Upgrades DIY

Did a kitchen upgrade. Buying new countertops was not in my budget so I went to the web for some resurfacing education. A lot of the kits were not in my wheelhouse and required lots of time and open air and were still a little pricey considering I was not sure how they worked of if I could complete it. Sooooo I decided on my own way of doing things. First I sent my Hubs on a week long hunting trip. Now that was the easy part LOL. I knew I could use the stovetop only for me and my grandson to prepare meals and such. Next I taped off the lower cabinets and sanded all the surfaces down. I also removed caulk around the back side and replaced at the end. I got a white primer and rolled on 2 good coats of that. If you want darker counters use primer for that color and add to it. I wanted it mostly white so that is where I started. Next I used sponges I had and craft paint I already had. Not sure where I was going exactly I started with black. I figured dark first so that I could cover and lighten as I went along. I used black, tans, golds and white last to lighten and blend it all in better. As you can see from the one bar pic I did get it a bit dark so used the white to lighten. I bought a small polycrylic to seal and although it only needed to be done 2-3 times I probably did mine 7-8 times. It dries pretty quick and I did the entire thing in two days and let dry for 5 before Hubs came home or before I placed anything back on the counter. at the end of that time I still put a towel under the coffee pot for another week or so just in case since I had put so many coats. Was not sure it would leave an indention. It has been 2 years now and still looks as clean and new as when I got done. I take care to not sit hot things on the counter or use bleach on them but not crazy about it. I have spilt coffee and other foods but clean right away and no problems. And if I get tired of it I can sand them down and do it another color. No one knows they are painted. Everyone thinks I got new countertops.