apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

If you're careful and wear thick gloves you could put copper or aluminum flashing on it. It's thin enough to bend but very sharp edges. Just nail into place. Just use a cutting board so you don't cut into it.

I have the same problem!!!! I'm anxiously awaiting everyone's suggestions!

Get 3/4" butcher block, I think IKEA may have it, and cut to fit, including backsplash, as you wish. Most likely, it's a drop in sink, which you'd have to reconnect to the top. Yes, I see the sink now. Not sure how 3/4" would impact the stove area, that could be an issue. Get 1/4" maple wood and cover the front of the existing countertop, or the same countertop material.

The point here is that you have to be careful, since it's a rental. You could also look for other laminates, there are many beautiful ones, and get it cut to fit, just the sheet material, not including the substrate. Again, the sink would have to be reconnected, and it could be put on to the front of the green countertop in a variety of ways, double back tape, velcro, tiny finishing nails, for example.

I have the exact same counter top in my house. I look forward to one day burning it.

If you're willing to invest a little in the space, why not just ask the landlord if you can replace the counters? This would be worthwhile if you plan to be in the space for a long time.

Though I have to say, they don't look bad to me, they just really clash with the color you painted the walls. Maybe you should just repaint the walls a color that works well with the counters?

I love the copper flashing idea, but what would you suggest in terms of cleaning copper counter tops? I'd think with the infamous (if decorative) green oxidation issue, it might not be the best surface for preparing meals?

Also, any suggestions on where to buy?

(I have a similarly hideous counter in my kitchen).

I like the copper flashing idea, though it will not be all that cheap. You can buy it at a roofing store or HD/Lowes. Probably pay about $150 for an 18" by 10 foot roll. You can get copper tacks as well to install -- need to predrill those holes as the copper will have a hard time piercing the formica and particle board. Get yourself a good pair of tin snips to cut it.

You can paint formica. This has been covered here before. Google it and you will get all sorts of ideas for solid colors or fake stone looks.

I've painted laminate countertops ... with the right paint & technique, you can create a look very much like granite. Plus, covered with a few coats of a non-yellowing top coat (I used Benjamin Moore's Benwood Finishes Stays Clear Acrylic Polyurethane) it was surprisingly durable.

I have the same ugly countertop and the same oaky-looking cabinets. I agree with opoponax that a different paint color might make them more palatable (and would definitely be the cheapest fix). We painted ours a kind of melony orange that seems to go well - check out a photo here:

http://kitchen.apartmenttherapy.com/food/braising-2007-entries/braising-contest-winner-5-robins-upscale-cassoulet-021213

Try talking to your landlord and offer to pay for new countertops for a reduction in rent. When you move out, you will have saved the landlord from replacing them him/herself and will have probably created more value to the apartment.

I lived in an apartment once with painted counter tops and they held up remarkably well. I lived there 5 years and never had of the scratches or chips that I was expecting.

I think they look great compared to mine. Besides, they compliment your crock pot.

I don't like the counters, but I don't think they are hideous either (at least in the picture). I'd say work around them. While you may like the color of the green paint you used, I think it may be making your counters look worse. I think another color could lessen the affect of the counters.

Changing your wall color would be the less expensive solution, perhaps a warmer color to play down the green and accessories should compliment not match the countertop.

I like maxwell's idea of plexi. You could create quite a different image with a nice tapestry underneath...although that may be a bit too granola-y for you.
Either way, I think I may look into doing it for my countertops.

It occurs to me that a plexi covering would be a lot less heat resistant than formica. You'd have to be really vigilant about not setting hot dishes down.

where did i miss maxwell's plexi idea?

It wasn't Maxwell's idea, it was Lauren's idea. I wouldn't recommend it - it was scratch/melt too easily. If I were you, I'd repaint the walls. If you're intent on changing the counters, it's going to be expensive or time consuming (or both). Ask your landlord if you can replace them with whatever youre willing to pay for and live with, or paint over them, which will be a lot of prep work. Or, if the counters are in good shape now (no bubbling/peeling), you could glue down another layer of Formica.

I'm with jon-b on thinking the paint color is fighting the counters.

I don't think that a warmer color will help; I think a cooler green. A slightly bluer green. Basically find the palest shade of the green that's in the countertops, and use that. At least for the backsplash. You might get by with using your pear color elsewhere in the kitchen, but just not right that close to the counter.

Because you really need to "pick your batlles" when it comes to landlords, and I think that having at least a counter in decent shape is better than whatever REAL problem you may have (or may develop) elsewhere.

I live in an apartment that already had painted counters--they used the same latex paint on the counters as they did on the walls (and everything else), and it scratched up easily, discolored, and basically looked like crap. So I painted over them.

I used a bonding primer and then sponged on craft paint. I covered that with polyurethane. It was a lot of work. Painting the walls was easier. But, it was cheap. If your counters are in good condition, I probably wouldn't paint them since it's easier to just repaint the wall. It can be done though.

ugh i am moving into an apt with pink, i mean, PINK formica countertops but cannot replace them-- any suggestions with a landlord that doesnt help?? thanks!