remodling... starting with the paint?

[deminion_777]

I am actually halfway through painting my bathroom as I came acrossed a thought... since it is the bathroom and not a kitchen counter, would painting the laminate counter with a semi or high gloss adhere properly(if sanded, of course) and be durable enough to not chip too easily? I live in a 76 manufactured home, and this is it's first face-lift, ever. besides a few previous owners painting a half of a wall. I just replaced the furnace motor and the floors in the past year, and am doing some asthetic work. my dad has been contracting for god knows how long, but I don't have 24 hour access to him.
so:
1. is it possible after sanding to paint with a high or semi gloss and expect durable results?
2. should I sand the panel walls for better adhesion of paint in other rooms?
3. what is the name of the treatment used to refurbish bathtubs and ceramic sinks?
I could really use a hand, thanks.
p.s. and in no way am I a lamen when it comes to tools and products, so lay it on me fellas.

[k m]

I wouldn't paint a laminate countertop other than in a shop where it just doesn't matter. No matter whether the surface is sanded or not, you can't expect it to stand up for very long. Moisture and things like razors will cause it to peel or scratch too easily. If you really want to paint it, maybe the epoxy stuff would stand up better. I would rip it out, if it's not to big, and tile it or just replace it. The pre-fab laminates from lowes and home depot are not badly priced.

you can sand the walls and be sure to prime. Will you be filling the grooves? I find, if you fill the grooves properly and sand them smooth, they look like drywall.

For chips and cracks, there's this stuff called porcefil. it comes in a little bottle with a brush and it will fill most small cracks and chips in sinks and tubs.

[mommycakes]

yes a friend of mine painted her kitchen counter tops. You need to clean, sand and use a semi-gloss and a top coat. They lasted a couple of years until she replaced her kitchen.