Bye Bye Ugly White Linoleum!

 I know it's been ages since I've posted anything but it's been crazy around here. I've been working a lot more hours lately, the kids and everyday "life" has kept me very busy....even when I find myself with some time, I'm just too pooped to do anything. But........I have managed to finally, (yes, FINALLY) get my countertops finished!!! I used the Giani countertop paint kit in Bombay Black. I watched the video & read the directions but being typical me, I changed it up a bit. First thing, I didn't tape off anything...I hate, well actually despise painters tape. I prefer just to use a fine brush & paint freehand. I also worked in large sections instead of smaller ones like they suggest. I paint fast so I had no problems with anything drying out. Lastly I added black glitter. Not the chunky stuff that kiddos use but the super-fine fancy Martha Stewart stuff. I used this because I wanted to achieve the subtle glimmer that black granite has. I am thrilled with the finished result!!! My husband cannot believe how realistic it looks too. :) I did put three coats of the final clear coat on it.....remember, I have four kids so I'm all about damage control! I still have the island countertop to do,which is going to be totally different and the backsplash too.....hopefully I will be able to keep this momentum up! Ok.....enough babbling......here's the pictures...(excuse the bad shots, some were taken with a cell phone).

"before"shot with painted cabinets & original white speckled linoleum countertops

countertops had to be thoroughly cleaned first..

first I edged everything with a fine brush

edging around the sink

the first coat, the black matte primer is on

already a huge improvement with just the primer on!

close up of the counters after I added the mineral paints

there's three mineral paints (black, silver & bronze) I used all of them

I didn't use the sponges that came with the kit. I used my handy-dandy Target bags :)

Here I added the black glitter. It's hard to see, but it's on there...

I painted some veining to mimick marble...

another shot, trying to show you the glitter

you can see the glitter all over the sink before I cleaned it off 

waiting for everything to dry before putting on the final clear coat

Clear coat done!!...just have to clean off the edges of my sink 

the counters are pretty much dry now, they repel water already, but I'm waiting another week for them to"cure" before I put all my kitchen clutter back on them...

close up :)

still need to clean off my sink....:)

nice manicure.....

So what do you guys think? Not too bad for about $80 and a few days of work.....

next project.....the backsplash.....