Faux Marble Magic: How to Paint Your Countertops | I Hate My Kitchen Makeover Series
, by Ryan Casuga, 3 min reading time
How to Get a High-End Marble Look on a Budget
Do you dream of having a luxurious marble countertop but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars? You’re not alone! Updating your countertops can make a huge impact on your kitchen, and the good news is—you don’t have to replace them!
In this week’s I Hate My Kitchen makeover series, we’re showing you step-by-step how to paint your countertops to achieve a stunning faux marble finish that looks and feels like the real thing. Whether you have granite, Formica, ceramic tile, Corian, or butcher block, this method works on almost any surface!
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- ✔️ How to prep and prime your existing countertop
- ✔️ The best paint colors for an authentic marble effect
- ✔️ How to apply veining for a natural look
- ✔️ The right sealers for a long-lasting, durable finish
Materials You’ll Need:
- One Step Paint
-
Toscana Milk Paint
Bright Idea Clear Lacquer
Clean Slate
Brushes
Matte Sealer & Resin
Step 1: Prep Your Countertops
Start by cleaning your surface thoroughly with Clean Slate to remove any grease, grime, or old sealants. This is a critical step to ensure proper adhesion.
If your surface is glossy (like granite or quartz), lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper before applying paint.
Step 2: Base Coat for a Natural Stone Look
Your first coat of paint should mimic the natural undertones of real marble. The best base color? Bauhaus Buff—it’s the perfect balance of warm and cool tones.
Apply two thin coats with a foam roller, allowing each to dry completely before moving on.
Step 3: Creating Realistic Marble Veining
This is where the magic happens! Mix Lux Gray paint, Glazed Over, and water in a 1:1:3 ratio to create a thin glaze for veining.
Pro Tip: Hold your brush loosely and use light, flowing motions. Marble veins are not uniform—avoid making thick, dark lines.
To add extra depth, mix in a small amount of Good Man is Hard to Find to create variation in your veins.
🌟 Optional: If you want a travertine effect, use a chip brush and flick paint onto the surface for a natural stone texture.
Step 4: Overglaze for a Subtle, Realistic Finish
Once your veining is dry, apply a thin wash of Bauhaus Buff paint mixed with Glazed Over over the entire surface. This step softens the veining, making it look natural and layered—just like real stone!
Gently pat with a lint-free cloth to blend the colors.
Step 5: Seal for Long-Lasting Durability
Your final step is sealing your masterpiece!
- Apply one coat of Matte Sealer to protect your finish.
- Once dry, mix and apply the Resin Kit for a smooth, glossy, and ultra-durable surface.
✨ Bonus Tip: Use a hairdryer to remove any bubbles from the resin while it's still wet!
Before & After: A Kitchen Transformation on a Budget
With just a few supplies and a weekend of work, you can completely transform your countertops into a high-end marble look—for under $150!
Why spend thousands when you can DIY?
Want More Kitchen DIYs?
- 📌 Join our "I Hate My Kitchen" Makeover Series! Learn how to paint cabinets, update tile, and more.
- 📥 Get Our FREE Countertop Guide
- 🔗 Shop All Supplies Here
