How do I prepare to paint my kitchen counter tops?

Sally Alter
by Sally Alter

I bought a Giani faux granite paint kit on line and I must say the photographs of the results are amazing. The problem is that I am a terrible procrastinator. At first, I had a fine excuse because a little ant colony took up residence on my counter tops and I didn't want ant bodies as part of the design! But now that they have moved on, I am left with the daunting task of doing this project on my own.


I can see that I shall have to prepare for this project by taking everything off the counter tops and probably planning meals ahead on paper plates as it does take a while to dry. Then there will no doubt be problems with accidentally putting things on the counters and leaving marks.


It's possible that this is more procrastination, but I would like some advice on this please to motivate me to do this what seems a gargantuan project.

  10 answers
  • Brenda Brandt Deason Brenda Brandt Deason on Jul 30, 2018

    I applaud your procrastination skills! I would say you are a great one! It does take some of us a little time to work up the courage for a project like that! I think you should plan a short vacation, even if it's camping somewhere close by, or visiting relatives, and just not be home while your counters cure. There is the challenge of packing and preparing on the same day that you are tackling a major project, so you will still have to do some planning, but coming home to the counters safely cured will be worth it!

    • See 3 previous
    • Brenda Brandt Deason Brenda Brandt Deason on Aug 17, 2018

      I hear ya! I’d like to paint my tub and sinks, too. And something always needs paint!

  • Oliva Oliva on Jul 30, 2018

    Freeze meals in advance, prepare to eat out. Place a tall physical barrier (baker's rack, ladder, etc.) between you and the countertop once you've started to avoid inadvertently placing something atop your work area. You procrastinate because you're afraid of making mistakes, but once you begin, you'll gain much more confidence. Read the steps 3 times. Gather all materials in advance so you're not chasing after things. Put the materials where you can easily reach them. Place cloth dropcloths on the floor. Cover the sink, base cabinets and faucets with drop cloths or saran wrap or heavyweight paper to protect them. The phonecalls go to your message center, during your work time. No exceptions! No answering the doorbell, either. No radio or t.v. to distract you, and no visitors to interrupt you. You can do this, by taking your time, and staying focused. We're not Picasso or Michelangelo, but we are capable humans!

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    • Sally Alter Sally Alter on Aug 17, 2018

      Hi Oliva,


      Phew! Counter top project over. I must say, although it was very time-consuming it was worth the effort. I read all the instructions over and over again and watched many videos. Really you can't go wrong because it is just a case of sponging on paint over black primer. It sings! I ate out at Subway and on two separate occassions the men in front of me 'paid it forward' so I got two free lunches!!!


      Sally

  • Lori Lori on Aug 04, 2018

    Sally, put your big girl pants on and shake off that procrastination. I suggest finding a piece of countertop, laminate, from a thrift shop, big box store, somewhere there will be pieces left over and use it for practice. I think you can buy laminate by itself that needs gluing to a counter, that might be cheaper and you could just use that. It might cost you some brushes but you will get some confidence. I have never used a kit so have no idea what's in it, I have always used paint. Good luck, you can do this. :)

  • Sally Alter Sally Alter on Aug 05, 2018

    Heh, Lori, you are quite right. Enough of this procrastination if I want to see some beautiful counter tops in my kitchen! The kit is absolutely amazing. It comes with all the various cans of colored paints, epoxy finish, even rollers and sponge. Also, detailed, easy to follow instructions. (There are also good videos on line of how to do it). The only thing you need to buy is painter's tape and a box cutter.


    You will be pleased to know that I have actually made a date and penciled it in my diary. I'm not telling you when it is, though, in case you hold me to it.

  • Sally Alter Sally Alter on Aug 05, 2018

    Heh, Lori, you are quite right. Enough of this procrastination if I want to see some beautiful counter tops in my kitchen! The kit is absolutely amazing. It comes with all the various cans of colored paints, epoxy finish, even rollers and sponge. Also, detailed, easy to follow instructions. (There are also good videos on line of how to do it). The only thing you need to buy is painter's tape and a box cutter.


    You will be pleased to know that I have actually made a date and penciled it in my diary. I'm not telling you when it is, though, in case you hold me to it.

  • Sally Alter Sally Alter on Aug 17, 2018

    Hi again Lori,


    I didn't stick to the date because I was ill, but did begin the project last Saturday. It took me until yesterday, Thursday, to finish but it was well worth the effort. The results are nothing short of amazing. If you want to see the reviews go to Amazon Gianni Counter top Paint Kit. 5 * and lots of great photos. Mine is different with some tiny white veins that I painted in at the end.


    Sally

  • Mom2K9 Mom2K9 on Aug 17, 2018

    Prime it first. Zinsser primer has worked well for me. Zinsser has some colored options, but if you don't like one of them, go with the Zinsser that would be a good base color for your final color. White Zinsser primer may be difficult to cover with one coat of your final paint color as it could bleed through your final cover or texture.

  • Sally Alter Sally Alter on Aug 17, 2018

    Hi Bethany, all the counter tops are done and look wonderful. I used a paint kit called Gianni Counter top paint kit which contained the primer, three colors of paint, rollers, brushes, sponges and great instructions. They also have lots of videos on line. The rave reviews of the finished product are on Amazon if you want to take a peek.

  • Oliva Oliva on Aug 22, 2018

    Sally,

    I'm so happy for you! Thanks for letting us know it turned out well for you! We knew you could do it! With this new skill, just think what else you can tackle , next!

  • Sally Alter Sally Alter on Aug 24, 2018

    Hi Oliva,


    Thanks for being my cheer leader. I have bought a lovely stainless steel dishwasher and guess what - they can't get the old one out because the tiles were put down after the dishwasher was installed. So now, I have had to have a guy in to chip out a whole line of floor tiles and then will get the plumber to install the new dishwasher, then have the tile man back again. So that bargain dishwasher is costing me a fortune and I can't match the old tiles. Oh, well. Ce la vie! There's always nice mats.


    However, I also bought a new stainless steel range with a black ceramic hob, and also a stainless steel hood so they will be coming on September 3. I don't anticipate any problems with their installation as it doesn't involve counter tops being in the way.


    Next project!

    I bought the plaster today to make a backsplash to look like a very old stone wall (not brick) and I am going to carve fossils of shells and leaves in it then prime and paint it to match my nice new counter top. Phew! No stopping me now.


    Hope all is well with you.

    Sally