Adventures in Decorating: Splish splash still working in the bath

When "renovating" a bathroom there is something you need to know. Painting cabinets is stinky work. Also, read the directions.

I actually did read the directions the day I bought my can of Cabinet Rescue. You know, over a week ago. It said I needed to sand the cabinet to be rescued. Obviously, the stuff needs a roughed up surface so it can stick. Naturally, that means I need to sand with 60 grit sandpaper (the lower the number the more course the paper).

 Yeah. About that. The directions definitely specify 220 grit. It makes a pretty big difference.

Turns out, there is a difference between roughed up and totally mangled. 

The next step is to prime.  This isn't necessary for laminate pieces, but our cabinet was (I think) stained  wood pressboard with obvious water damage. The recommended primer is an oil-based, stain blocking primer, which I had on hand. Considering my last experience priming with Kilz, I should have bought something else for this project, but I really wanted an opportunity to drive the point home: Kilz sucks. Okay, I take that back. Sort of. The Kilz did the job of priming the cabinet.

It is, however, ridiculously runny and does not live up to its label as being odorless.

On Sunday, my apprentice showed up to help with the first coat of Cabinet Rescue.

 I'm signing her up to do ads for this stuff! She's so stinkin' cute. And she did a good job. She was in charge of the front area while I handled the side and any necessary touch up. Note: when working with a six-year-old touch up is always necessary.

 There are a few things you need to know about working with this product. First, they are not kidding around when they tell you to work in a well-ventilated area. The vapors really sneak up on you, especially since the smell is no where near as prominent as in, say, odorless, Kilz. Luckily, the paint goes on quickly and our cabinet is small so we were only in there for 10 minutes. Second, give yourself plenty of time. (Also, read the directions). I stopped after one coat because I knew Em would need to be in there later that day to take a bath and brush her teeth before bed.  You can actually do your second coat two hours after the first. 

BUT

The total time needed for the new finish to cure is 20 days. Yeah, you read that right.  It can stand "light use" within 48 hours, is resistant to fingernail scratches in 72 hours, but will not be ready for regular use for 20 days. Wow. In the future, I'll wait 'til Em goes away for the summer before refinishing cabinets.