Just A Quick Project

Yes, that's right. A "quick" project... bet you didn't know those existed!  I have been looking for a sofa table for our basement.   Since the sofa floats in the room, any kid who comes over seems to think it's an invite to climb over the back.   I found this cabinet on Craig's List and thought with some paint and legs just might make it work. In my haste to paint the thing, I forgot to snap a picture, so this is the one from CL.  (What's with the crooked handle?)

Well, after looking at my options for legs, I decided that I wouldn't like how the legs fit on the piece with the edge/molding of the cabinet.  I still liked the cabinet, just not for the purpose in which I had hoped to use it....

I started with removing that handle and filling all the holes.  I gave it a good sanding and a nice coat of primer.  I used the Zinsser in a spray can version this time.  I like how that primer is so easy to grab and use, but have to say I have issues with it coming out uneven with some clumps.  After another round of sanding, I covered it in a couple coats of paint.  I used paints I already had and mixed to create my own color - a combo between gray and brown (leaning more towards the gray).

Since I removed the handle that made no sense, I opted to change the hardware inside to a magnetic latch.  I prefer the look of this cabinet without a handle and the magnetic catch makes the door much easier to open.

Lastly, I decided to add some character with some stenciled trellis pattern (purchased at Michael's) on front.  This took some time (and some touch up!)  but I like how it turned out.

I put her back on CL a week later and sent her on her way - at a nice little profit to support my next painting adventure...

Farewell Formica!

Our kitchen has always been a huge DIY priority for us, but other projects have seemed to take over.  The honey-oak cabinets are not me, nor is the blue/gray speckled Formica that stares back at me.  Before I can tackle the job of painting the cabinets (new ones are not in my budget!), we have the countertop issue to contend with.

Natural stone - too expensive.  Solid surface - also out of my price range at the moment.  Granite tiles? No, I would not be able to stand the grout lines...

In looking on-line, I came across a new concrete refinishing product called Encore.  This is a colored, concrete-based product, which is applied directly onto the existing countertop.  It's only a 3 day process for the DIYer to transform countertops.   After watching some YouTube videos that show how to apply the product (I'm all about visuals!), I was sold.    I decided to order it, sight unseen at $295+shipping. (My neighbors thought I was crazy, but I mean, the countertops couldn't end up worse than they already were...).  I ended up ordering the Cocoa Bean.  Shipping was fast and I was so excited to start! The kit was packaged nicely, divided clearly into each step.

First up, we removed the backsplash piece and patched the holes we left behind. We also removed the sink so that we could get a nice even finish underneath the lip and so I could get a new, deeper model that would prevent me from getting soaked every time I did the dishes.

Day 1: We cleaned the countertops with degreaser.  Then to applied the "superbond"/concrete mixture.  I figure this is more or less the primer needed to stick to the countertops.  I used a large putty knife to smear the mixture onto the countertops, taking care to cover the edges (mine are squared).  It was a bit of a gritty mixture, and the product does tell you that this layer will appear "rough".  I was still able to see the Formica pattern through this 1st coat.  The kit advertises that it will cover 50sf of countertop.  Unfortunately, I have a about 59sf including an island.  I decided to start with the counters and see if I could use the remaining to complete the island.  If I didn't have enough, I'd just figure something out for the island top... Luckily, I was able to cover the island on day 1.  After drying, take care in sanding the counters completely before applying a second coat.  This 2nd coat dries over night...  Woo hoo! End of day one!

Here's the 2nd coat after sanding.  Note, I could not see the Formica at all at this step.  Big smile.  :-)

Day 2:  Today we get to add the color/concrete mix!  First up, spend a lot of time sanding the counters again.  I probably ended up sanding more than necessary - mainly because I wasn't sure how much was best.  Keep in mind, when finished, the countertop is not meant to be smooth.  I wanted to have a varied texture in roughness and in color.   After sanding, we wiped the counter clean and were ready to start.  I began applying small amounts of the color mix in one corner and smoothing out in random patterns.  This was allowed to dry and then was sanded again.  (Boy do your arms get sore from pressing hard when smearing the color mix and when sanding!)  This color process is repeated 2 more times in Day 2 - starting at a different spot on the counter (and moving in an different direction as the earlier application) each time.  You want to keep your trowel/putty marks going in different directions so that you get a nice, random pattern of color when you are done.  As before, I left the island for the end.  I was able to scrape enough to cover the whole island, though it was VERY close at the end.  I probably have it too thin on the island, but at least it covered!

The color goes on a little dark, but it dries lighter at this point...

 Here's how the color looks after the 1st coat is allowed to dry...

And after the additional coats are added, you can see it does get a bit darker... This is how it looked after all 3 color coats...  At this point, it just dries over night again.  Don't you just love the random pattern?

Day 3:  After another round of fine-grit sanding, the color lock coat is applied and allowed to dry.  The final step is another light grit sanding and application of  the top coat protector.  Voila! Here they are...  I'm quite happy with how they turned out.  The cocoa bean color is much darker than the sample chip I got from the company.  The chip was very light (probably the lightest color in my varied countertops) so I was very excited that most of the countertops are darker brown with the light accents.

 
So, based on my experience, here's my review of this product...

Pros:

•  Easy to apply for a patient DIYer
•  Fast - 3 days for new countertops
•  Affordable at $295+shipping

Cons:

• Not sure how durable this product will be.  I did drop an outlet cover and chip the countertop pretty easily.  I was able to touch it up with a marker and it looks ok.
• The top coat is a satin finish.  Just like paint, a satin finish will leave you with roller marks if you let the sun hit it just right.   This is why my house is painted in flat paint - I cannot stand the roller marks... The island is the only place where they are really visible in my very bright, natural light kitchen.  Since it's usually covered in piles of STUFF, I don't notice them as much.
• I wish they included a small "touch up kit" for the inevitable chip.

Now that I love the countertops and think I'll be able to live with them for a long time, I felt comfortable adding a backsplash.  I finally found one I love at Home Depot that incorporates natural stone (it shows up lighter in this picture - it's quite beige/neutral) and glass tiles in gray (to tie in the appliances) and dark brown (to compliment the countertops)...

Next up, painting the cabinets.  I cannot be contained... 

Dining Room Transformed

When we purchased this home, it was in a sad state... Like many foreclosures on the market, it had taken a serious beating.  I mean - carpets ruined, appliances stolen, holes punched in the walls and just plain filthy - kind of a beating.   But even with all of the "unsightly" issues.  This house had beautiful bones.  Luckily, the pieces all fell into place for us and we got our dream home... and then we began the overhaul.

The dining room was carpeted - something that I will never understand.  The last think I'd ever want with children is carpet in a dining room.  We ripped out the carpet and replaced the flooring first. (More on this project later!).

Next, I hit up my favorite obsession... the "oops" paint at Home Depot and Lowes.  There is not a better deal to be found than a gallon of paint for $5-$8.  You just have to be patient, check often and be flexible on colors.  (Most of my house was painted in "oops" paint  - I got great colors and an even better price on painting my whole house.)

For the dining room, I lucked out with 2 shades of "oops" gray.  For the walls, a perfect blue/gray tone that is warm and inviting.   The other shade was a lighter shade of gray and I opted to use that for the tray ceiling.

The back wall of the dining room is rather large - so I knew decor was going to be costly. What's that mean?  DIY art to the rescue!

I purchased unfinished trim pieces and cut them to make large wall frames.  Each piece was primed and painted to match my existing trim.   I attached each piece to the wall with small finishing nails. In the center of my frames, I purchased discounted picture frames from a craft store and currently have scrapbook paper in each frame.  To give the illusion that the frames are "hanging" I placed a piece of lime green craft ribbon (nice tie in to a buffet, huh?) behind each frame and looped them over a diamond hanger. 

The wall hangers were actually wine bottle toppers that I found at one of my all time favorite stores - Home Goods.   Obsession.  Imagine my surprise when I got home with my latest treasures and found that the diamonds actually unscrewed from the rubber cork leaving me the perfect way to attach them to the wall!

I love my large, inexpensive wall art and get lots of compliments on the look.  Try it, you'll love it!

Dining Room Buffet

I have been looking for a sideboard for our dining room for quite some time.  I was hoping for something that wasn't too big, yet could provide storage for my nicer dishes. When I spied this beauty on Craigslist for only 40 bucks, I couldn't pass it up...

I thought the angled sides would be perfect for the room, giving the room a more spacious feel as you squeeze in between the table and buffet.  All it needed was a pop of metallic lime green to give my new grey dining room a more "glam" feel.  Great, don't you think?

I had hopes of changing out the brass hardware, but with the start of yet another project, my budget didn't allow for it.  So, I decided to paint them green also to be a little less distracting.  I think they add a bit of character, so I'm glad I kept them after all.

As for details, I removed the hardware and doors.  I gave the entire thing a quick sanding and applied 1 coat of Zinsser primer.  I painted the cabinet (with sprayer and by hand) with a 2 coats of Apple Green satin paint.  After it was dried, I applied 2+ coats of Modern Masters Metallic Paint in Green Apple (Semi-Opaue) with a foam roller and a brush.

More to follow on my dining room transformation!

Ready, Set.... GO!

My resolution this year was to get this blog started.  Not too bad...it's only April (so, technically, I'm WAY ahead of schedule)!  I've constantly got new projects, projects to finish and (like many of you) projects I wish we had not started. 

I hope that our projects will inspire others to take on some DIY projects.  I've converted my wonderful husband, who at this point, just expects me to start rambling about my next "inspiration" before I'm finished explaining the first.  Love.


As I'm totally into budget DIY, I'll also be sharing my ideas on stylish decor.  And ways to make a big impact visually, without a big impact on your bank account.

So welcome to my blog! I look forward to sharing my ideas as we stroll Along the Stone Path.