Fabulous Kitchen counters for Less .... 2 cures for formica counter tops.

Every time you walk into your kitchen,  you are confronted with your dated  looking counter tops. Don't you wish that you could do something about that  sad situation? Don't you wish you wouldn't be in the same boat like our government? Under severe budget constraints, keeping  up with the trashed economy?


Well, contrary to our government, I do have a magic wand! Let me be your Genie and fulfill your wish for a granite, or even that hot concrete counter, everybody is talking about.

Of course,  we need to accomplish some prep work first. Not to worry, by tonight you can have your concrete or granite counter top, which will stand the test of time in any trendy home magazine. .  


These are the supplies you will need for your concrete counter top:


Prep Supplies ( you use the same for the Granite prep work).

                                  1.2.3. Primer
                                  Ammonia
                                  Sand paper
                                  Rags
                                  Cigar Roller

1. Tape off the counter.
2. Sand
3. Wash with ammonia
4. Dry thoroughly
5. Apply primer with a cigar roller


Concrete Paste:

1. Durhams Water Putty
2. Caulk
3. Water




1. Mix water putty with water ( frosting consistency)
2. Squirt caulk into the mixture ( 1cup mix/1/4cup caulk)
3. Stir thoroughly



The mixture will be somewhat creamy white. Now you can tint the mix with universal tint, or you just can can apply the mix "pure". Let it dry an then stain it or paint it. I stained mine red.

As you see in the back, I am working on creating fake tiles.

Granite:

Same prep supplies like for the concrete


Supplies:
Latex-or Acrylic paint ( I used black, white, red oxide and yellow)
News paper
Paper plates
Acrylic high gloss varnish
Natural Sea wool sponge

Do not use a natural sea grass sponge.
Steps:

1. Paint the primed surface black and let dry.
2. On your paper plates, thin your paints to a heavy cream consistency.
3. Dip your damp sponge into the first paint, dip on your news paper and then onto the black surface.
4. In quick motion sponge the entire surface. Dip your sponge in the other paints and follow above same  steps. If you have "geometry" meaning that you can see sponge marks, you must soften your marks. Geometry is a dead give-away for a beginner.

Have fun and let me know how your Granite or Concrete counter turned out.

Blessings ,

Heidi