1990s laminate with a built-in backsplash
Many West Chicago kitchens still have 1990s post-formed laminate. If it's flat and well attached, a new finish is a practical update.
Serving West Chicago & nearby Winfield, Carol Stream
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing in West Chicago, IL
Laminate, cultured marble and tile counters in West Chicago resurfaced with a new stone-look or solid-color coating, no tear-out.
- Serving West Chicago ZIP 60185
- A new look without tearing the kitchen out
- Clean, protected work area every day
Countertop surfaces we resurface in West Chicago
We refinish dated counters in West Chicago 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.
Laminate worn dull or through the pattern
Laminate that has lost its pattern in the work zones can be scuffed, primed and coated so the surface is even again.
Laminate swollen around the sink
Swollen laminate is the one problem resurfacing can't solve. We check every top for water damage before quoting a coating.
A kitchen you plan to sell soon
If you'd rather not invest in stone for a house you're selling, refinishing the existing tops is the lighter update.
Scratches, knife marks and stains
Fine scratches and set-in stains are cleaned, sanded and filled before the coating goes on, so they don't telegraph through.
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.
Wanting a stone look without new stone
Our granite-look coatings use layered color flecks under a clear coat, so the surface has depth rather than a flat paint look.
Counters in a rental unit
Landlords use resurfacing to refresh worn tops between tenants without the cost and downtime of replacement.
What we do on the job
- Masking and ventilationWe tape off and cover everything around the counters and set up airflow for the coatings.
- RepairsChips filled, edges reglued, loose tiles reset and grout joints leveled.
- Sanding and primingA sanded profile and a bonding coat give the finish something to hold.
- Base and pattern coatsA solid base color goes on, followed by fleck or mineral layers for a stone look.
- Clear topcoatA durable clear coat seals the color and gives a satin or gloss sheen.
- RecaulkingJoints at the wall and sink are sealed again after coating.
- Cure-time and care instructionsYou get written care tips and the wait times before heavy use and cleaning.
Options to choose from
Resurfacing vs. replacingResurfacing changes the look of sound tops; replacement is for damaged substrates or a material change.
Ceramic tileA coating turns a gridded tile surface into one continuous finish.
Solid colorsPlain white, gray, black or warm neutrals for a simple, modern look.
Stone-look finishesLayered color chips under a clear coat for depth and a natural look.
Laminate (Formica)The most common base; it coats well when the particleboard underneath is dry and flat.
What the work looks like in West Chicago homes
Before
AfterCountertop Refinishing & Resurfacing in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, West Chicago
This one is a two-story colonial from the 1990s in West Chicago. What we started with: white Corian-style solid surface with a yellowed seam. The reason for the call: a yellowed molded top they wanted to change. Finished kitchen: the same counters resurfaced with a smooth stone-look coating, edges and sink area included. On site this meant repairs, sanding and priming, plus clear topcoat.
Before
AfterA Winfield 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial in Winfield. Before: white ceramic tile with dark stained grout lines. What bothered the owners most: tile counters with grout that never came clean. The result: the same counters resurfaced with a smooth stone-look coating, edges and sink area included. Work included masking and ventilation, repairs, plus clear topcoat.
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing in Winfield →
Before
AfterCountertop Refinishing & Resurfacing in a 1980s two-story, St. Charles
The site: a 1980s two-story in St. Charles. What we started with: almond laminate with a backsplash lip. The main complaint was worn laminate in a color they disliked. The result: the same counters resurfaced with a smooth stone-look coating, edges and sink area included. The job covered masking and ventilation, sanding and priming, plus cure-time and care instructions.
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing in St. Charles →
Before
AfterA West Chicago 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
Black honed granite countertops with a tight seam, an undermount sink and a new faucet.
Countertop Fabrication & Installation in West Chicago →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in West Chicago
Finished: cabinets in soft white with brushed nickel bar pulls, black honed granite counters, a white 2x8 tile in a vertical stack backsplash, gray wood-look porcelain plank flooring and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Remodeling in West Chicago →How the job 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 useKeep the counters gentle for the cure period we give you, then use them normally.
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing questions from West Chicago homeowners
Does countertop refinishing really work?
On a sound, well-prepped top, yes. Most failures come from poor cleaning, skipped primer or coating over water damage.
Is it the same as painting my countertops?
No. Household paint isn't made for a work surface. We use a multi-layer coating system with a bonding primer and a hard clear topcoat.
Can tile countertops be resurfaced?
In most cases. Cracked or loose tiles are fixed, the grout is filled and then the coating goes on.
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.
Should I resurface or replace my countertops?
If the counters are solid and the only problem is looks, a coating makes sense. If water damage or layout is the issue, new tops do.
West Chicago contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
All contractors and subcontractors working in West Chicago must be registered with the City (insurance, licensing and bonding are checked). We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for countertop resurfacing in West Chicago?
It depends on the scope. West Chicago's rule in short: West Chicago requires a building permit for certain home improvement and remodeling projects; the city publishes an Additions & Remodeling permit guide with a submittal checklist. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department.
Do you work in my part of West Chicago?
Yes. Our crews work across West Chicago — ZIP 60185 — and nearby Winfield, Carol Stream, St. Charles.
Working in West Chicago
- A lot of West Chicago kitchens date from the 1990s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most West Chicago homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Department handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60185
Countertop Refinishing & Resurfacing nearby
Other kitchen services in West Chicago
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.