the pressure is on...

Well, my parents will be here this weekend and my sister will come later in the week. Now the pressure is on for me to get these last few things finished:
-the kitchen cabinets
-clean up the dining room-used as workspace
-paint the living room
-finish painting mirror frames in upstairs bathroom
-window treatments in dining room and living room
Here is a quick tutorial on refinishing cabinets with the Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation kit:

scrub down with dish detergent & water using a green scrub pad
let dry





I applied the deglosser and rubbed well using a warm, wet, textured towel

rinsed cloth, rubbed well a second time



let cabinets dry real well before applying the bond coat

FYI-I read an online review on using this product-
when painting over darker cabinets, especially dark, stained oak, it is recommended to use the "Dark" kit
if you choose the "light" kit, it is recommended to prime cabinets first to prevent yellowing
I used "Potter's Wheel" which is the lightest color in the "Dark" kit
click here for color choices:

http://cabinets.rustoleumtransformations.com/colors.php



I applied to all corners first

the bonding coat does not start to dry immediately
it gives you time to work with it and smooth out until everything is even

let dry well, again...

apply 3 coats total, letting each coat dry well
Now can you see why this took months for me to complete?



the protective coat is thicker than the bond coat and has a cloudy look to it, as it dries, it turns clear
this has to be applied pretty quick and can not be brush over and over
I found it was best to apply evenly, let dry completely
look at cabinets on an angle to see if any spots were missed
I touched up many of the cabinet doors after they were hung 



FYI-I actually painted the backsides first
painting only 2 coats of color

I just have to pick up some beadboard to finish off the peninsula, then I'll be finished w/the cabinets:-)
Check in for the full pictures!
Also, scroll down to see the finished chalkboard!

lots to catch up on

I promise that I've been busy working on all of my "projects", I just couldn't seem to squeeze in a new post-so sorry for that. My parents and my sister with her family are coming up to New York at the end of the month for a very exciting and busy visit. This has been my goal to get soooo many things done before they arrive. Let me share what I've been working on:




This large tin bowl was a TJMaxx find, I've actually had it for years.
I wasn't liking the color for where I wanted to use it.
FYI, it will be used in our "Americana" living room that I will hopefully be starting next week!



So I painted it!
I spray painted it white, inside and out, then rubbed stain allover until it looked even.
Tada!

We HAD to get rid of these 1970's outdated light fixtures.



Ugh!!!



So much better.

                                                                Onto some fun stuff!

 

I bought this chalkboard paint to paint a chalkboard on a wall in our "Americana" living room/play room...



Then I got this idea...



I cleaned the side of this cabinet with the deglosser from the Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation kit.
Let the cabinet dry...

Stir well.

Using a smooth foam roller, appy 3 coats-letting each coat dry thoroughly in between.
 Let sit for 3 days.
Condition by rubbing the side of chalk all over the entire board, erase, ready to use!







my new friend

I wanted to introduce you to my new friend, an Electrolux vacuum cleaner. My mom has it and loves it, a couple of friends have it and love it-had to get one! It was$116 @Kohls, I had a 30% coupon for it, totally worth it!

"Ergo Rapido" bagless, lightweight vacuum
has a hand held detachable vacuum for small clean ups.
I was extremely surprised at what this small vaccuum can pick up.