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  Recently I got to take part of a Rust-Oleum sponsored event in New Orleans, where along with a few other bloggers, I got a hands-on demonstration of two of their latest products from their Transformations line: Cabinet Transformations and Countertop Transformations. Geared for DIYers and budgeters, a kitchen renovation can realistically be achieved for under $400! The main idea behind the Transformations line is that you can make the best of your existing cabinet doors and laminate countertop by literally painting new ones on top of it, saving you the time, money, and exhaustion of installing new ones.
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  Countertop Transformations is a countertop coating system that transforms outdated, worn or damaged laminate countertop into a brand new surface, and even replicates the look of stone or granite countertops. But it’s more than just looks. It’s durable, peel, stain and water resistant, taking mostly any kitchen abuse you can throw at it. It can even be done in a single weekend.
  
  Cabinet Transformations is an innovative cabinet refinishing system that transforms old cabinets to the look of new, hand-crafted cabinets without stripping, sanding, priming or messy demolition.
  
  Each product comes in its own kit, which contains all that is needed to complete the project, along with an instructional DVD.
  
  Cabinet Transformations is available in a 100-Square-Feet and 200-Square-Feet kit size, priced at $80 and $150.00 respectively. Sounds a bit pricey to begin with, it may be worth it in the end in time saving when you don’t have to strip your original cabinets.
  
  Countertop Transformations covers 50 square feet and retails at $250. A bargain compared to installing new countertops.
  
  Both are available at major home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes. However these are still new products so I would advise to call ahead to make sure its available at your local store.
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  Both processes are similar: First your original cabinet or countertop is cleaned and prepped, and then the finish is applied. The Cabinet Transformations does not require any stripping, sanding or priming, while Countertop Transformations has the additional step of sanding.
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  Cabinet Transformation Step 1: Deglossing
  
  This cleans and prepares the cabinet to accept paint.
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  Cabinet Transformation Step 2: Bond Coat
  
  This is the main paint layer.
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  Cabinet Transformation Step 3: Optional Decorative Glaze
  
  There is an option to add a decorative glaze to the Bond Coat which seeps into the woodgrain a bit more and darkens the pigment.
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  Example of a glazed and unglazed surface.
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  Samples of the many color and glaze combinations.
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  Cabinet Transformations Step 4: Apply Protective Top Coat
  
  Apply the clear protective top coat, wait 24 hours to dry and you're done!
  
  Photo Credit: Charles & Hudson
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  Countertop Transformations Step 1: Prepare Surface
  
  Using the included diamond-embedded scuffing tool, sand down the original countertop to create a working surface for the base coat.
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  Countertop Transformations Step 2: Apply Top Coat
  
  Using a paint brush and roller, paint on a thick top coat.
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  Countertop Transformations Step 3: Spread Decorative Color Chips
  
  Using the included chip dispenser, spread a layer of color chips onto the countertop.
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  Close up or the decorative color chips as they are applied.
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  Countertop Transformations Step 4: Sand and Smooth Decorative Color Chips
  
  After letting the base coat dry overnight, sand down the decorative color chips to a smoth and even surface.
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  Countertop Transformations Step 5: Apply Protective Top Coat
  
  Roll on the protective top coat and let dry for 48 hours. And that's it, a brand new countertop!
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  I had a really good time learning about these products and am quite fascinated by what they can do. I still believe the Cabinet Transformations may be leaning toward the pricey side, but the Countertop Transformations is quite a bargain in my opinion. Plus, it's a really fun process and a lot easier than ripping out your original countertop.
  
  This is a very unique product that serious home rennovaters will leer at, and will scare off any non-DIYer who would rather spend the money to get a professionally installed product. However, I think Rust-oleum is certainly on to something by targeting the middle ground: budget-minded do-it-yourselfers who are willing and able to rennovate a kitchen, but lack the time and skill to do a complete overhaul.
  
  Please visit Rust-Oleum Transformations for more pictures, how-to videos, and much more in-depth information.