Counter Top Re-Do

Well, I took on quite the overhaul! I was in the running for the most outdated counter tops in Indiana. Our budget doesn't really allow us to spend a small fortune on home repairs (so tell the furnace to shape up!), so I like to go the DIY route... besides, it's more fun that way :o)

While everyone was out shopping on Black Friday, I decided to go for a kitchen mini-makeover! Here are the before shots:

As beautiful as the beige may have been way back when mauve and blue were all the rage, I was SO ready for a change!

Step 1: Tape off the surrounding area! Be generous... this stuff goes EVERYWHERE!!! Then sand gently to roughen up the surface a little. If you don't, the primer has a hard time sticking.


Mom shared a hint with me: wrap foil around the faucet! It is more user-friendly than newspaper.

I guess I forgot a picture of step 2... Step 2: Prime! I used Kilz white primer. Since my counters were already light, I only did one coat of primer. When it has dried (according to the directions on the can), sand again.

Step 3: Spray your heart out!! I did three coats and used Valspar Effects stone-textured spray paint. Sand between coats.


Step 4: Remove tape and newspaper CAREFULLY! The paint stays wet for a while and will wipe away with the newspaper if you aren't careful.


Step 5: Top coat the sucker to a high gloss!! I used Minwax Polycrylic. I gave it three coats and sanded lightly between coats.

Here is the final product!

I love how it turned out!! It has been about 2 and a half weeks and they are holding up great!! Oh yeah, and did I mention that it only cost me $40 for the whole re-do?!?!