Dallas, TX · Member since 2011 · 308 posts · 59 votes
I am thinking something dark to match the floor, like a charcoal color. Any other thoughts to improve the look of this kitchen? This is a rental, so I'm not looking to spend a lot of money. Perhaps change the cabinet pulls? Thanks in advance.
@Sam Craven - I respectfully have to disagree. They sell a rustoleum countertop paint at Lowes that comes with various color tint options. I've used this in several rentals and it made a huge difference.
@Bryce Y. - This is the product I was referring to. I'd go with the dark blue tint that they have. I can't recall the exact name of the color (midnight blue maybe?), but I've used it several times and it turns out great! Would go very well with that kitchen. I wouldn't worry about the pulls...they don't look great, but they don't look bad either. For a rental that shouldn't have a big impact on whether or not the place rents quickly.
im not the most experienced guy on here by no means but I wouldn't paint them either. I don't see it ending well. the end caps wouldn't transition well I wouldn't think. if those curtains are yours...you could probably replace them with a cheap type of curtain that would tie in the color of the floor and countertop. kitchen looks very rentable to me as it is right now.
Thanks for the quick responses guys. It should rent for $1000. The rustoleum stuff is what I had in mind.
There is nothing wrong with the existing counter tops; they just look old and dated. Plus to make up for the lack of counter top space, I thought I'd compensate by painting it to make it "pop".
I do plan to get rid of the curtains (and the clock).
I would think that 7ft piece and the 2 - 2ft pieces can be had at HD or LOWES for $100 and half days work. Clearly much easier than painting and hoping for the best in finish.
@James Vermillion - I believe that's the higher end stuff they make that has flakes in it to give the counter some texture. The stuff I'm referring to is here: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=18108-90-254853&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3178781&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1
Runs about $20 and you can get 2-3 coats on a normal countertop.
The quality of the finished product depends on your painting skills - I have never personally used the stuff because I'm a terrible painter. The painter that I hire is awesome and makes the counters look amazing when complete.
@Sam Craven - The longest I've had it in any apartment has been 2 years so far. Haven't had any issues with it chipping, pealing, scratching or anything. Worst case scenario I've got to add a new coat every couple years (another $20+labor during turnover which is very cheap). Keep in mind, this is with 2-3 coats. If you one-coat it, I'd imagine you'll probably start to notice nicks and dings a lot more quickly.
I agree with @Michael Seeker 's reasoning. IF you do it right it seems to be a nice, cheap upgrade. And, yeah, if it gets damaged, just sand the spots and repaint again.
If it will pass in your rental market, then I don't see why you couldn't give it a try. Especially if you can replace them in a worse case scenario for pretty cheap like @George Paiva suggested.
Thanks Michael. I noticed the directions say no primer needed. Just sand and apply? I'm concerned how it will hold up when hot items are placed on the counter tops.
@Michael Seeker on top of the paint cost what do you think the total cost is with the what you pay the painter for like the10 ft of countertop he has there? Looks good in your pictures but not something I would do. I am just wondering how it compares to just replacing the top.
@Bryce Y. If the formica is maybe burned and otherwise good might do the paint but this formica looks fine (on my computer anyway). Just lose the curtains and the clock, make the pulls a nice dark color and get a nice neutral contrast color on the walls. I am not sure whether that molding behind the sink could give you a splash of color. I put a couple of $4 sheets of glass tile behind the stove in one kitchen and they love it. Tile is low maintenance too. I am not suggesting putting tile on the counter or using it to any great extent but you might be find a small area behind the sink or stove where it gives you a little pop.
I would think that 7ft piece and the 2 - 2ft pieces can be had at HD or LOWES for $100 and half days work. Clearly much easier than painting and hoping for the best in finish.
This.
Seems like any sort of paint or something over laminate will get chipped, dinged, and worn easily. Even laminate coutnertops get the above.
I would paint the cabinets a dark color or white and get modern knobs. I might even leave the counter tops alone. I would remove the granny curtains and donate them to some granny.
I've read a lot of reviews for the counter top paint. It does not stand up. Wet paper sticks to it as well as a number of other issues. If the counter top is damaged, that's one thing. I would not use it in a rental. I think the kitchen looks fine.
This does look great! Curious to hear how long it stands up to renters (and has been commented on by one poster).
Does it look nice in person? Pics look sharp. It seems that agents would use it for staging. I'm thinking of an agent I used who had us paint our tile grout once (completely changed the look of the room - cost $20 and 4 hours).
Also new pulls but don't buy retail. I get pulls when they are on clearance like 50 of them for $35. Lowes just had a clearance with their oil rubbed bronze pulls normally $10+ selling for $0.85.
Also when glass tiles or mosaic stones are on clearance load up a few boxes and put in backsplash. But higher end tiled backsplash and laminate countertop looks odd.
If you can get a higher rent with a minor kitchen upgrade I would go for:
(1) Wrap the countertop in stainless steel sheets.