worktops
The short answer
Spray granite is not cheap like a quick coat of paint, but it’s usually far more affordable than replacing worktops. Whether it feels “expensive” depends on what you’re comparing it to, what finish you want, and the condition of your current surface.
If you’re weighing up options, it helps to look at spray granite as a worktop upgrade rather than a simple touch-up. When it’s done properly, it can change the entire feel of a kitchen and make older units look modern again.
If you want to see what’s possible across kitchen surfaces, doors, and worktops, have a look at Services.
What exactly is spray granite?
Spray granite is a specialist sprayed coating designed to mimic the look of natural stone. It’s applied using a spray system and built up in layers so you get depth and a speckled, stone-like effect, rather than a flat painted finish.
People choose it because:
It upgrades a tired worktop without removing it
It can modernise the kitchen fast
It avoids the mess and downtime of ripping out counters
It can be paired with a cabinet respray for a full transformation
This is especially useful when your cabinets are still solid but the worktop looks dated, stained, or simply the wrong colour.
Why spray granite costs more than a standard worktop paint job
It’s common to see DIY “worktop paint kits” marketed as a cheap fix. Spray granite is a different category.
The cost tends to be higher because:
The prep has to be thorough, or it won’t bond properly
The coating system is more advanced than basic paint
There are multiple stages, not just one coat
Edges, joints, and sink cut-outs need extra attention
The finish is designed to be more durable than standard paint
In other words, you’re paying for a process and finish quality, not just materials.
What makes spray granite feel “expensive” in some kitchens?
Two people can get completely different quotes even if their kitchens look similar at first glance. These are the main cost drivers.
1) Size and shape of the worktop
A long L-shaped counter, island, or breakfast bar takes more time and materials than a short straight run. Corners, curves, and multiple surfaces add complexity.
2) Condition of the current surface
If your worktop has:
Deep scratches
Swollen or damaged edges
Loose laminate
Burn marks
Heavy staining
Silicone build-up around sinks and joints
Then preparation becomes more involved. Prep is not the part you want anyone rushing. It’s what determines whether the finish lasts.
3) Sink area and cut-outs
The sink area is a high-risk zone because it gets constant water exposure. Around taps and sink edges, the finish needs to be done properly and allowed to cure correctly.
If you’ve got multiple cut-outs or awkward shapes, that increases labour time.
4) Colour and pattern choice
Some spray granite looks are more complex to achieve than others. If you want a very specific stone style or a more premium-looking finish, it can add time.
It’s also worth thinking about how the worktop colour will sit with your cabinets. A worktop can look great on its own, but if it clashes with door colour, the kitchen still won’t feel “right”. If you’re respraying cabinets too, this guide can help you choose combinations that work in Irish homes: Most Popular Kitchen Respray Colours in Ireland.
5) Matching worktops with a full kitchen refresh
Spray granite often makes the most sense when paired with a cabinet respray, because the “before and after” becomes dramatic. If you upgrade only the worktop but leave dated doors, the kitchen can still feel unfinished.
If you’re planning a full refresh, it helps to start from the full scope and decide what to include: Services.
Spray granite vs replacement: what are you really paying for?
A lot of homeowners start with one question: “Is spray granite expensive?” and what they actually mean is: “Is this worth it compared to replacing my counters?”
Replacement usually involves:
Removing existing worktops
Possible plumbing changes
Possible tiling changes
Fitting and templating
Disposal and labour
Multiple visits or trades
Spray granite is typically more straightforward because you’re working with what’s already there. The biggest value is often less disruption. Even if the coating is not “cheap”, it can still be the better-value option when you factor in everything replacement brings.
How long does spray granite last?
This is the next big question, because cost only makes sense if the finish holds up.
A properly applied sprayed finish can last well, but it depends on:
Preparation quality
Correct bonding and coating system
Proper cure time before heavy use
How the surface is cleaned and treated day-to-day
It’s also important to be realistic. A kitchen worktop is a working surface. It will last longer if you use chopping boards, avoid harsh chemicals, and don’t leave water pooling around sink areas.
If you want to make sure you’re hiring someone who does this the right way, use this checklist before you commit: Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Kitchen Respray Company in Dublin.
When spray granite is a great idea
Spray granite tends to be a smart move when:
Your current worktop is structurally fine but looks tired
You want a modern stone look without replacement disruption
You’re also respraying cabinets and want the whole kitchen to match
You’re preparing a home for sale and want maximum visual impact
You want to update the kitchen without committing to a full remodel
In these cases, spray granite often delivers the “new kitchen feel” without the full renovation cost.
When spray granite might not be the best option
There are situations where it may not be the right fit:
If the worktop is physically failing or swollen badly
If there is severe heat damage that compromises the surface
If edges are crumbling or water damage is advanced
If you want a specific premium stone and only replacement will satisfy you
A good provider will be honest about suitability, because a finish is only as good as the surface underneath it.
What to do before getting a quote
If you want pricing that actually reflects your kitchen, these steps help:
Take clear photos of the full worktop from multiple angles
Take close-ups of sink edges, joints, and damage spots
Note if you have an island or breakfast bar
Think about the look you want, even roughly
This avoids vague estimates and gets you a much more realistic figure early on.
And if you’re considering doing cabinets as well, it’s worth checking what can be bundled together: Services.
How to keep costs sensible without cutting corners
If budget matters, focus on decisions that reduce complexity without reducing quality.
Choose one consistent finish across all worktop surfaces
Repair small issues early rather than leaving damage to worsen
Avoid rushing the timeline so curing can be done properly
Match colours thoughtfully so you don’t feel the need to redo later
Colour coordination is a big one. Picking a worktop finish that complements your cabinet colour can make the whole kitchen look higher-end, even without changing layout. If you’re still choosing, here’s a helpful colour reference point: Most Popular Kitchen Respray Colours in Ireland.
Final answer: is spray granite expensive?
Spray granite can feel expensive if you compare it to DIY paint. But compared to replacement, it’s often a cost-effective upgrade that can transform a kitchen quickly, especially when paired with a cabinet respray.
The smartest way to judge it is by value:
How much it improves the kitchen visually
How much disruption it saves you
How long you expect to keep the kitchen
Whether it helps you avoid a bigger renovation
If you’re considering it, start by reviewing what’s available across surfaces and finishes: Services.
FAQs
Is spray granite cheaper than replacing worktops?
In many cases, yes. Replacement often includes removal, fitting, and extra trades. Spray granite upgrades the surface without ripping it out.
Does spray granite work on any worktop?
It depends on the material and condition. Solid, stable worktops are usually better candidates than heavily water-damaged surfaces.
How durable is spray granite in a busy kitchen?
Durability depends heavily on preparation, the coating system used, and proper cure time. Day-to-day care also matters.
Can I match spray granite with cabinet colours?
Yes, and it’s worth doing. Choosing complementary shades makes the kitchen look more “designed” and less pieced together. This can help with ideas: Most Popular Kitchen Respray Colours in Ireland.What questions should I ask before hiring someone?
Ask about preparation, bonding system, curing time, protection of your home, and what’s included. Use this checklist: Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Kitchen Respray Company in Dublin.
