So, Mr. S went on an overnight venture last month and whenever he leaves for the evening I have to find a project. Shocking, I know. I knew that he would be back in 24 hours, so I should've picked a smallish project. But did I? Of course not!
I strapped the kiddos into the van, my purse full of snacks and we made our way to Home Depot. I have made great friends with the paint guy Kevin. I am totally not kidding. Not only does he know his stuff, but he is incredibly helpful and kind. If you ever have a painting debacle, and spy a gentlemen in the paint department at HD with Kevin written on the orange apron, snag him quick!
I knew that my paint guru had steered me toward Behr's Alkalyd based paint for cabinets when we had chatted before. He had used it about a year and a half ago on his own cabinets and just raved about them. I was determined, I knew where I was going, and I practically skipped up to the line to pay for them. Before I could get there though, Kevin reigned me in and handed me better brushes and Zinsser primer. I am not sure if he was worried about my three children getting into the paint or my naivety when it came to painting, but he seemed nervous as he laughed and wished me luck. Oh well, no time to waste. I was on a mission.
That afternoon while Theo was sleeping, I was able to get on most of the primer on the south side. The Zinsser brand was absolutely incredible!! It is thick but not like a pudding. It had more of a heavy whipping cream consistency. I am pretty sure Ella and Charlie were slightly concerned, but they've learned to just say "Wow mom!" and walk out of the room. Good kids those two.
I did not remove the doors. Don't start booing me. I know, I know. I should've removed the doors. But I am 5'3 and those doors are huge!! I did remove the hardware. Is that good enough? No, probably not. I could hear my grandfather who had always worked so carefully telling me "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right." Well, I didn't do it the way that he would've done it because I am stubborn and wouldn't wait for help. I think maybe I got that from my grandmother.
I waited until all three of my stinking cute babies were tucked into bed before prying open the lids off my endeavor! (I say stinking because I am not sure if they bathed that night. I love my kids but sometimes mama just gets really excited and the "bath" is substituted with the pool out back. But I promise they were fed. Really, you can ask them.)
I started by applying blue tape around the edges of the glass. It is time consuming, and it stinks but your only option is to attach the tape now and peel off the paint or stand later, scraping it all off. I chose to apply the tape but it is up to you! After applying the tape, I slapped on the Zinsser primer over all of the cabinets. (Full disclosure, I did wipe the wood down with Murphy's oil soap the week before, but I did not spend too much time cleaning them up! Yay for virtually no prep!!)
The primer went on pretty quickly as I wasn't as detailed with the primer as I was the Behr paint. After it was completely set, I began the alkalyd paint.
I can't believe I did it, but I got the primer on completely by early evening and had started the alkalyd paint just before 11pm. I burnt out just before 2am and melted into bed before I could fall flat into the paint tray. I had told Mr. S that I had been working on a project, and he cheered me on from afar. Oh buddy, just you wait.
Poor Mr. S, I think he may begin to fear going out of town for the unknown of what will happen to the homestead when he leaves. However, I believe this time I hit a homerun because he was thrilled. I cannot tell you though if he likes the cabinets, or just likes that its a project done.
When I saw these white cabinets shining and glorious, it made me want to throw on new countertops, but alas it was not meant to be for the pocketbook. So, I gambled and threw some twenty dollar Rustoleum Countertop paint on the forest green countertops to try and spread the glam. I loved the look of the pewter gray with the new white cabinets. It updated it immediately, but unfortunately the countertop paint is very temporary. Within two weeks it had spots from water sitting under dishes and a scratch or two from sliding silverware. Oh well! I have caviar taste on a peel and eat shrimp budget!
I believe the kitchen will be on hold until new countertops can go in... but until then at least its white, clean, and read to be filled with yummy grub.... which will probably be carry-out because, lets be honest, I am exhausted!
Thanks for reading and enjoy the pictures below!
Emma
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