Welcome Cottage Friends,
I'm happy to tell you that one-half of my kitchen cabinet painting project is complete. And yes, it's taken me almost five months to get to this point. Well, I didn't work on this for five months. It took me two weekends to paint, but it took 4 1/2 months for me to find the motivation to do it. I find painting in the winter is much more pleasant than painting in the summer. Also, I wanted to wait until after the holidays to start up again. Thus, the 4 1/2 month wait.
This portion of the cabinetry around the range was much more challenging to paint than the first section I did. I had some issues with bleed through, and ended up putting a thin coat of shellac on the problem areas before applying a final coat of paint. Shellac stops the bleed through.
Oh my word! That is an amazing change and much for the better. I love white for cabinets. Gray too. My kitchen cabinets are u.g.l.y. But I have no idea what I could do since they are those European style with the thin line of wood close to the botton. Yuck. Other than completely replacing the doors which I'm told would be several thousand dollars, it seems I'm stuck with them.
ReplyDeleteBut, I am blessed to even have a kitchen. I know many, many people would love to have it. I tell myself that often.
You have done wonders in yours.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
Betsy, I know exactly which style kitchen cabinets you have. They're from the 80's and probably now the most disliked cabinet styles out there. I admire your perspective to be content with what you have, knowing that some people don't even have a kitchen. I tell myself the same thing about living in a mobile home with all the quirks and downsides that come with it. I encourage you, however, to peruse Pinterest for ideas on how you can update your cabinets by painting them and adding hardware. This can be done for very little money. Perhaps a few hundred dollars at the most. There are paints made specifically for application to melamine. So, go to Pinterest search bar and enter: update 80's melamine cabinets. You will be pleasantly surprised by the results. I did a quick search after reading your comment, and, honestly, I was giddy when I saw the difference it made in these cabinets. Check it out, my friend! Hugs.
DeleteSo much work and such great results. I can picture the rest of the brick work, and
ReplyDeleteit will make the cabinets and new counter tops really stand out. It is certainly
coming together for you. Lynn and Precious xx
Thank you, Lynn. I looking forward to completing the brick. I want to see those results! :) xx
DeleteI'm definitely going to check pinterest. Thank you so much for your diligence in trying to find a solution for me. I had thought that since they're melamine, they couldn't be painted. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love,
Betsy
You're so welcome, Betsy. I have this stubborn side of me that when met with a challenge like yours says, "There has to be a way!" :D Believe me when I say I take great pleasure in helping other people come up with a DIY solution. Hope you get lots of ideas on Pinterest. xx
DeleteIt is lovely Nancy. I love the upper and the brick.. that really makes it all come together.
ReplyDeleteMy late-80's kitchen still has the original cabinets (and there are a a lot!) in solid oak. I have a love-hate relationship with them and would definitely replace (or have them painted), except Bob doesn't even want to go there!!! Instead I keep them clean, cover any scratches, and replaced all the hardware 2 yrs. back. They actually look really nice and have to admit in this time and place, with all that's happening around us, I just intend to stay satisfied with what I have. So many people have serious housing issues now, especially renters where the rental cost of a decent home for their families is going crazy.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great job on your kitchen - I admire your tenacity and great eye for the new look Nancy. You are the best.
Hugs - Mary
Wow, Nancy! It looks amazing, but that before and after is really dramatic. The brick wall is such a warm touch. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Nancy! What a labor of love!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I love all the changes you're making to your home. To tell you the truth your decorating ideas have inspired me since you redid the little cottage on Lake Michigan. That is still my bible on how to do colors and makeovers in our little tiny lake "shack". Thank you and I'll probably follow you for the next 10 years and beyond!!!
ReplyDelete