Rustoleum Countertop Coating Project

Changes are happening in the kitchen.   I got out-voted on changing the cabinets from blue to gray, but I still am itching for a change.  Of course what I really want is brand new wood counters and real hardwood floors, but that is not happening right now.  Nope.  But what I do know is that the floor really bothers me and I need to figure out something to make it fit better in the room.

OK, I hate the fake tile inset in the fake wood floor, combined with the light counters the whole room looks like it is floating a bit.  It needs to be grounded. (All sorts of parenting jokes are swirling in my head about sending the floors to their room without dinner, but I digress)

In short, I am praying and hoping that by darkening the counters I will be able to "ground" the room.  Oh and I'm getting rid of the peninsula.

Due to budget constraints, I am going to use Rustoleum Countertop Coating, which runs about $20.  The colors are limited, and I have read mixed reviews, but I am desperate to visually change the room.

So we start off knowing the price is right, but trying to select a color is a nightmare.  First of all, you are expected to be able to select your color from the tiniest "swatch" on the top off the box.

I wanted to get an off black color.  I knew Black was going to be too dark, but trying to decided between Midnight, Storm, and Clay was frustrating.  Remember you are trying to decide this in the store and in their great (read sarcastic)  lighting.  I also found out that I would not be able to return the paint if the color was wrong.  ERGH.

I did decided to try Storm.  It is gray, it does have a blue undertone, and is close, but I still would have liked it a tad darker.  I wish I would have asked if I could have used a custom color.  Anyways, I got lucky.

But before I could get started I needed to remove the peninsula.  I created a guide with a board to help get a nice straight edge.

I filled the raw edge with wood filler and sanded it smooth before painting the counters.

I spent time on degreasing the counters and sanding the surface.  The directions say you don't need to sand, but with our counters being so smooth I decided to take the extra step.  I also used a microfiber roller cover for a smooth finish.  (I had read that foam starts to flake off).

The paint is stinky.  I decided to paint the counters on a weekend when the family was going to be out camping, and it was a good decision.  The smell does fade as the paint dries, but it is still pretty strong for a day or so.

It took me 4 thin coats to cover the ivory counters.  I would have been done with 3, but afer returning home I discovered the cats had been on the counters....oops.

Actually, I think they did me a favor, because my last coat was a bit patchy.  So on my fourth coat I was cautious with my roller marks.  You don't have a lot of work time with this paint.

The package says you should let the paint cure for 3 days.  I gave it 4 and am still being really gentle with the surface.  But so far I am happy with the results.

I do feel like the darker counters help minimize the floor.  But like any project, you are never done with one step.  Nope.  This is just the beginning of a few more "projects" I will be working on in the kitchen.

Since we have removed the peninsula, I will be replacing it with an island.  I want to lighten the color of the cabinets.  I have ordered new door handles, and I will be making new curtains.  Just a few items to keep me busy.  I hope to have all this done before Thanksgiving.  XX fingers crossed XX

-Laurie