How can I update my kitchen with a new back splash and counter cover without replacing it completely, and add a semi-gloss finish to my cabinets to fix the matte look?
I have a couple of questions for you!
I’m thinking of giving my kitchen a little makeover by adding a new back splash and covering up our counter top. I really don’t like how it looks right now, but I can’t afford to replace it entirely at the moment. Maybe one day, but not right now.
1. The counter top is kind of bumpy and textured. Do you think I could just go over it with the new cover? Most counter tops I’ve seen are really smooth, but this one is different.
2. I got help at the store to pick out what was supposed to be the “perfect” paint for the cabinets. It’s a flat, light color, but I’m starting to think it needs more gloss. The matte finish just doesn’t look right to me, and any wet spots stand out until they dry. I’ve heard that using a semi gloss paint would fix that issue. Do you think there’s a way to add semi gloss over the existing paint without having to completely repaint everything? (I’ll be adding handles soon, too.)
I might be mistaken, but it looks like the countertops have already been redone, though not very well, maybe painted or coated. If you’re willing to give it a try, see if you can sand it off. This could give you a smooth surface to start with.
I actually don’t have a sander 😅 but my roommate has been here for 10 years and it’s always been like this, according to him.
I might be able to borrow a sander from my brother. I’ll check and see if I can use that 🙂 Do you think I should put a coat on it before applying anything for the first time? If yes, what do you suggest?
If they’re epoxy, then like others have said… don’t try to sand them off (especially if you’re expecting 😊) I thought they looked like someone did a really poor “coating” job. I hate to say this… but the cabinets actually look great with the black counters. Play it safe and keep them “as is” until you’ve saved up to replace them. As annoying as they may be… safety is always better.
When I was a kid, I used to help my dad rebuild counter tops. I think I might go full-on DIY and get some nice plywood, stain it a dark black-grey color, and seal it. Looking at it, I can probably do it a lot cheaper for around $300-500, rather than the $1.2k estimated by a local company a while back. Plus, then I can fully customize it to my liking! Just gonna have to borrow or rent some tools.
What a fantastic idea! Go for it! And be sure to post an “after” pic!
I purchased some peel and stick material, and it turned out to be terrible…at least the one I got was. So make sure to do thorough research before making a purchase. There might be higher quality options available. I am planning to hold off and invest in a countertop refinishing kit. It’s a bit pricier, but I believe it will be more durable.
I’ve been thinking about getting a kit but I’m not sure if a plain black or grey would complement the matte cabinets well??
First, could you tell me what material are the countertops made of? Second, I must say the cabinets look good.. haha. Matte finishes are better at hiding imperfections such as brush strokes. However, if you prefer a different finish, you can simply apply a clear polyacrylic or polyurethane. Since you likely used latex paint, the best option would be polyacrylic. It’s water-based, easy to clean, and less smelly. Additionally, it provides a protective layer.
I honestly don’t even know what type tbh. I do know it has a wooden base labeled as ris.wood, and there’s a small burnt spot from a candle. However, it has a unique bumpy texture that I’ve never seen before. I like the matte finish but I don’t appreciate how easily it gets dirty, leaving dark spots behind. I have an 8-year-old and another child on the way, so I need something that’s easy to clean and looks nice. I’ll take a photo of the bucket soon. I asked the worker for the best cabinet option and chose the color. (I love the blue-grey tone 🥰, it makes me so happy to see it). Before, it was just wood that matched the floor too much. However, my ex from 5 years ago decided to paint a single spot orange and black, so I decided to paint them all. Unfortunately, all the walls are black and purple, so I have to repaint them because the current paint rubs off easily and stains clothes when touched lightly 😅.
Before the lol
If you’re a fan of the current grey cabinets, consider applying something like this. It will add a transparent protective layer. It’s available in different finishes like matte, satin, and more. As for the countertops/backspash, I know it’s not what you want to hear, but I suggest waiting. Any investment in it now will likely go to waste once you can do it the way you desire. Have you checked out butcher block countertops? Lowes and Home Depot have them, and they’re not as expensive as you might think.
I used to assist my dad (mostly just watched) in building cabinets and counter tops when he renovated houses while I was young (we did it to offset the rent of our houses). So, I’m thinking of refreshing my memory and doing some in-depth research to DIY and build my own countertop. I can do it quite affordably and customize it to my liking 🙂 I’ll need to find out how to secure the edge to accommodate our bar stools. This way, I can also work on my back splash and make it exactly how I want 🙂 I also adore dark grey wood, and I can get a stain for that and seal it afterwards 🙂
It seems like your countertops have been epoxy coated. It’s recommended not to place anything on them and consider replacing when necessary. Adding gloss to your current paint is not feasible. Your cabinets should have been primed with an alkyd sealer and then painted with alkyd paint following proper preparation steps.
I really want to get a new one but money is tight with a baby on the way. 😩 but it seems like the only option for now.
And too bad about the gloss. 🤣 I can do without it but I do wish the salesman mentioned that they can be difficult to clean. My bad for not researching more. We make mistakes and learn XD lesson learned now 🤣 oops
If he sold you the correct kind of paint regardless of the sheen level you chose it would still be washable and long-lasting 🙁
Hey , it’s important to remember that epoxy countertops shouldn’t have direct food contact due to health impacts from VOCs. It’s a quick fix for kitchens but can have consequences.
Hey , did you know that you could try sanding down the countertop to fix the bumpy texture that’s bothering you? It might be worth a shot while you save up for a new complete counter top.
Hey , just a heads up – avoid sanding the epoxy countertop to prevent contaminating your entire house. Once it’s epoxied, there’s not much you can do.
😩 oh no darn it
I would suggest not touching those countertops until you can afford to replace them. But the cabinets look fantastic! It might be a bit challenging to keep clean in a kitchen, but that color is on fire!
It is! I was a bit worried it might not turn out well, but it looks great. I even painted my panty with it, and I’m loving the result!
Avoid using contact paper to cover the countertops as it ends up being too uneven. I tried it on mine and faced some issues with small bumps in a few areas.
The more I stare at that countertop, the more it looks familiar.. I might be mistaken.. but I don’t believe it’s epoxy. Is it a different material?
Isn’t it crazy? I looked it up on Google and this is the only one that matches the one in my house perfectly.
Guess what, I stumbled upon it last night! Haha. Turns out it’s an old formica countertop. Surprisingly, I don’t dislike it as much as you do, especially if it had a more metallic shade like copper. I even came across a video. Could this be the same one?
https://youtu.be/oh1CO5JppiA?si=NhGXKpis5uw16GZw
Hey, mine seem a bit more bumpy than yours, but the texture looks pretty similar. Do you think our back splash is made of a thin laminate? I’ll snap a photo after dropping off my son at school 🙂
Haha, I even spent time watching videos on how they apply the laminate. I went down a whole YouTube rabbit hole of countertop tutorials. The tricky part seems to be how unforgiving the laminate sheet is. One mistake and it’s ruined. And with the curved edge on yours, it’s definitely not as easy as just gluing it on and calling it a day.
You know, I think I’ll give making new countertops a shot. I used to assist my dad with them and they always turned out great. Planning to give it a try once the baby arrives 🙂
Oh man, our first little one is due on Halloween! Haha.
Sounds like a great birthday. Free candy, followed by gifts and cake XD
You can simply apply a clear coat like polycrylic or polyurethane over the cabinets. I suggest using a satin finish for a nice look 😊
That’s a formica countertop from the late 80s – it has a textured surface to hide scratches. If you have kids, covering it with contact paper isn’t a good idea as it’s not hygienic. Some have used epoxy, which is seamless, but the corner cut-out will be a challenge. Consider getting a granite quote from HD. I got double the size done for $5k in January. Granite is sealed, durable, and comes in nicer patterns now.
I recently sanded and painted over laminate counters at our rental that the tenants ruined- and then applied an epoxy. They turned out really nice- they even have a marble effect kit that I used … I’ll show you the before and after pictures later on…
And here is the link to the kit:
https://www.amazon.com/Giani-Marble-Epoxy-Countertop-Carrara/dp/B07Y8P9YBS/ref=asc_df_B07Y8P9YBS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=385218597550&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7637545819939487051&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032904&hvtargid=pla-835103751290&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=73789135170&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=385218597550&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7637545819939487051&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032904&hvtargid=pla-835103751290
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Oh, those white countertops look amazing!! We’ve been debating whether to go with white countertops, and seeing that makes me think it’s a fantastic choice!!
It’s kind of strange to see cabinets with a matte finish! I wonder why he suggested that to you!
Hey there, we’re thinking about adding a satin clear coat as suggested below because it seems a bit off to me, haha!
Adding a satin clear coat on top of the paint can really make a difference. Installing laminate tops is also not too pricey or complicated.