8.03.2007

Foto Friday (and I need your expertise!)

So this probably will not be a photo that you find enjoyable or soothing to the eyes, but I need your help.

The previous color of the walls in our new kitchen was a mustard yellow. I painted it a butter yellow. But as you see in the pictures, there were some troubles. And this problem area still sits unfinished because we aren't sure what to do.

There is a clear caulking that runs along the backsplash wall and the countertop. It's impossible to paint over. You are probably wondering why I would paint over it, and my answer is, because you can see through that clear caulking to the (what I think is ugly) mustard yellow. It's not a nice site to see my nice fresh butter yellow and then the mustard yellow along the edges because it makes my painting look incredibly sloppy and just . . . ewww.

I tried painting over it. The caulking absolutely resists the paint. I tried painting over it 3 times and it then began to take to the paint a little bit. But when I took the painter's tape off, it pulled up the paint along the edges because the paint was just not taking to that caulking like I thought it was. And now it looks terrible.

I got so frustrated with the darn thing that I just said screw it and I just pulled the tape off in a rage of frustration because I was tired of looking at the tape. Now I'm tired of looking at, what appears to be, a really crappy paint job. And if you know me, I'm very articulate when it comes to my painting. I'd call it a compliment if you called me anal with my painting.

So what can I do? We bought a scraper, but I'm scared to do it. I am afraid I'm going to ruin the bead board (which I so love). Anyone have any idea at all? If you can help me solve this problem, you'll be my new BFF.

See what I mean??

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, also, the paint we used isn't the problem. We used awesome paint -- Sherwin Williams. Not cheap stuff.

Kellyology said...

Perhaps you could put up 1/4 round painted the same as the bead board (you paint it before you put it up) to cover up the caulking? Or try the scraper and if you fail, put up the 1/4 round.

Sara said...

If we were to paint our bathroom we'd have the same problem. I think I'd try the scraper, I really like to pick at things so it would be fun for me. It might just peel off if you can get it going (then again that might be wishful thinking). Sorry, no real good ideas.

Unknown said...

Kelly, GREAT idea about the 1/4 round. GREAT idea. I never thought of that; obviously neither did dh! Yay! Have to try it. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

That "ugly" mustard color kinda looks like the color in my kitchen, haha. What about trying an exacto (sp?) knife to cut along the base and then hopefully it will all just pull off? vic

Michelle said...

What about some sort of moulding ? You could paint it the same color as the walls?! Or maybe even buying some caulk in a different color and putting a layer over the clear?! That may have too much bulk, not sure how thick the caulk already is?! I hate it when things like this happen!
And I completely understand why it bugs you so and why youre so frustrated!!

Good luck!

Unknown said...

Vic, stop it! I absolutely love your kitchen. That color works SO well with your cabinets. I just didn't like it with these or my place settings at all. So stop it. *sticking my tongue out at you!*

Anonymous said...

I was really laughing about that! The recommendation about putting a different caulk over the other one is a good one-do white. Problem solved.vic

Unknown said...

'sanks, guys!

Corie said...

Wish I had some pearls of wisdom, but I despise painting and do not have any experience in the field of home improvements... but good luck and I am sure you will make it look beautiful!!!

Erin said...

Jer and I discussed it before I read your comments and we thought of a molding piece to run along where your backsplash meets the wall. And then I read the comments and saw that someone beat me to it. And the only reason someone beat me to it was cause I was on holidays!!! Hee, hee. I'm just kidding. That was a brilliant idea.