How to build a Painted MDF Countertop
1. Figure out what size you want your countertop to be and subtract 1 1/2″ from the length and width to account for your 3/4″ edging all around.
* I wanted my countertop to extend 1″ over the sides of my cabinet.
On the ends, I wanted to create more of an overhang because
I wanted to use corbels and create another work station…
2. Cut 2 pieced of 3/4″ MDF to that size.
* I built my countertop in place because it is 4’x6′ and would be too heavy {for me}
to take down to the basement after it was completely built.
* Just lay the pieces on top of your cabinet, don’t worry about securing it at this point.
3. Glue your pieces together. Use clamps and heavy objects to insure contact while the glue dries/sets.
4. Cut your edging {I used 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ pine}, mitering your corners.
5. Install using glue and nails.
6. Fill your nail holes and cracks with wood putty.
7. Sand! You might want to tape up some plastic to protect the rest of your house from this…
8. After the dust settles, wipe down your countertop and prime.
9. Lightly sand again.
10. Paint.
* Then try really hard not to use this surface as a work table when drilling holes so you don’t have to do any repairs…and you’ll be good to go.
* It might be a good idea to do a top coat depending on the paint you used. I was planning a couple coats of Polycyclic. It’s up to you.
Learn How to make your own Corbels too.
It is in my craft room. I suppose if you used the right top-coat you could do a painted countertop in your kitchen. {I'm not sure what the appropriate top coat for a food prep surface over paint would be! You probably wouldn't need any support for a 12" overhang. Your cabinets underneath would be adequate support for that small of an overhang. Once you get to 18-24" overhang…that's when one would want additional legs.
BTW I am loving this island. Do you have a tutorial? I have one from Ikea in my kitchen but it's open shelving and everything gets too dusty. I need one like yours. If I had a 12" overhang for a breakfast bar type thing, would that be able to be supported by the corbels?