I’m back, Jack! I know, I know. You are overcome with excitement and sheer
joy. The sun is shining; the birds are
singing…blah, blah, blah. Missed you
too!
So, I’d like to talk a bit about
what’s been going on at #ProjectLemonade.
The short answer: not much. The long answer:
We are moved in and the kids have
started school and sports. Life has been
uber hectic, thus my not posting. Well,
that and the little thing of us not having internet. That’s kind of a big deal when you write a
blog. The kids are divided on what they
want first, television or internet.
We have definitely been back to
the basics at our house. But “basics”
does not have to mean ugly, correct? So,
I’ve been working on things that really bothered me the most. One such thing was our kitchen
backsplash. We have very common granite
that many people have and an equally common travertine backsplash. I’m sure, to some, it is fantastic. But it just didn’t suit my style. I’ve thought long and hard about replacing
it, but, let’s be honest, I don’t even have a working oven right now, so...priorities.
The other night I was calling out
spelling words to my son and Just. Could. Not. Take. It. Another. Minute. It was TAUNTING me. So, I decided to change it. Right there and then on a random weekday
night. How could I change a backsplash
on the fly? Paint. Duh.
I began by grabbing my spackle and
planned to help even out some of the tumbled tile. I got a little ways and realized if I wanted
it smooth I would have to skim coat it. But
before undertaking that craziness, I wanted to see what it would look like if I
just primed over it. So I did.
You know the funny thing? My boys did not even bat an eye. I asked them if it freaked them out when they
saw me doing crazy stuff around the house.
They both said no. I asked them
if it was because A. they didn’t care or B. they trusted I’d make it look
fabulous. They both, in unison, said
they totally trusted me. He’s my
*favorite* son.
Of course, this kind of
undertaking requires a ton of prep work and the best tools.
I used a foam cigar roller and my
favorite Zinsser primer. Didn’t even
clean the backsplash first. I love to
live on the edge, folks. *Note the foil-lined cookie sheet acting as my tray. Class all the way.
I used my favorite Purdy 2” angle
brush to do the cut in and get in the really deep pockets on the tile. When the primer dried, I gave it two good
coats of this stuff. Rustoleum Enamel
Oil-Based Paint. The white was a bit too
white for my kitchen, so I dumped in some of the Rustoleum Almond color and
mixed it up. I just wanted to warm up my
white a bit. No rhyme or reason, I just
dumped and mixed.
Best. Paint.
Ever. And I ONLY buy paint from
Home Depot. Period. Ever.
If it isn’t Rustoleum, it’s their Behr line. I’ve used every kind, and know I’ve professed
my undying love many times, but it is the best.
Then, I got really daring. My roller was wet with the oil paint and the
other side of the kitchen had not been primed yet. I just rolled it straight onto the tile. Oh yes I did!
And it covered beautifully! Even
the metal inserts that are randomly scattered on the backsplash. The shine on this paint is unbelievable!
I am so pleased with how it is
holding up. I simply wipe it down with
soap and water, as needed.
Most importantly though, look at
the difference. It makes the granite
that I HATED work. Why did I wait so
long?
Have you ever taken a chance in
your home?
Best,
Kimber
