Disclosure: Rust-Oleum will be paying to fly and host me on a trip to New Orleans to test one of their new products. This story is about this first such invitation.
My “real career” is in corporate communications, where I got my start in 1984 working for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. I worked at Ford for 17 years, and for the first 10, I was pretty much focused on publicizing and launching new cars and trucks. As just a few examples: The original Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable… the original Explorer… the Aerostar… the ’94 Mustang… some Escorts in there… the Probe… the new Thunderbird… I’m sure I’m forgetting some biggies. Of course, a pivotal part of new-car and truck launches is: The press trip. You find a location, gather your vehicles and your company experts — and then bring in the journalists. I worked on a lot of these. So now, it amuses me to no end that I will be attending my first press trip, not as organizer/PR person — but as blogger/journalist. My host: Rustoleum.
On Tuesday, I will be heading down to New Orleans, where on Wednesday, Rustoleum will be showcasing their new “Cabinet Transformations” — a DIY kitchen cabinet repainting system — to about 10 design and renovation bloggers. Before I accepted the expense-paid trip, I checked out the product’s website — it is already for sale — to ensure that it would be relevant to Retro Renovation readers. It looks like it is… traditional methods of repainting cabinets, including sanding and priming, can be a real hassle. And even then, chipping is a real problem. So I am very curious to see what they have come up with. Although, assuming the finish provided by the product is a good one, I already can see I would be asking them for a wider selection of retro colors. We also will be looking at Rustoleum’s “Countertop Transformations.” I am less optimistic about this one. It’s a paint system that makes your old countertops look like stone or granite. I don’t think we are their target market for this one. But, I will try and withhold judgment until I see it in the flesh.
Update: See my coverage of Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations in my follow up story here.
In any case… I think that it will be fascinating to experience a press trip “from the other side”. I’m told that the daylong experience will include hands-on work — we will be painting cabinets. For sure, I will like this part the best. Although, I have to admit, I am also looking forward to the launch dinner in New Orleans – there ain’t no better cookin’. Even so, I’m not sure how often I would do these kinds of trips, because they take a lot of time out and airline travel is pretty bitterly exhausting these days… But, I am excited to go this first time, at least.
A few more notes, as I log the novelty of this latest development in my blogging journey: This hasn’t been an issue so far, but I disclose anything free any company gives me. I also disclose affiliate relationships (ebay and Amazon), and I mention when someone’s an advertiser, too. This level of disclosure is an FTC requirement — but even more importantly, it is the right thing to do. I really believe that blogging has the opportunity to beat out all corporatized media forms — because bloggers’ strengths are in the “trust and authenticity” they create. These are things that consumers / readers want more than ever. As a result, I feel very passionate about maintaining trust by always disclosing… and about maintaining my “authentic voice” by working hard not to be swayed by the quest for the almighty dollar.
Finally, I have asked Rustoleum whether the Cabinet Transformations product could be used effectively on vintage steel kitchen cabinets. Their chemists are looking into that one for us. They already have explained the product has a satin, rather than glossy, finish — so some steel cabinet owners may reject it for that reason. But if adhesion proves out, it could be a good option for DIY metal-cabinet owners who don’t want to go to the fuss and expense of auto-body type processes.
Report to come.
krystal says
I saw this in Lowe’s or Home Depot last week and blogged about it. I’m going to try it in my kitchen in the spring!
lesley says
Have a fabulous time in New Orleans. I grew up in Louisiana in a small town and going to New Orleans (“the big city”) was always a treat.
I’m curious what you find out…I just painted my masonite sliders on my cabinet…I paid to have enamel paint put into an aerosol can because I couldn’t get any good “retro” colors…and, it was pretty pricey after all was said and done. (Of course, still infinitely cheaper than what I would have paid someone else to do!)
Jeanne says
First off, woo hoo Dearborn! 😉 It’s a big city with small town flavor.
Your post was so timely. I was JUST reading my favorite “handyman” writer Glenn Haege (in the Detroit Free Press) and he was discussing winter projects, with indoor painting projects being one of them. I just ripped out the article and circled one of his recommendations for painting cabinets (which I want to do in my bathroom). He mentioned Cabinet Coat paint from Insl-X. I’ll be interested to hear your report about the Rustoleum line! He also mentioned a granite paint for countertops, but I am NOT interested in doing that.
Have fun in NO!
Tracie says
Oh, I’m super excited about this product. We were invited to test it out at HD later this month. Our cabinets are sixty years old and in great shape…other than the fact age has turned them orange. Not nice. I can’t wait to hear about your trip- and while NO is cooler, I’m sorry you won’t be in Atlanta.
Shelly says
Pam, what a fun surprise (yet less so given your amazing way with the written word) to hear of your career in corporate communications…that’s exactly what I did, too, for about 15 years before pulling the ripcord and getting back to my real love, theatre & music (I teach those subjects now at a high school).
Can’t say enough how much I adore your blog. Thanks for sharing your passion with us.
Have a blast in N’Awlins, and be sure to enjoy a cafe au lait and some hot beignets at Cafe Du Monde! It’s a very cool place that you would love (for many reasons!).
pam kueber says
Thank you, Shelly — although I just re-read the post and had to fix at least three typo’s. Sometimes I just go blind. I still do freelance corporate communications work — this is my main income stream, I am not there yet with the blog. And regarding our prior careers: You know, I feel like every darn thing I ever did is leading me to what I do today… It all just “adds up” as long as you are working hard! I am sure, for example, that you were able to bring that communications experience right into teaching, and your students are benefitting by it!
And you bet: I can taste the beignets and au lait right now!
sue@solsticehome says
Hi Pam
very interested in seeing the results. Not only for cabinets but many times I’m looking for a good paint to restore and/or repurpose vintage items I sell.
Have a wonderful trip!
and thanks for all the info you share.
sue
Patty says
Even if they don’t have all of the colors everyone wants, others may be happy with a facelift of any color that is easy to apply. The 70s cabinets were brownj anyway.
And even if the finishes on a counter might not stand up to daily use, some of the older houses have counters in their finished basements or laudnry rooms that are structurally in good shape but need a face lift and this might be just the trick.
I bet there are folks who read your blog for fun — and good information — even though their home is not retro in any way.
I’m wondering if any of it works on tile. Some folks might want to spray a bathroom — again, a powder room where showers and daily use are not an issue.
Glad they invited you….and now I know why yourblog is so awesome, you have such a great background in addition to your own natural talent.. And they know too just by reading it.
Have a safe trip and we look forward to your reports.
Jane / MulchMaid says
Though I didn’t know there was an FTC requirement that you disclose on the blog any relationship or free product you receive, I have always appreciated your transparency in describing the connection. You’re right: folks will trust a blog recommendation first, so that relationship with your readers is sacred.
Have a great time in New Orleans. After their trials of past years, it’s always good to hear about things being held there. It will be fun for you to see the biz from the other side…and the food will be worth the trip!
pam kueber says
Thanks, Jane. To be clear, the FTC does not require that I mention my advertisers if I blog about their product or recommend them… but, I do that anyway. The new (2009) FTC guidelines cover free product, “sponsored” posts, and paid endorsements. Here is a helpful link for those who are interested: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm . Interestingly, the guidelines do not apply to newspapers or magazines. This angers some bloggers. But I say: Use it as an advantage: Show readers they can Trust us the most, because we aim to provide maximum transparency!
Amy Hill says
I love New Orleans! Have some shrimp etouffe and dirty rice and some gumbo! I would go just for the food…and the antique stores and the architecture. Heck, that’s the only reason I would go. I forgot the jazz, how could I forget the jazz? Take your husband and have a nice Valentines Day down there!
I use Rustoleum all the time for various projects. It’s a quality paint for the do-it-your-selfer. It’s nicer to have the money to pay professionals, but not always in the budget. My aluminum-meant -to look-like-cast-iron garden furniture needs a coat of rustoleum, maybe I’ll get that done this year.
About the honesty thing…It has always been a fact that your reputation is everything! The shortcuts are tempting but cost you so much more than being honest ever would! Yay You!
MIfroggies says
Half my cabinets are painted with Rust-oleum so I am interested to see what they have to say. The other half are Sherwin Williams all surface paint so I am running my own little test of durability. Have fun, Pam!