Giani Granite Paint Kit Review & Giveaway!!

Have you ever wanted to redo your kitchen counters, but just cannot afford pricey granite counter tops? Me too! Well actually right now I am renting, so I don't want to invest my money on their house! So I found a way to help redo my kitchen for a very low price!! I came across Giani Granite recently.  They offer an amazing product-a granite paint for counter tops!!  What is that you say? It is a paint system to "paint on" your own beautiful granite counter tops, easier and cheaper than real granite!


I was thrilled to get the chance to review this product! I figured if other mom bloggers could do it, so could I! I enlisted my hubby to help, since he is the diy guy and painter in the family!  The kit comes with a great step by step video, detailed instructions, and the entire kit is labeled by number so you can get it right without a problem!  This makes it easy to use and will end with beautiful results!


The process is simple! You clean the counter tops well with a degreaser.  Fill in any chips with wood putty so that the surface is smooth.  Then after you tape off the edges (like around the back splash and sink) you are ready to prime! The primer is black and you apply it in 3ft. strips for an even coating.  I recommend doing the primer before bed, so it can dry over night and you can get started on the rest in the morning!  

Next is the fun part! You get to start doing the different minerals.  The dvd shows how to do this and the kit comes with a black paper to practice the technique on so you get the right effect.  Once you get the hang of it on paper, go ahead and tackle the counters! There isn't a right or wrong way really, and you can experiment with mixing the minerals on the paper plate as you go along to create more depth in the granite.  The results are just beautiful.  After allowing the "Mineral" paint to dry, you are ready for topcoat(s).  The top coat will need 72 hours to dry before replacing appliances, and 2 weeks to be completely dry.  It is very important not to scrub down the counters or use anything harsh or abrasive on the counter tops, or it will ruin the job!  The finished counter tops look amazing!

I used the Sicilian Sand kit, and here is a picture from the Giani site of  counter top that has used this kit:

I chose this color because my kitchen would look best with the lighter color, and I liked the mix options I saw on the site. 

Some info:

• Unique blend of polymers and minerals create a   countertop that locks out moisture - while showing off the beautiful Sicilian granite of southern Italy!
• Great for upgrading Formica*laminate, Corian*ceramic tile, butcher block, cultured marble and traditional granite countertops and vanities     
• Covers 35 square feet or 16 running feet of standard 24" wide counters 
• Quick, fun and easy 'paint-by-number' process  for beginning painters
• Project time - 4 hours of painting and 16 hours of drying
• Water-based safe and low odor 
• Hides any existing stains, scratches or burns
• Granite color is adjustable to your decor 
• Durable automotive grade clear polyurethane topcoat
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
• Complete Kit  -
      -12 Oz. of IronCore^TM Primer-Base Coat
       - 6 Oz. of Brown Feldspar Mineral
       - 6 Oz. of Inca Gold Mineral
       - 6 Oz. of White Limestone Mineral
       - 16 Oz. of Automotive Polyurethane Topcoat
       - 6" GIANI^TM roller arm and two roller pads
       - 4" GIANI^TM granite paint sponge
       - 2" Foam Brush
       - Black Practice Poster Board
         - 'Paint-by-Number' DVD for beginners     
       - Illustrated Instructions

You can see great customer photos and testimonials by clicking here!
 This is a great way to spruce up your kitchen for the holidays!! The kits are available in six different colors!! Find out where to buy Giani by clicking here to find a store!  Or buy online here! 
Lucky you!! Giani is going to give one of you a kit in your choice of color!! Here is how you can win!   

MANDATORY ENTRY 2 PARTS MUST BE DONE FOR THE ENTRY AND EXTRA ENTRIES TO COUNT:
PART 1: Tell me which Giani Granite Kit you like the most!!
PART 2: Follow me via Google Friend Connect
You must put both parts in the SAME comment and include your GFC name for the entry to count. Also must include an email to contact you to win, unless it is visible on your blogger profile.
 No email=no prize!

For all other entries, leave a separate comment for each entry, and if it says more than entry for doing something, leave an individual comment for each of those entries and label them #1 #2 and so forth.
Have questions? Email Frugal Family Fun

Extra Entries:
Like Frugal Family Fun on Facebook leave me your Facebook name in the Comment

If you get a friend to like us on Facebook, you get an extra entry! One entry per friend that likes my page!  THIS IS AN UNLIMITED ENTRY  Just say in your comment that you got a person to like and what their name is!

Follow @GianiGranite101 on Twitter and leave your twitter name in the comment

Follow @FrugalFamilyFun on Twitter and leave your twitter name in the comment

Tweet about this giveaway up to 5 times daily for entries. leave me the link to your tweet- Your Tweet Must include @GianiGranite101 @FrugalFamilyFun and the link to this contest.  tweets must be at least 1 hour apart for entry. 1 extra entry for each tweet.

Subscribe to our email updates, via google reader, or via RSS feed , 1 extra entry for each

Put our button on your blog, leave me the link to the blog THIS WILL BE CHECKED. 3 extra entries

Blog about this contest, including a link back to this giveaway worth 5 extra entries. Leave me the link to the blog post in your comments

Like Giani Granite on Facebook!  and leave me your Facebook name!

Enter any of our other giveaways! Gain an extra entry in this contest for each contest you enter! Leave the name of the contest in your comment!

Contest begins now and ends December 9, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and will be notified by email. Winner must respond within 48 hours or forfeits prize.  This is open to U.S. only!! Good luck!

Giani Provided my blog with product to review, and also one to giveaway. I was not under any obligation to write a positive review. Photos from Giani