Kitchen Update

The weekend Geoff was away in sunny PHX, I decided to tackle another crazy house project. In the past, I have painted everything you could imagine, so Why not add Countertops to the "painted" list.

I did a lot of research before beginning, so I knew all the steps that had to be done, and had a plan to surprise Geoff. Which actually worked, because when he first walked in, he thought I got new counters! ha ha Our countertops before were a country blue color, but I created a granite look for about $40.

Thursday night: De-grease, lightly sand, and do 2 coats of primer

Friday night: 2 base coats

Saturday morning: a few dark brown veins were drawn in, and then all the different colors (tan, cream, gray, brown, gold, black, silver sage)were sponged on using 3 different sponges, then I flicked on some of the colors with a tooth brush and a paint stir. I also used stone spray for the corners and crevices.

Saturday afternoon thru Sunday: Coats of poly

Lucikly it was a beautiful weekend and I could have all the windows open. I thought I could get it all done, but was wrong. The coats of poly go on easily, but take a few hours to dry between each coat, and need lightly sanded. It is now a few weeks later, and since it has been colder, I haven't been able to finish it. I have done 11 coats of poly so far, but they are still not as smooth as I would like. I'm hoping another 2 coats will complete it, so as long as Geoff doesn't kill me before then, I'm just waiting for another warm day......

Before pictures from a year ago before we moved in.

In the process, believe it or not, this is actually how I started out, and then kept adding more, and more, and MORE coats of all colors......

In the process, you can see the veins haven't been completely covered yet....

After pictures. After a year.....removing wallpaper, painting cabinets, wallpapering cabinets, wallpapering backsplash, new hardware, and now, the painted counters.

Close Up

I'll have to post more pictures when they are completely done.....The color is a little different now because the poly gives it a more golden look. After all that, I think it's safe to say that we're both very happy with the outcome!! Now, I can't wait for the summer so I can relax!!