We're back at it again with our newest addition to our blog series: Giani Kitchen Makeover! Continue to follow along with us as we completely remodel the kitchen in our office break room using only our DIY paint kits!
Our latest countertop paint kit is finally here - Giani Butcher Block! We are totally digging how our kitchen transformation is going. It's bright and contemporary, however, we wanted to add a little more warmth to the space with a wood island countertop. Check out this before and after progress:
✨ GORGEOUS! ✨
The Giani Butcher Block island not only adds visual interest, but it adds a sophisticated ruggedness that we love. It pairs so well with our two-tone cabinets!
Get the look of butcher block quickly, easily, and affordably for under $90!
Each Giani Butcher Block Paint kit includes all the paint and applicators needed to makeover 35 sq. ft. of countertop.
The first step to any makeover is planning. Follow along with our how-to video below for project instructions and read here for detailed written instructions.
Creating Butcher Block:
Our prep was simple; we wiped down the island countertop with an SOS pad and rinsed away any cleaning residue with a damp rag. Once it was dry, we could proceed with the first painting step! Be sure to follow the standard Giani Butcher Block prep process (listed in our instructions above), take your time, and your painting should be a breeze!
Now, let's get started!
Start with the first coat of the Wood Base Primer. You'll be using a roll on and brush out technique throughout the process. Begin by rolling on the primer. Don't worry about lap lines, roll direction, or getting it to a perfect coverage since you'll be able to attain full coverage with your second coat.
Once you've rolled on the primer, use your roller to lightly prime the edge of your 11" foam brush. This will help the brush glide more smoothly across your surface. Use the 11" foam brush to smooth out the paint in long, one-way passes following the length of your countertops. This will help in building a natural grain effect. And, don't forget to finish your edges following the same direction as the top brush strokes!
Let your first coat dry for 2 hours and then repeat. Be sure to cover your paint tray with foil and put your roller in a zip-lock bag to keep it fresh for your second coat.
For this next step, you'll use the kit's included FrogTape® to tape and "measure" out your butcher block boards. You'll use the width of the tape roll as your guide or "measurement." Begin by aligning the edge of the tape roll with the edge of your countertop surface, then mark lightly with a pencil where the width of the tape roll ends. Place the tape roll against that line and again, mark the end of that width. Repeat this process until you've cover the whole section.
To create the butcher block boards, you'll connect the pencil marks from both ends of your countertop section with a strip of FrogTape®. Tape ever other set of marks.
Check to make sure you don't have any crooked or wrinkled lines and then lightly run over the strips with your hand to smooth it out.
Once you've completed taping your entire section, press over the strips with a credit card to seal the edges and prevent any paint bleed through. Be sure to press firmly!
Then, you are ready to create your Grain Coat mix! Pour the entire 8 fl. oz. of the Wood Grain Coat into the kit's included Mixing Cup. Then, add 4 fl. oz. of water for a total of 12 fl. oz. Stir the paint and water mixture together until fully mixed.
If you have a wide island like we did, then start at the center and work towards yourself. If you have a smaller island, then again, start at the boards furthest away from you and work towards yourself.
We recommend working in about 2 to 3 strips at a time. That way, once you've completed covering your second or third strip, you can go back to the first strip to add any other desired texture. This is because the paint will be slightly tacky, thereby allowing you to create a more natural wood grain effect!
Start applying a light layer of the Wood Grain Coat mix to the surface. Work the paint across the entire board length, going back and making multiple light, end-to-end brush strokes until you've achieved your preferred shade of grain coverage.
Tip: If you put a lot of pressure on your brush, it will create more defined grain lines. If you brush with a lighter touch, there will be softer contrast.
Cover and seal your Mixing Cup and brush to keep it fresh for your second coat. Allow the boards to completely dry to the tough before removing the tape.
Wait 2 hours before moving on to applying the second set of butcher block boards. This time, there is no need to tape off segments! You'll paint over the blank boards and the painted boards.
But first, we recommend lightly sanding the board section edges with a fine #600 grit sandpaper to smooth out the raised seam created from the tape. (You can feel the raised edges with your hand.) Be sure to use extremely light pressure so you don't sand away too much of the grain coat. Wipe away the sanding dust with a damp cloth and let dry.
Now, this second layer of grain coat will deepen the grain of the previously painted sections, resulting in more contrast between the boards. Again, paint only 2 to 3 strips at a time, and then go back over the previously painted boards to create more texture. Once you're satisfied with your board's shade, let dry for 2 hours.
For the final painting step, you will seal with the protective topcoat. Follow the same painting process for the topcoat that you did for the Wood Base primer, except that you will only need one coat.
Note: The topcoat rolls on with a bluish tint but it will dry clear.
Pin it, and try out your own Giani Butcher Block countertop makeover when you're ready!
If you are feeling inspired and ready to plan out your own kitchen makeover with paint, be sure to check out our homepage for all the color and design possibilities! We try our best to match the product packaging/marketing to the true color but paint colors inherently vary on different monitors and the way they appear in each person's unique home lighting and surrounding colors. To work around this issue, we offer hand painted color swatches that we are happy to send out before starting your project.
If you’d like a swatch of our paint products, click on the image below to fill out a swatch request. Or contact us here.
