Painting old formica counter tops

I am so sick of my old formica counter tops. I am painting the backsplash but am not sure what to do about the flat surface part. I cannot afford to replace it so please don't tell me to do that. I have a can of the bonding paint that I used on the back splash and there is enough for the surface. Does anyone have experience with this or any good suggestions? I do not want dark colors. Only white or light/bright pastel colors. Of course it will have to be heat resistant and very cleanable. Thanks for any help you can give me.