DIY Bathroom Vanity Makeover: Making Laminate Countertops Look Like Quartz

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With the bathroom vanity cabinets and flooring complete, it was clear the countertops needed attention next. The taupe look clashed with the new elements in the room, and I wanted something that would pull the whole design together in a fresh, cohesive way.

From Tired to Timeless: Our Bathroom Countertop Update

Originally, this laminate countertop was a dusty blue color. Several years ago, I wanted to update the look and tried out the Giani Countertop Kit in Sicilian Sand to give it a faux granite finish.

At the time, it was my first experience using a Giani kit, and I was genuinely impressed with how easy it was to apply and how realistic the stone-like finish looked in person. It also held up great over the years.

That said, while it was definitely an improvement over the original blue, the color was never quite what I envisioned for the space. And once the new flooring and vanity were updated, it no longer felt cohesive with the rest of the design.

This time, I wanted something that felt cleaner and more classic—a glossy, quartz-inspired finish that would bring a bright contrast to the rich tones of the vanity and the charm of the harlequin-pattern floors.

So, I decided to try out a new Giani kit, and once again, it completely blew me away. The transformation gave the room a fresh, polished look that finally feels just right.

Below, I share a bit about the process and my experience with the product. Be sure to read to the end to see how it turned out and whether I’d recommend giving it a try yourself.

Materials And Tools Used:

• Giani Easy Epoxy Quartz Countertop Paint Kit (White Glass)

• Painter’s Tape

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Remove caulk: Carefully remove any caulk around the sink and backsplash.

2. Sand the surface (optional): Since I had previously painted this countertop, I gave it a light sanding to smooth out any texture from the old finish. This step is likely not necessary if you are adding the paint directly to your laminate countertop.

3. Clean thoroughly: Wipe everything down to remove any dust or residue and let it dry completely.

4. Tape off: Use painter’s tape to tape off around the sink, cabinets, and walls.

5. Use the Giani kit: The Giani kit includes everything you need to complete the project and comes with detailed instructions, which I recommend following. Here’s a general idea of what the process looks like:

   • Apply base coat: Roll on the white primer included in the kit. I used two coats, letting each one dry completely before moving on.

   • Mix the epoxy: Each epoxy set is made up of one can of resin and one can of activator, and will cover roughly a six-foot section of the countertop. Combine one can of resin with one can of activator and stir thoroughly, following the directions in the kit.

   • Pour and spread: Pour the epoxy onto a section of the countertop, then use the provided brush and foam roller to spread it evenly.

   • Repeat: Continue mixing, pouring, and spreading in sections until the entire countertop is coated.

   • *After the countertop is coated, look for any drips along the edge and wipe them off right away. If you notice any bubbles or lint, carefully remove them with tweezers while the epoxy is still curing. The kit gives specific time frames for when to leave the epoxy untouched.

   • Remove tape: Remove the painter’s tape at the recommended time listed in the kit so it doesn’t interfere with the finish.

   • Cure time: Let the countertop dry and cure completely, following the recommended times in the kit, before re-caulking the sink or placing anything on the surface.

Is This DIY Worth It? My Honest Take.

Overall, I really love the way this countertop turned out! It added the clean, sophisticated, and timeless touch I was looking for to round out this design. The glossy white finish instantly brightened the space and brought balance to the darker tones of the vanity and the pattern of the harlequin floors.

The transformation is undeniable. It feels fresh, classic, and cohesive, and all achieved on a realistic budget.

That being said, while I’m really happy with how the countertop looks, I’m not sure I’d tackle this project again. Personally, I found this DIY to be a little more of a hassle than I expected, mostly because of the epoxy resin. It’s sticky and messy, and even though plastic tarps are included to protect the floors and surrounding areas, I still managed to get epoxy just about everywhere. That’s probably more on me than on the product, but the cleanup was definitely a challenge.

I was also a little disappointed with how it held up to heat. This product is often used on kitchen counters, but it can be used on bathroom countertops as well. The product does note that you should use a protective barrier when placing hot items on the countertop. I didn’t do this at first, and I noticed faint discoloration where my curling iron sits. Since then, I’ve started using a heat-resistant mat, and I haven’t had any issues since.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the surface does scuff a bit too, which can be frustrating. I’ve read that using an epoxy polish can help buff out some of those marks, but I haven’t tried it yet.

While it was disappointing to see a few imperfections appear within just a few weeks of finishing, when you consider that the total cost of this project was around $150 compared to the thousands that quartz would cost, it really comes down to what you’re willing to compromise on.

Ultimately, I’d rate this project a 7/10. The finished look is beautiful, budget-friendly, and gives that clean, quartz-inspired feel I was hoping for. That said, the process was messy and a bit frustrating at times, and the surface isn’t quite as durable as I’d like.

More Bathroom Updates in This Series:

Add The Finishing Touch To Your Space With Timeless Vintage Accents That Add Character And Charm.

MORE DIY PROJECTS →

Hi, I’m Casey, founder of Refuge Interiors, where I combine my lifelong love of decorating and design with a passion for sourcing vintage and antique treasures to create classic, collected interiors that feel warm, inviting, and beautifully lived in.

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