A kitchen makeover on a budget

Annemieke Hiemstra of Johannesburg writes I’d like to give my kitchen a new look but my budget is limited so I only want to use paint. What can I use to paint my slate floor tiles and can I use Annie Sloan paint on my black melamine cabinets? 

The best solution for an existing slate floor in need of a revamp is to chop it out and re-tile. If you like slate, remember that it is also available in black. Vinyl or a cement screed is a cheaper alternative; some products can be installed on top of the slate.

Jani Goussard of  Paint & Decor offers the following advice on the floors You’re very brave to paint slate floors! The problem with slate is that it flakes off – any paint you apply will also flake off with time as this is the natural process of slate weathering. There is, unfortunately, no product that can guarantee you a permanent solution. 

If you want to risk it, try the following: wash your floor thoroughly with sugar soap so that it is dust- and oil-free; let it dry completely. Once it is dry, spotless and free of oil, you can apply Hydrolock Primer from Dekro Paints. It is a twin-pack product that adheres and penetrates into the slate, and preps it for painting. Let it dry overnight; about 12 hours should be sufficient.

Now you can paint. Your best option is to have a water-based epoxy paint mixed in the colour of your choice; use a sheepskin roller (it has a longish pile) to apply it.  Paint with a high-gloss finish will not show scratches as easily, but paint with a lower gloss will look better on this type of floor with its uneven surface.

If you’re not keen on epoxy paint, you can also use acrylic wall paint (Paint & Decor’s Luxury Lowsheen will work), but you’ll need to repaint it regularly if it gets damaged or scratched. 

 Regarding the cupboards, Jani advises 

Annie Sloan paint works well on melamine but it’s a good idea to test it first on an inconspicuous spot; some surfaces are very oily and the paint won’t adhere properly. If this is the case, apply a suitable primer. If you don’t apply a primer and your melamine is very smooth, sand it lightly first with 100-grit sandpaper. 

Make sure your cupboards are clean and dry, then wash the doors with sugar soap and let them dry completely. 

 Decide on a colour – Paris Grey, Old White or Country Grey are very popular for kitchen cabinets – and you may want to add a stencil detail. 

Before you start, stir the pot gently with a flat stick. If you prefer a smooth finish, use a Hamilton’s Ensign Perfection brush or a sponge roller. For a textured finish, use Annie Sloan’s round brush or Hamilton’s Fibreglass brush (if the end result is too textured for your liking, sand the cupboards lightly when the paint has dried). As you paint, dab your brush in a little water every now and then – this  will help you to apply the paint evenly.  

Two layers will ensure that everything is adequately coated (wait for the paint to dry between coats). When you are happy with your finish and all the paint is completely dry, apply Annie Sloan Lacquer to all the cupboards – two coats will give a lovely finish. The lacquer has a matte finish that works beautifully in kitchens. Stir before you start applying it and dilute the first coat of lacquer with about 30% water so that it will adhere properly to the paint.

If all these possibilities are a bit overwhelming, go to your local Annie Sloan stockist for advice and ideas.

CONTACT: paintdecordiy.co.za