nearby Mount Prospect, Park Ridge, Elk Grove Village.
Working in Des Plaines
- A lot of Des Plaines kitchens date from the 1960s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Des Plaines homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community and Economic Development Department - Building Division handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60016ZIP 60018
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing nearby
Other kitchen services in Des Plaines
Countertop RepairChips, cracks, seams and burns fixed without replacing the top.
Countertop Fabrication & InstallationQuartz, granite and butcher block, templated and installed.
Stone Countertop RestorationEtches, stains and dull spots taken out, then the stone resealed.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.