All the best there Debbie.. go get them...
so an alternative to paint is concrete counters... big high end alternative... they are running a two day school for about $525 with lunch.. but you caj just buy the materials and wade your way through it...
http://shop.thestampstore.com/...

I've seen those counter tops on remodeling type shows. I couldn't believe how beautiful they were. All different colors and textures.

Darn laptop - just lost my whole post.

Good luck Debbie!

Brenda, kudos for a great job! I didn't think the "before" pictures looked that bad, at least not as bad as mine did! Couple of comments - I panicked the first time I saw opaque spots where water had been sitting on the countertop. It will 'turn' if the water is left too long but the good news is once it's wiped up it will be gone within an hour. Only spot that has remained was the one where DH left a cantaloupe for too long and the juice I didn't see underneath it ruined the surface. I've been real careful about using cutting boards, etc. so the surface wouldn't be damaged but I have found a few scratches here and there. The good news about the black "granite" is you can use a black permanent marker to disguise the scratches.

That is good to know, Debbie, and funny too because I just 'disguised' some scratches on my black dishwasher with a marker yesterday! Also good to know about the water sitting. Gordon, those concrete counters can be beautiful!

I have a laptop, but never mastered being "mouseless." I don't think these cost more than $10. You'll be able to type away on your laptop and never lose your posts!

Debbie, hoping for a new clear eye!

Brenda, your counters turned out awesome!!!!!

blessings Debbie.
Love the cabinets Brenda.

Sandi, believe me if I ever do get my "own" laptop I think a wireless mouse will be a necessity! A friend loaned me a laptop from the local law library to use while I'm laid up and even though it's been a little frustrating it's been a lifesaver!

Thought I'd post before/after pictures of my painted countertops so you could see what a huge difference it made! The dark green counters had faded so much after 15 years and replacing them was not an option - $$$. I think the $50 kit to transform them is the best money I ever spent! I thought I had better pics on my external hard drive but this still gives you a pretty good idea of the improvement. I think the "after" picture is the one I took to show the company the problems I was having with the their sealer streaking. After the fourth coat I finally got a smooth, streak-free finish.



Now that I've looked at the "after" I realize how bad they looked before I fixed them! Trust me, they look MUCH better now.

Another tip for anyone else who decides to try painting their countertops. One of the things I disliked with my paint job was the metallic splotches were too "in your face" and I wanted the tone muted a little. I made a 'wash', watered down the black paint and painted the whole surface one last time before sealing - it worked beautifully.

Debbie, I agree... the top coat sealer is a challenge if you want it to look really pro. So far I've sanded down (with very fine emery cloth) two different areas and re-applied the top coat because I could see "streaks". Your idea of watering down the paint is good for a more muted look. Overall, I really, really love the look. For the price, it is a huge improvement!

The next "what I'm working on" project will be sewing new covers for all of my outdoor furniture cushions. It's a pretty big job, but I think it will really brighten up the shade garden.

Okay, so what is everyone else doing?

That is great,I wonder what would happen if you rolled the clear on ??? Hmmm..if it would remain stippled or would it self level ? $50 I saw it priced at $79 ,and my counter top is a bath 4 ft with a giant sink ,so I have a really small amount to do...Hmm what to paint with the remaining ...LOL.. I will ck that out next time we get to Menards..or the like

I just got a lap top,I really like the on the go feature,I take it to our local watering hole for coffee...The touch pad is a pain at times ,if Id read the directions that might help me..LOL..Nahh..The 1 thing I dont like I spend a lot more time looking down at the screen ...gives me a neck ache...My posture is much better at my desk top..

Expecting 80 degrees today wow,wow,wow...What to do 1st... I wanna ride I wanna ride, or Garden...

huggergirl said:That is great,I wonder what would happen if you rolled the clear on ??? Hmmm..if it would remain stippled or would it self level ?

The "kit" does come with a foam roller but I not only got streaking but TONS of tiny bubbles. I ended up buying an expensive roller cover, I think it was either mohair or lambswool? Cost me almost $10 but it was well worth it. I even did some research to see about applying a self-leveling epoxy but it was way too messy, stink AND expensive.

There are actually a lot of tutorials for painting countertops and with all the new metallic paints available you could probably accomplish the same thing for less than $50. I'd never tried anything before like this so I chose to buy the kit instead of striking out on my own.

About all I'm able to work on right now is knitting and playing on the computer but I'll enjoy whatever everyone else is working on until I'm active again!

Ahhh so right millions of bubbles...still really cool..got me thinking ,as I dont have anything to loose...if i ruin it,was going to buy a new one anyway...Hmmm...Like I need another project,buttttt.. .

Exactly what I figured....if it was a total disaster I'd have to get a "new" countertop.

LOL, that's what I though, too! I didn't get bubbles, but as I said, I did have to re-do a couple of areas. I'm so excited about it I keep walking in the kitchen and looking at it . Now I need to Orange Glow all my cabinets. Then do the bathroom countertop. And the cushions. So annoyed that I have a pull of some kind in my ribs that continues to slow me down... thank God for Motrin!

Hi everyone. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. My surgery went fabulous and almost everyone working on me was a Christian. The Lord is faithful to surround me with His children. Anyway, I CAN SEE............. My husband drove me back to the doctor this morning for the mandatory next day check up, and I kept saying, Oh my, look how beautiful. Everything is so clear. I tried to read everyone's posts above, but my eye is starting to twitch, so I'll stop until tomorrow.

And thanks Debbie and Brenda for all the counter top tips. They look just great. I am so ready to start a project. I can't bend over at the waist for another week and I can't pick up anything over 20 pounds, so It will have to wait a little while. But, at least I'll be able to see the bubbles, if I get any .

Until tomorrow............

Hooray!!!! I am so glad your surgery went well, Debbie! You probably said earlier, but what kind of surgery did you have? Lasik, cataract? Anyway, so awesome that you are seeing better now. ♥♥♥

So happy for you!!! Enjoy the beauty around you.

Debbie - Great News!

Yayyyy, Debbie!!!