6 Mistakes to Avoid When Using a DIY Benchtop Kit

June 16, 2025

Thinking About Giving Your Benchtop a Fresh New Look with a DIY Kit? Great choice. It’s one of the most affordable and impactful ways to transform your kitchen or laundry space. But like any project, the secret to a great result is all in the prep and process. Avoiding a few common missteps can be the difference between a professional-looking finish and a frustrating do-over.

Here are six common mistakes DIYers make when applying a benchtop coating — and how you can steer clear of them.

1. Skipping the Prep Clean

Before you do anything else, make sure the surface is completely clean. That means degreased, dust-free, and wiped down with a clean cloth. Any leftover grime can prevent the coating from bonding properly — and that leads to peeling or uneven texture down the track.

Tip: Use a degreasing cleaner, then rinse thoroughly and let the surface dry completely before moving on.

2. Not Sanding the Surface Properly

One of the most common mistakes we see is people sanding in straight lines or rushing the job. Sanding helps the coating grip to the surface — and doing it in small circular motions gives the best result. Straight lines can actually leave grooves that show through the finish.

Tip: Use a fine-to-medium grit sandpaper and take your time. You’re aiming for a lightly rough texture, not deep scratches.

3. Taping Too Close — and Not Scoring the Edge

Painter’s tape is a must for clean lines, but placing it right on the edge of your benchtop can cause problems. When you remove the tape, it can pull the coating with it — especially if it hasn’t fully cured.

Tip:

Pull the tape back about 2mm from the edge to allow for a strong seal.
Before removing the tape, run a sharp craft knife or utility blade along the edge to score the coating. This helps release the tape cleanly and keeps your finish flawless.

4. Rushing the Dry Times

We get it — you want to see the final result. But skipping or shortening drying times between coats is a fast track to trouble. The surface might look dry to the touch, but it may not be cured enough for the next layer.

Tip: Follow the dry times in the instructions, even if it means waiting overnight. It’s worth the patience.

5. Not Watching the How-To First

Every kit is a bit different and watching a quick tutorial can make a big difference to your confidence and your results.

Tip: Take five minutes to watch our DIY Benchtop Application Guide. It walks you through each step so you can get it right the first time.

6. Skipping the Seal Coat (or Applying It Too Soon)

Your final coat is your protection — it helps lock in the finish, resist damage, and keep it looking fresh for years. But apply it too soon, and you can trap moisture or smudge the base layers.

Tip: Double-check the required wait time before sealing, and make sure the surface is fully cured.

Final Thoughts

Every DIY project comes with a learning curve, but with a little planning and patience, you can get a beautiful stone-look benchtop without the price tag. Got questions or want to show off your own project? We’d love to see it.