Bathroom needs H.E.L.P!
by
Judy Parkey
+19
My daughter wants to update this bathroom. She wants to do a faux granite treatment to what we think is manufactured marble? Would that work on this material?
14 answers
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Judy, because of the sink being integrated with the counter I think your daughter would be better off to make other changes as anything that I know that could be done to the counters would have to stop at the sink. Leaving it cultured marble might look odd. Though if she really wants to cover the counters I'm thinking it might work better to tile them leaving the sink as is. Cultured marble is a very slick surface so before you do anything check your local big box or tile store for the proper thin set. You might still have to rough up the surface. That said, I'll go back to my original idea of changing other things. The vanity top seems to be in good shape so in stead I'd change out the faucet to something more modern. Sand and stain the vanity base a darker, think walnut, stain. Frame the mirror using simple trim and rosettes at the corners stained to match the vanity, change out the light fixture and maybe even add some nice drawer and door pulls in nickel to dress up the vanity further. I think you're daughter will find that her vanity top isn't so bad after all.
Z
on Feb 13, 2014
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We have similar cultured marble counters and sinks in our bathrooms. We painted the walls and cabinets, framed out the mirror and changed out fixtures. It has made such a difference and the cultured marble actually works now. I would recommend tackling easier to change items in the space before addressing the counter.
Rachel
on Feb 13, 2014
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Here's a pic of my bathroom update. I used General Finishes java gel stain on the cabinets. We made the mirror frame from casing and I used that same stain on it. I then had the countertop painted by some professionals (that cost about $180). I can't testify to how well this countertop painting holds up because I've already sold the house, but they looked FANTASTIC and the stuff they used is a serious epoxy. I've read that it is durable. They use a separate white paint on the sinks, which makes them look like undermount sinks and is supposed to be appropriate for sinks.
Casey Ray
on Feb 13, 2014
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WOW! This is so much like her bathroom...and, how she wants it look.
Judy Parkey
on Feb 13, 2014
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Thanks for all the help. She now says she's going to go with giani granite paint. http://www.remodelaholic.com/2012/03/countertop-makeover-with-giani-granite-paint-refinishing-kit/
Judy Parkey
on Feb 13, 2014
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I wish I had the "before" pic to show you, but it was a very similar room to your daughter's. Including the new hardware and lights, the whole remodel cost well under $500 and the change was very dramatic. Hire someone to resurface the countertops. There are some products out there to DIY, but the cost of them was going to be nearly $150 and the pros were not much more.... and I'm positive it looked better than I could have done!
Casey Ray
on Feb 13, 2014
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@Judy Parkey ... You just say "good luck"! LOL... Yes, I was going to use that Giani, but like I said, it was nearly as expensive than using the pros. But I lucked out, too, finding a good professional who was reasonable with price. That isn't always easy. Turn them onto that gel stain technique for the cabinets. I basically followed this blog: http://www.monicawantsit.com/2012/02/staining-oak-cabinets-espresso-color.html
Casey Ray
on Feb 13, 2014
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I'll tell them. He's a mechanical engineer...I am related to several engineers...what can I say...but,,,,......?!?!?!? He's a great guy and glad they want to try it on their own. I told her he will need to be prepared to REPLACE it (or, horrors, have a professional do it) if they have a DIY fail.
Judy Parkey
on Feb 13, 2014
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Oh, Judy, mechanical engineers can do anything. Just ask 'em. My dearest, darling hubby is an engineer so I know. It will work out fine if there are precise, clear, specific directions...no eye balling allowed!!!
Renie Thompson
on Feb 13, 2014
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I have the same type of counter in my bathroom and was thinking of doing the same thing. Casey, what type of professional did you search for to find someone to do this?
Micki
on Feb 14, 2014
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If there is a Habitat for Humanity in the area, check it out. Ours carries already manufactured granite counter tops. Then you just need to buy a sink and install. I did this, I painted the vanity, made a mirror frame from some nice thick molding and took down our wall paper and painted the walls. I also added beadboard and chair rail and a new light fixture as well as faucet. The entire project was under $500. If you shop Lowes and HD sales you can get amazing deals on lights and faucets. If the cultured marble is in good shape I would work around it. There is a product that can clean up the sink if needed. Or you can use Bar Keepers Friend, it works like a charm.
Dee
on Feb 14, 2014
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I would paint the cabinet soft white and change the hardware, frame the mirror, new light fixture over mirror, and a gooseneck faucet. Put some good accessories (basket of rolled hand towels, jar of soaps, or pretty containers for their everyday use stuff), and I don't think the countertop will bother her so much. You get into repainting anything but wood (like marble or tile or porcelain) and 1. $ , 2. comes off, heard too many horror stories. Just my opinion.
Vicki K
on Feb 17, 2014
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I would suggest replacing the huge mirror with a modern framed mirror, replacing the old bar light. Most store in stock counter tops can be cut to size and some stores will cut the sink area out for you. then just install a new sink.
OhioThoughts
on Feb 17, 2014
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i used the giani granite in my kitchen and I love it. I put a flexible molding around the edge to give it a bevelled edge. I have to admit I panicked as I was wanting very light countertops more like marble than granite. You start with black as the first coat. It took me 3 weeks to get the colors just right. It cost me about $350 total much better than the $5K pricetag it would have been if I did the granite.
Cherri Wise
on Feb 23, 2014
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