While out shopping I saw these kits by Rustoleum to resurface the kitchen cupboards and there were kits to make your

Robin
by Robin
countertops appear granite . The boxes says simple full proof three maybe 4 simple steps. the cupboard kit comes in three colors and the use of a glaze allows you to personalize to your preference. I know is it like they say if it sounds to be to good it probably is..Thanks in advance for any advise.
Robin
  6 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Dec 15, 2011
    If it was easy to fake granite, not as many people would buy granite counters. But if you are considering replacing the counters anyway, it sounds like a fun project just to see how it turns out.
  • All these products are fine for flipping a home or fixing up one that is a stop gap until you can afford better in the future. The cabinet finishes work well and look fine, but hardly stand up to any continued use or scrubbing. But if you treat them with care, they should last a few years for you. The counters are a whole other story. Again looks nice. But when cleaning them you will wear the finish off quickly. Bacteria can thrive on less the perfectly smooth clean surfaces. Painting or faux anything tends to be a little rough on the surface making it more difficult to keep clean. Its fine for perhaps one or two family adults that clean up after themselves, and are careful with using sharp objects on the top. But add kids who tend to be a bit more less careful the quality will soon be gone. In any case there is no easy methods to paint anything. Kitchen cabinets have years of built on grease that you cannot see. The prep work is the most important part of this project and if its done wrong you will not be pleased with the results. Same goes with the counters. Replacement stock countertops sold at the big box stores are not that expensive and would be my first choice to do before I would paint the tops. You could also choose to granite tile the tops. This is a DIY job, but like paint takes a bit of prep work and if you take your time you will be quite pleased with the results.
  • ...or for a rental apt, but for your home I wouldn't suggest it. I am sure you will be looking at reno options in a few years again with these products.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Dec 16, 2011
    Like Woodbridge mentioned Granite Tile is a great low cost alternative. I redid a kitchen earlier this year that had two good sized surfaces. One an island and another sink side. All of the granite for that project was about $600...that would have been a lot less if the island was not there as that requires additional "bull-nosed edges" which are the pricier part.
  • Also, it seems to be a common experience that those kits don't cover the amount of square footage that they claim. Be prepared to buy an extra kit or two if this is the route you decide to go.
  • Elizabeth D Elizabeth D on Dec 17, 2011
    Good to know. I was looking at these kits to repaint my builders grade cabinets.