Faux Granite Counters - Kitchen

This is my second faux granite counter top tutorial so it's not going to be nearly as in-depth as the first one...this is mostly just gonna be photos.  But, if you're interested in the whole process, check out my bathroom counter post too!  It's my most popular post to date... 

I loved the whole process and outcome of my faux granite bathroom counter so much, so I was happy to do it again in the kitchen.  The counters were an ugly, boring cream-colored Formica...and since I have a LOT of counter space I was stoked I could redo them all for a measly 60 bucks.  

I bought another Giani Granite Kit, but this time in Bombay Black.  I had already repainted the drab oak cabinets a light gray-ish/taupe color, and the rest of the colors in the kitchen were pretty light too, so I wanted some contrast.  I was a little nervous about going so dark at first, but I'm totally glad I took the plunge.... The counters are so gorgeous in person and for about a week afterwards I just kept walking into the kitchen to stare at them.  That's normal, right?

Prepping... I used leftover contractor's paper from my paper bag floors to protect my freshly-painted cabinets.  And I used FrogTape to protect some of the walls, the sink and the window trim...but since I was planning to add a tile blacksplash like I did in the bathroom, I didn't have to be careful everywhere.  Thank goodness, because I'm a messy do-it-yourself-er... 

Before I could primer the counters, I had to fill a couple of holes in the Formica... Giani recommends using sandable/paintable wood patch.  All I had to do was smoosh (yes, it's a word) some wood patch in my hands to warm it up, spread it on the holes with a puddy knife and let it dry.  I think it took an hour or so...and then I just sanded it smooth and level with the rest of the counter.  Easy.  

Primered counters.... These photos feel very sneaky.  I cropped out other parts of my kitchen that you are not allowed to see yet!

During sponging.  I know it looks like a really bad kid's art project at this point, but just keep going!  You won't regret it.... 

Okay, okay... I guess you're getting a sneak peak of my top-secret kitchen shelving anyway....  Apparently I forgot to take a picture of the whole kitchen in all its faux granite glory (I suck at this), so I'll do that later (after I clean it!) and add a photo of all the counters on here...

Ahhhh.... I love how shiny they turned out.  They even FEEL real... 

I also used black caulk around the stove and along the walls to give it a really seamless look.  Notice the textured wallpaper...post coming soon!

I couldn't be happier with how the counters came out... They look stunning in person and no one can believe that they're painted.  They are super glossy and multi-dimensional and expensive looking and I LOVE them.  

Gotta go...another DIY project awaits me.