Wow thanks Joseph. Yes I'm in Australia Victoria. I can get the mix just down the road from home. I have researched a bit and found that using malumine as the bottom of the mold is best but I have not heard of the vasoline and plastic but am definitely looking forward to a glass smooth surface. Is the flat sheet plastic something you would use as a garden liner to stop weeds from growing through? Just something you get from your local hardware store? I'm assuming that this is what the malumine would be used for I'm not sure. Thanks so much for the hot tips but I have my own hair dryer cause I'm the wife ha ha. I really appreciate your time. Look forward to any photos though.

Thanks to everyone for all your helpful comments. As much as I'd love the light airy style kitchen with the light grey benchtops, I've decided to go with timber as it will stand up to my boof head hubby, he is just too heavy handed to trust with a laminex benchtop, if he does cause any damage we can just sand and re-oil and will be good as new. I also felt timber on my desktop (area on the side) would be warmer and more welcoming as I work from home and the thought of a cold laminex desktop wasn't appealing. I will try to counteract the over abundance of timber with white splash back tiles and lighter floors when we redo those, hopefully that will lighten it all up a bit. The buffet in the dining is going and will be replaced with something in a lighter tone so that will cut down on the timber as well and the stools will be painted to match the cabinets. I'll more than likely do away with all the timber furniture and go lighter soon anyway....a change is as good as a holiday they say, and I can't afford a holiday now I've got a new kitchen so..... I'll post photos of the finished product but thanks for all your help.

Hi Tim, it's charcoal: Polytec in 'Feldspar' colour and the finish is Shimmer Matt. It marks like hell (only because the other users don't get that you don't have to paw the doors to shut them) but it's a pleasure to clean (microfibre cloth and Windex). Still a amazing. My tip is to get the carcass of the top cupboards made out of a matching (or close colour). White carcasses look cheap when you open them. Bottom cupboards not as obvious amd they don't stay open for as long as often.

Thank you siriuskey :) The location is metro Adelaide so very hot summers and cool winters. Plans are for timber frame wall and roof construction, rendered hebel panels for all external walls and colourbond custom orb roofing. Party wall construction with 25mm gyprock shaft liner panels. Laminate timber flooring for living areas, carpet to bedrooms, tiles to wet areas, stone bench tops. Exposed aggregate concrete driveway & front footpath, grey concrete/paving to side path & pergola area. The market for these homes is predominantly downsizers, first home buyers and possibly single/separated parents with young children who do not want a large block of land. Basically nicely completed traditional/modern homes with above average finishes but not too high end.