Painted Countertops Q&A

I wanted to answer some questions I have received in response to my Painted "Granite" Countertops Post. I hope this information will be helpful to everybody! If you have any other questions please make sure to let me know!

Are they durable?
When I say they are as hard as a rock I mean they are as hard as a rock. The coat on top is equal to 50 coats of varnish. They are extremely durable!

Do they chip?
Pretty sure the only way to chip them would be to use a hammer and a chizzle! They don't chip.

Is the product that you put on top safe?
It is non-pouress hard as a rock like I said. It doesn't leak into your food, once it cures (for 72 hours) it is super hard. Also it is polyurthane...... which is what they use to seal Granite and Butcher Block and many other types of countertops! So those people that have Granite "sealed" countertops or a "sealed" butcher block countertop, or many other types of fabricated countertops have the same type of top coat as this method! P.S. I don't put raw/bare food on any countertop or surface besides a clean plate or cutting board.


Will it burn my countertop if I put a hot pan directly onto it?
I don't know about this one. There again, I have never put a hot (like fresh off the stove hot) pot or pan on a bare countertop/ table in my life. I always use potholders. That's what they are there for. To protect valuable things. :) So I do not know if it would burn the countertop or not. On the Envirotek instructions it warns that placing a hot item directly onto the countertop can leave an impression. Like I said, I have never tested this to see if it was true or not. I don't need to, I just use potholders like I believe most people do!


Do you have any tips on how to use the Envirotek? 
Yes. First thing my husband and I did was by a simple blow torch ($10.00) and used that for any air bubbles that may happen during the process. Go over them super lightly with the heat and then as soon as they pop remove the heat. We only had two air bubbles. Secondly we bought foam brushes (the small craft kind) For if we had to lightly smooth it out or help it pour over the edges. We didn't have to do this much because it is self leveling. You want it to completely pour over your edges and onto the floor (where you have laid plastic) Once dry you will have hardened drips that you will sand off once cured. We didn't have too many of these!

Is this process difficult to do?
I think you will find that it is a little time consuming in between coats, but it is not difficult at all!


What brands of paint and glitter did you use?
I posted a picture below of the accent paints I used. The paints were purchased at Home Depot and the glitter at Walmart. Yes, just regular craft glitter. I used Martha Stewart brand. The base coat of paint I used was actually the Disney Brand Paint at Home Depot and the color was Mouse Ears. The paint lady there told me it was their truest black.

 Via: Home Depot

How did you paint your cabinets?
I know I have been promising a tutorial of cabinets for a while now. We got so busy when we moved back to Idaho that I haven't painted our cabinets yet. I will tell you this, the only Primer I use on anything is Zinsser. We only used ultra smooth foam rollers (never brushes) and then for the top coat (I know it is wierd but I swear by it) we used Porch and Floor High Gloss paint. The OIL BASED kind.  You will notice that it has  Polyurethane right on the can! :) Painting the cabinets with oil base paint ensures absolute durabilty and such a professional glossy finish. They do not look "hand painted" at all! If you get anything on them the surface is so slick and smooth it will wipe right off! I had the porch and floor paint mixed at Home Depot in a Behr color called Moon Rise.

Via: Home Depot

Has anybody else tried your tutorial on this?
YES! Which makes me really excited! I have been notified by three different people that they did my tutorial and painted their countertops! I will try to gather some pics, I know that they are in love with the way they came out! Here is picture of General Spledour's painted countertop. (Which is where I got the idea from to do mine) Don't hers look awesome?

And here were mine after completion in case you missed the original post:

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